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THE 



Clirouicles of Baltimore ; 



COMPLETE HISTORY 



''Baltimore Town" and Baltimore City 



FROM THE 



EARLIEST PERIOD TO THE PRESENT TIME. 



COL. J. THOMAS SCHARF, 

MEMBER OF THE MAKYLAKD HISTORICAI. SOCIETY, ETC , ETC. 



BALTIMORE: 

T u R N n u L h B \i o r 1 1 ]•: li s . 

1874. 






Entered, according to Act of Congress-, in the year 187-1, by 

THOMAS G . 8 C H A R F , 
In the Office of the Librarian of Congress at Washington. 



OPY ,^ 




// vr^ s' • 



RECOMMENDATIONS 

AS EXTRACTED FROM THE BALTIMORE NEWSPAPER PRESS. 



Baltimore Sun— ^' In Its comprehensiveness, minuteness of detail and thorough- 
ness of execution, to eclipse all that have preceded it." 

Baltimore Gazette — "The first complete and exhaustive history of the city of 
Baltimore ever written." 

Baltimore American— " Yi.i'ri exhaustive researches leave but little for the writers 
who come after him to do, except to copy that which he has gleaned from ancient 
manuscripts" 

Germ.nn Correspondent— "A. diWiQeni and trustworthy compilation of /ac/s laid 
down in chronological order." 

Baltimorean—" It will be, by large odds, the inost perfect, thorough and complete 
history of the city ever published. No Baltimorean, or son or daughter of a Halti- 
inorean, will content themselves without a book which promises to be so valuable." 

Satiirdaj/ Xig?il—"The M.^S. convinces us that it will be a most valuable contri- 
bntlon to our local literature, and covering as it does the whole grouu i, it will be 
Indispensable as a text-book and for reference." 

Sunday Telegram— " The vfork. will be elaborate and truthful in every particular." 

Baltimore Bulletin— "A more complete and thorough work than any at present 
In the possession of the public." 

Evening iV«f»—" It contains an Immense amount of information to be had in 
no other work, nor in any dozen of books relating to Baltimore. Indeed uotliing 
of value has been overlooned, down to the most minute details, which are such as 
to render the labors of any succeediug historian of little avail for half a century to 
come." 



PREFACE 



It has been the chief aim of the author and compiler of this 
volume to furnish such a contribution in connection with the history 
of the city of Baltimore, by grouping the written and unwritten, 
the scattered and fragmentary facts bearing upon the city's rise and 
progress, as would afford, as a whole, a more complete book upon 
this subject than any in possession of the public. While we have 
histories, annals, sketches, and writings upon Baltimore of recog- 
nized excellence and general accuracy, it is nevertheless true that 
very nmch of interest and importance has been left unrecorded ; 
and these gaps we have sought to fill up. 

The only plan in the work that has been followed has been to 
chronicle events through the years in their order; beginning with 
the earliest in which any knowledge on the subject is embraced, 
and running on down to the present. We have been most par- 
ticular with dates, facts, and figures, and at great pains to be 
strictly correct, never setting down a doubtful item. 

The amount of information and its variety massed l)etween the 
covers of the book might entitle it to be regarded as a very ency- 
clopaedia of its kind. Little or nothing that relates to Baltimore 
has been overlooked, and neither time, money, nor labor has been 
spared in the preparation of the work. Every possible and avail- 
able source has been sought and used in the collection of matet ial ; 
and the house of history, if we may so speak, has been litenilly 
ransack( d in the unremitting search for all, and whatever, to the 
minntest matter, would throw light upon the sui)ject. An idea 
may be formed of the extent and character of the researches made 



VI PREFACE. 

when we mention some of the books, autliorities, and other matter 
gone over. For example, all the newspapers, from the first edi- 
tions ever published in Baltimore to the last; all pamphlets pub- 
lished relating to Baltimore; all the laws of Maryland and the 
Colonial Government; Niles' Register; Metropolitan Magazine; 
Griffith's Annals; Lossing's Field-Book of the Revolution, War 
of 1812, and Civil War and Historical Record; Sparks's Wash- 
ington ; Baltimore, Historical and Biographical; Kennedy's Life 
of Wirt; Tuckerman's Life of Kennedy; Coggeshall's American 
Privateers; Bosnian's, McMahon's, and McSlierry's Histories of 
Maryland ; Memoirs of Commodore Barney ; Dunlap's History of 
American Theatres; Kilty's Landholder's Assistant; Holmes' and 
Chalmers' Annals of America; Memoir of R. B. Taney; Smith's 
Virginia; Botta's American Revolution; Marshall's Washington ; 
Annals of Annapolis; Rebellion Record; Custis's Life of Wash- 
ington ; American Biography ; American Archives ; State Archives ; 
different histories of religious denominations in Baltimore; Green's 
Maryland Gazette ; Conventions of Maryland ; Journals of the 
Senate and House of Delegates of Maryland ; directories published 
in Baltimore since 1796; old and rare books out of ])rint; old 
maps ; early surveys ; many valuable private letters and manu- 
scripts obtained from friends ; Land Office records ; Congrtssional 
Library, etc., etc., etc. 

We will here make our acknowledgments to Messrs. R. A. 
Reed and J. P. Des Forges, antiquarian booksellers, for the loan 
of valuable unpublished letters, rare books, etc., that must other- 
wise have escaped us. We have also been assisted materially by 
Messrs. Osmond Tiffiiny and William Jefferson Buchanan. Ex- 
tracts from authorities used have been liberally made, and much 
original and interesting matter quoted. 

Many old and valuable letters of eminent men, never before 
published, have been preserved in the book. Brief biographical 
notices, also, of prominent citizens of the pnst have a; place, as well 
as many pleasing reminiscences and incidents in connection with 
the customs and habits of the people of Baltimore in the olden 
time. The ancient style of dress is fully described, with the 



PREFACE. Vll 

fasliion of our ancestral dames flaunting its absurdities no less 
glaring than of to-day. The cliurches and their histories have a 
place. The time of formation of societies of different kinds and 
for various purposes is noted and their histories given. The rise 
of canals and railroads, with the account of their rude cominence- 
nient and their subsequent wonderful expansion and ti»e changes 
they have wrought since the days of post-roads and Conestoga 
wagon-;, is given ; also notices of the public schools from their 
first establishment; records of riots, fires, meetings, and proces- 
sions. The four revolutions or wars, and the part Baltimore bore 
in them — 1776, 1812, 1846, and 18G1. 

A history of the newspapers of Baltimore, portraying the rise 
and development of the mighty agency of the press in our midst, 
has its appropriate s{)ace allotted it, together with such other 
matters, statistical, commercial, industrial, mechanical, professional, 
pitlitieal, religious, private, and public, as makes the entire collec- 
tion a book indeed of large instruction, of great use f()r ready 
reference as a repository of valuable knowledge not oiherwhere to 
be obtained, and partly of almost romantic interest. 

Whatever of profit and pleasure shall be drawn from its pages 
by the reader, it cannot exceed that profit and pleusure experienced 
by tlie author in his researches, amid the labors and ditliculties of 
his undertaking. For with him his work has been a labor of love, 
of pride, of sympathy, of ambition, and one which-he hopes will 
be received as a laudable, and he trusts not altogether unsuccessful 
effort, by such in particular as, like himself, are "native here and 
to the manor borii.^' The preparation of such a book was felt by 
him to have become a })ublic necessity and a benefiction, nothing 
of a similar character having bcL-n placed before the })ublic since 
182'J, when Griffith's "Annals of Baltimore" was publi-hid, — a 
work regarded as authentic as far as it goes, but which does not 
embrace in an entirety the subject of which it treats. 

The " Chronicles of Baltimore" embraces, in sulistancc, all, and 
very much more that has been omittei in the "Annals," going 
back to the earliest beginnings, talcing U[) the story where Grilliih 
8to[)S, and continuing it to the i)resent day. In the volume are 



Vlll PREFACE. 

collected and preserved historical materials, obtained from widely 
separated sources, from private libraries and individuals, from 
musty records on the brink of decay, from odd places and unex- 
plored corners, which by the accident of fire or flood or time's hard 
touches, might otherwise have been forever lost to us. 

The book, the author feels, will commend itself to the people 
of Baltimore chiefly on account of the immense, unusual, and 
various information to be found within its pages, and because of 
the pleasing minor matters with which it abounds as well. The 
map upon the wall, the directory upon the desk, the bible upon 
the table, the tools upon the bench, express, in their places, that 
appropriateness and utility which we would bespeak for the 
"Chronicles of Baltimore" in the place which may be given it as 
a household need and addition, in the libraries, the business 
offices, and homes of the city. 

J. Thomas Scharf. 

Bal,timoue, April, 1874. 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 



We enter upon our arduous yet inspiring labor in gathering 
together the " Chronicles of Baltimore," with a feeling akin to that 
lofty spirit of enterprise which animates the navigator and ex- 
plorer of new and unknown regions of the earth. 

Pressing forward with eager hope and expectation, he sees the 
realm of discovery still aj^parently receding before him, yet con- 
tinually rewarding his research and curiosity by the most valuable 
results ; and he at length returns from the scene of his achieve- 
ments with the records of his enterjjrise, anxious in bis narrative 
that no historic foot-print may be lost. In the inexhaustible field 
of the old are mines of as deep interest and reward as are in the 
new ; and it would be difficult to find in the history of America any 
page which offers a more varied attraction than that which treats 
of Baltimore, not alone to her own fond people, but to any people. 
He who will go over the track of her career, will seek her in com- 
pany with those who first pressed her virgin soil with their feet 
ere she had risen from the wilderness, follow ber as she has grown, 
and behold her as she is, cannot fail to be pleasantly and instruc- 
tively impressed. Let us approach her with those who were the 
first to approach her, and stand with them, and see with them 
the then tangled, wild, unbroken site in the forest, now the proud, 
bus}', palatial city. Let us make this approach through the quaint, 
yet clear and touching recital of Captain John Smith, who in hia 
History of Virginia records the following, which we reprint in the 
original text: — 

THE SIXT VOYAGE. 160G. 

TO ANOTHER PART OF VIRGINIA, 

WHERE NOW ARE PLANTED OUR ENGLISH COLONIES WHOM GOD 
INCREASE AND PRESERUE: 

DISCOVBRKD AND DESCRIBKD 

By CAPTAINE lOHN SMITH, 

Sometimes Govemour of the Countrey, 

"By these former relations you may see what inconveniences 
still crossed those good intents, and how great a matter it was all 



L CHEONICLES OF BALTIMOEE. 

this time to finde but a Harbour, although there be so many. But 
this Virginia is a Countjy in America betweene the degrees of 34. 
and 45. of the North latitude. The bounds thereof on the East 
side are the great Ocean: on the South jyeth Florida: on the 
North nova Francia : as for the West thereof, the limits are 
vnknowne. Of all this Country we purpose not to speake, but onely 
of that part which was planted by the English men in the yeare of 
our Lord, 1606. And this is vnder the degrees 37. 38. and 39. The 
temperature of this Countr}' doth agree well with English consti- 
tutions, being once seasoned to the Country. Which appeared by 
this, that though by many occasions our people fell sicke ; yet did 
they recover by very small meanes, and continued in health, though 
there were other great causes, not onely to haue made them sicke, 
but even to end their dayes, &c. 

" The Sommer is hot as in Spaine ; the Winter cold as in France 
or England. The heat of sommer is in lune. Inly, and August, but 
commonly the coole Breeses asswage the vehemency of the heat. 
The chiefe of winter is halfe December, January, February, and halfe 
March. The colde is extreame sharpe, but here the Proverbe is 
true, that no extreame long continueth. 

"In the yeare 1607. was an extraordinary frost in most of 
Europe, and this frost was found as extreame in Virginia. But the 
next yeare for 8. or 10. dayes of ill weather, other 14 dayes would 
be as Sommer. 

"The windes here are vai'iable, but the like thunder and light- 
ning to purifie the ayre, I haue seldome either scene or heard in 
Europe. From the Southwest came the greatest gusts with tlaun- 
der and heat. The Northwest winde is commonly coole and bring- 
eth ftiire weather with it. From the North is the greatest cold, 
and from the East and Southeast as from the Barmudas, fogs and 
raines. 

" Sometimes there are great droughts, other times much raine, 
yet great necessitie of neither, by reason we see not but that all 
the raritie of needful fruits in Europe, may be there in great plen- 
tie, by the industrie of men, as appeareth by those we there 
Planted. 

" There is but one entrance by Sea into this Country, and that 
is at the mouth of a very goodly Bay, 18. or 20. myles broad. The 
cape on the South is called Cape .Henry, in honour of our most 
noble Prince. The land white hilly sands like vnto the Downes, 
and all along the shores great plentie of Pines and Firres. 

" The North Cape is called Cape Charles, in honour of the 
worthy Duke of Yorke. The Isles before it, Smith's Isles, by the 
name of the discover. Within is a country that may haue the 
prerogjitiue over the most pleasant places knownc, for large and 
pleasant navigable Rivers, heaven and earth never agreed better 
to frame a place for mans habitation ; were it fully manured and 
inhabited by industrious people. Here are mountaines, hils, 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 6 

plaiues, valleyes, rivers, and brookcs, all niiming most pleasantly 
into a laire Bay, compassed but lor the mouth, with truiU'ull and 
delightsome laud, la the Bay and rivers are many Isles both 
great and small, some Avoody, some plaine, most of them low and 
not inhabited. This bay lyeth North and South, in which the 
water tloweth neare 200. myles, and hath a channell iov 1-iO myles of 
depth betwixt G and 15 t'adome, holding a breadth lor the most 
part 10 or IJ: myles. From the head of the Bay to the Noithwest, 
the land is mountanous, and so in a manner from thence by a 
Southwest line; so that the more Southward, the farther oil' from 
the Ba}- are those mountaines. From which fall certainc brookes 
which after come to fiue principall imvigable rivers. These run 
from the Northwest into the Southeast, and so into the West side 
of the Bay, where the fall of every liiver is within 20 or 15 myles 
one of the other. 

''The mountaines are of divers natures: for at the head of the 
Bay the rockes are of a composition like Mill stones. Some of 
Marble, &c. And many peeces like Christall we found, as throwno 
■downe by water from those mountaines. For in Winter they are 
covered with much snow, and when it dissolveth the waters fall 
with such violence, that it causeth great inundations in some nar- 
row valie3^s, which is scarce perceived being once in the rivers. 
These waters wash from the rocks such glistering tinctures, that 
the ground in some places seemeth as guikled, where both the rocks 
and the earth are so splendent to behold that better iudgemciUs then 
ours mitjht haue beene perswaded, they contained more then probabili- 
ties. The vesture of the earth in most places doth manifestly 
proue the nature of the soyle to be lusty and very rich. The 
colour of the earth we Ibund in diverse places, resembleth bole 
Armoniac, terra a sigiUata, and Leinnia, Fullers earth, Marie, and 
divers and other such appearances. But generally for the most 
part it is a blacke sandy mould, in some i)laces a fat slimy clay, in 
other places a very barren gravell. But the best ground is kiiowne 
by the vesture it beareth, as by the greatuesse of trees, or abun 
dance of weeds, &c. 

'• The Country is not mountanous, nor yet low, but such pleas- 
ant plaine hiJs, and fertile valleyes, one prettily crossing another, 
and watered so conveniently with fresh brookes and springs, no 
Icsse commodious, tlien delightsome. ]iy the rivers are many 
plaine marshes, containing some 20 some 100. some 200 Acres, 
^some more, some lesse. Other plaines there are lew, but onely 
where the Salvages inhabit: but all overgrowne with trees and 
weeds, being a plaine wildernesse as God lirst made it. 

''On the west side of the Bay, we sayd were 5. fairu and de- 
lightliill iiavigalde rivers. The lirst of those, and the next lo the 
mouth of the Bay hath his course from the West Northwesl. It 
is called I'mvhatan, according to the name of a ])riiicij»all counlrey 
that lyeth vpon it. The mouth of this river is neare three myleti 



4 CHEONICLES OF BALTIMOEE. 

in breadth, yet doe the shoules force the Channell so neare the land, 
that a Sarce will overshoot it at point hlancke. It is navigable 150 
myles, the shouldes and soundings are here needlesse to be expressed. 
It falleth from Eockes farre west in a Country inhabited by a 
nation they call Monacans. But where it commeth into our dis- 
covery it is Powhatan. In the farthest place that was diligently 
obsei-ved, are falles, rockes, shoules, &c., which makes it past navi- 
gation a7iy higher. Thence in the running downeward, the river is 
enriched with many goodly brookes, which are maintained by an 
infinit number of small rundles and pleasant springs, that disperse 
thcmselues for the best service, as do the veines of a mans body. 
From the South there fals into it: First, the pleasant river of 
Apamatuck. Next more to the East are two small rivers of Qui- 
yoxighcohanocke. A little farther is a Bay wherein falleth 3 or 4 
prettie brookes and crcekes that halfe intrench the Inhabitants of 
Warraskoyac, then the river of Nandsamund. and lastly the brooke 
of Chisapeack. From the North side is the river of Chickahamania, 
the baeke river of lames ToAvne ; another by the Cedar Isle, where 
we lined ten weekcs vpon Oysters, then a convenient harbour for 
Fisher boats at Kecoughtan, that so turneth it selfe into Ba^^es and 
Creckes, it makes that place very pleasant to inhabit ; their corne- 
fields being girded therein in a manner as Peninsulaes. The most 
of these rivers are inhabited by severall nations, or rather families, 
of the name of the rivers. They haue also over those some Gov- 
ernour, as their King,' which they call Werowances. In a Peninsula 
on the North side of this river are the English Planted in a place 
by them called lames Towne, in honour of the Kings most excel- 
lent Maiestie. 

" The first and next the rivers mouth are the Kecoughtans, who 
besides their women and children, haue not past 20. fighting men. 
The Paspaheghes (on whose land is seated lames Towne, some 40. 
myles from the Bay) haue not past 40. The river called Chickaha- 
mania neare 250. The Weayiocks 100. The Arroiohatocks 30. The 
place called Powhatan, some 40. On the South side this river the 
Appamatucks haue sixtie fighting men. The Quiyougcohanocks 25. 
The Nandsamunds 200. The Chesapeacks 100. Of this last place 
vthe Bay boareth the name. In all these places is a severall com- 
mander, which they call Weroicance, except the Chickahamanians, 
who are governed by the Priests and their Assistants, or their 
Elders called Caw-cawivassoughes. In sommer no place affordeth 
more plentie of Sturgeon, nor in winter more abundance of foule, 
especially in the time of frost. I tooke once 52 Sturgeons at a 
draught, at another 68. From the later end of Ma}^ till the end 
of lune are taken few, but yong Sturgeons of two foot, or a yard 
long. From thence till the midst of September, them of two or 
three yards long and few others. And in 4 or 5 houres, with one 
Net were ordinarily taken 7 or 8 : often more, seldome lesse. In 
the small rivers all the yeare there is good plentie of small fish, 
80 that with hookes those that would take paines had sufficient. 



CHKONICLES OF BALTIMORE. O 

" Fourteene myles Nortliwiu'd from the nver Poiohatan, is the 
rivei" Pamuvnkee, which is navigable 60 or 70 myles, but with Catches 
and small Barkes 30 or 40 myles farther. At the ordinary flowing of 
the salt watei", it divideth it selfe into two gallant branches. On 
the South side inhabit the people of Youghtanund, who haue about 
60 men for warres. On the North branch Mattapament, who haue 
30 men. Where this river is divided the Country is called Pamayn- 
kee and nourisheth neare 300 able men. About 25. myles lower on 
the North side of this river is Werawocomoco, where their great 
King inhabited when I was delivered him prisoner; yet there are 
BOt past 40 able men. Ten or twelue myles lower, on the South 
side of this river, is Chiskiack, which hath some 40 or 50 men. 
These, as also Apamatuck, Irrohatock, and Powhatan, are their great 
Kings chiefe alliance, and inhabitants. The rest his Conquests. 

'•Before we come to the third river that falleth from the moun- 
taines, there is another river {some 30 myles navigable) that eommeth 
from the Inland, called Payankatanke, the Inhabitants are about 50 
or 60 serviceable men. 

" The third navigable river is called Toppahanock. ( This is navig- 
able some 130 myles). xVt the top of it inhabit the people called 
Mannahoacks amongst the mountaines, but thej^ are abouo the 
place we described, Vpon this river on the North side are the 
people Cuttatawomen, with 30 fighting men. Higher are the Mor- 
aughtaciinds, with 80. Beyond them Rapahanock with 100. Far 
aboue is another Cuttatawomen with 20. On the South is the pleas- 
ant scat o^ Nantaughtacund having 150 men. This river also as the 
two former, is replenished with fish and foule. 

" The fourth river is aaWQA Pataioomeke, 6 or 7 myles in breadth. 
It is navigable 140 myles, and fed as the rest with many sweet rivers 
and springs, which fall from the bordering hils. These hils many 
of theni are planted, and yeeld no lesse plentie and varietie of 
fruit, then the river exceedeth with abundance of fish. It is in- 
habited on both sides. First on the South side at the very en- 
trance is Wighcocomoco and hath some 130 men, beyond them iSeka- 
cawone with 30. The Onawmanient with 100. And the Patawo- 
mekes more then 200. Here doth the river divide itselfe into 3 or 
4 convenient branches. The greatest of the least is called Qui- 
yough, trending Northwest, but the river it selfe turneth Northeast, 
and is still a navigable streame. On the Westernc side of this 
bought is Tauxenent with 40 men. On the North of this river is 
Secowocomoco with 40. Somewhat further Potapaco with 20. In 
the East part is Pnmacaeack with 60. After Moyowance with 100. 
And lastly, Nocotchtanke with 80. The river abouo this place 
maketh his passage downe a low pleasant valley overshaddowcd in 
many places with high rocky mountaines; from whecne distill in- 
numerable sweet and pleasant springs. 

" The fift river is (•all('<l Pa>rf)t:nu)f, of a lesse ]jr()p()rt ion 1 lien 
rest; but the channell is 16 fa'ionie deepe in some jilaei's. Here 



b CHRONICLES OF BALTIMOEE. 

are infinit skills of divers kindes offish more then elswhere. Ypon 
this river dwell the people called Acquintanacksuak, Pawtuxunt, and 
Mttttapanient. Two hundred men was the greatest strength that 
could he there perceived. Eut they inhabit together, and not so 
dispersed as the rest. These of all other we found most civill to 
giue intertainement. 

" Thirtie leagues NorthAvard is a river not inhabited, yet navig- 
able ; for the red clay resembling bole Armoniack we called it 
BOLUS. At the end of the Bay where it is 6 or 7 myles in 
breadth, it divides it selfe into 4. branches, the best commeth North- 
west from among the mountaines, but though Canows may goe a 
da_yes iourney or two vp it, we could not get two myles vp it 
with our boat for rockes. Vpon it is seated the Sasguesahanocks, 
neare it North and by West runneth a creeke a myle and a halfe : 
at the head whereof the Eble left vs on shore, where we found 
many trees cut with hatchets. The next tyde keeping the shore 
to seeke for some Salvages; (for Avithin thirtie leagues sajding, Ave 
fiaAv not an}^, being a barren Country,) we Avent vp another small 
river like a creeke 6 or 7 myle. From thence returning Ave met 7 
CanoAves of the 3Iassowo7neks, with Avhom we had conference by 
signes, for Ave vnderstood one another scarce a word : the next day 
we discovered the small river and people of Tockwhogli trending 
EastAvard. 

"Having lost our Grapnell among the rocks of Sasqvcsahcmocks, 
we Avere then neare 200 myles from home, and our Barge about 
two tuns, and had in it but twelve men to performe this Disco\-ery, 
wherein we lay about 12 weekes vpon those great waters in those 
vnknoAvne Countries, having nothing but a little meale, oatemeale 
and Avater to feed vs, and scarce halfe sufficient of that for halfe 
that time, but what provision Ave got among the Sah^ages, and such 
rootes and fish as Ave caught bA^ accident, and Gods direction ; nor had 
Ave a Mariner nor any had skill to trim the sayles but two saylers 
and my selfe, the rest being Gentlemen, or them Avere as ignorant 
in such toyle and labour. Yet necessitie in a short time by good 
Avords and examples made them doe that that caused them ever 
after to feare no colours. What I did Avith this small meanes I 
leaue to the Eeader to iudge, and the Mappe I made of the Country, 
which is but a small matter in regard of the magnitude thereof. 
But to proceed, 60 of those Sasquesahanocks came to vs Avith skins, 
Bowes, ArroAvs, Targets, Beads, Swords, and Tobacco pipes for 
presents. Such great and well proportioned men are seldomc scene, 
for they seemed like Giants to the English, yea and to the neigh- 
bours, yet seemed of an honest and simple disposition, Avith much 
adoe I'estrained from adoring vs as Gods. Those are the strangest 
people of all those Countries, both in language and attire; for 
their language it may Avell beseeme their proportions, sounding 
from them, as a A'oyce in a vault. Their attire is the skinnes of 
Beares, and Woolues, some haue Cassacks made of Beares heads 



CHKONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 7 

and skinnes, that a mans head goes through the skinnes neck, and 
the eares of the Bearc fastened to his shoulders, thenose and teeth 
hanging downe his breast, another Beares face split behind him, 
and at the end of the nose hung a Pawe, the halfe sleeues comming 
to the elbowes were the neckes of Beares, and the arines through 
the mouth with pawes hanging at their noses. One had the head 
of a Wolfe hanging in a eluiin for a lewell, his Tobacco pipe three 
quarters of a yard long, prettily carued with a Bird, a l)eere, or 
some such devise at the great end, sufficient to beat out ones 
braines: with Bowes, Arrowes, and clubs, sutable to their great- 
Dcsse. These are scarce knowne to Powhatan. They can make 
neare 600 able men, and are pallisadoed in their Townes to defend 
them from the Massaicomekes their mortall enemies. Fiue of their 
chiefe Werowances came aboord vs and crossed the Bay in their 
Barge. The picture of the greatest of them is signitied in the 
Mappe. The calfe of whose leg was three quarters of a 3'ard 
about, and all the rest of his limbes so answerable to that propor- 
tion, that he seemed the goodliest man we ever beheld. Ilis hayre, 
the one side was long, the other shore close with a ridge over his 
crownc like a cocks combe. His arrowes were fiue quai'ters long, 
headed with the splinters of a white christall-like stone, in forme 
of a heart, an inch broad, and an inch and a halfe or more long. 
These he wore in a Woolues skinne at his backe for his Quiver, his 
bow in the one hand and his clubbe in the other, as is described. 

" On the East side of the Bay, is the river Tockwhogh, and vpon 
it a people that can make 100 men, seated some seaven myles 
■within the river: where they haue a Fort very well pallisacloed 
and mantelled with barkcs of trees. Next them is 0::in(es with 
sixty men. More to the South of that East side of the Bay, the 
river llapahanock, neere vnto which is the river Kxiscarawaock. 
Vpon which is seated a people with 200 men. After that, is the 
river Tants Wighcocomico, and on it a people with 100 men. The 
people of those rivers are of little stature, of another language 
from the I'est, and very rude. But they on the river Acohanock with 
40 men, and they oi" Accomack 80 men doth equalize any of the 
Territories of Powhatan, and speake his languge, who over all 
those doth rule as King. 

"Southward we went to some parts of Chawonock and the 
Mangoags to search for them letl by Mr. White. Amongst those 
peo]jle are thus many severall Nations of sundry Languages, tiiat 
environ Powhatans Territories. The Chawonockcs, the Mangoags, 
the Monacans, the Mannahokcs, the Masaivoinekcs, the Powhatuns, the 
Sasqncmhanocks, the Atgaanachukes, the Tockwoghcs, and the Kus- 
carawaokcs. All those not any one vnderstandeth another but by 
Interj)reter8. Their several! habitations are more ])lainly described 
by this annexed Mappe, which will present to the eye, the way of 
the mountaines, and current of the rivers, with their severall 
turnings, bayes, shoules, Isles, Inlets, and crcekes, the breadth of 



O CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

the waters, the distances of places, and such like. In which Mappe 
obserue this, that as far as you see the little Crosses on rivers, 
mountaines, or other places haue beene discovered ; the rest was 
had by information of the Savages, and are set downe according 
to their instructions. 

"Thus baue I walkt a wayless way, with vncouth pace, 
Which yet uo Christian man did ever trace: 
But yet I know this not affects the miude, 
Which cures doth heare; as that which eyes doe finde." 

In the foregoing account, the "annexed Mappe," of which 
Captain Smith speaks, showing " the way of the mountains, and 
current of the rivers, with their severall turnings, bayes, shoules, 
Isles, Inlets, and creeks, the breadth of the waters, the distance of 
places, and such like," presents to the eye almost a fac-simile of 
modern maps representing the same section, the only material 
distinguishing difference between them being in the Indian names, 
which have, of coarse, been superseded by English ones. Its accu- 
racy, as compared with the maps of the present day, is wonderful ; 
and npon it may be, not traced, but immediately fixed on by the 
familiar eye, the locale which has since become Baltimore on the 
Patapsco — a river marked on the " Mappe " as the " Bolus " river, 
and so called b}' Captain Smith because of "the red clay resem- 
bling Bole armoniack." This red clay, or "bole," after which 
Captain Smith named this river Bolus, was a covering for exten- 
sive mines of iron ore since discovered and worked extensivel}" on 
the Patapsco (the old Bolus), the first of which mines were 
owned and worked by Mr. John Moale, at "Moale's Point," that 
"point" whei-e it was sought to establish Baltimore town, but 
where the town was not established, through the hostility of Mr. 
Moale, who refused to sell his land, and who preferred and had a 
greatei' interest in his ores than in a prospective town. 

Concurrent authorities fix upon the Bolus and the Patapsco as 
one and the same river, either in words or by inference. Bozman 
says " the Patapsco is the Bolus river of Smith." 

Lossing says of Smith: — "He went up the Potomac to the 
falls above Washington city. He also entered the Patapsco, and 
ate maize upon the site of Baltimore. These long voyages were 
made in an open boat, propelled by oars and paddles. It was one 
of the most wonderful of exploring expeditions, considered in all its 
aspects, recorded by the pen of history. Smith constructed a map 
of his discoveries, and every subsequent survey of the region 
attests its wonderful accuracy." 

That Captain John Smith was the first white man whose eye 
rested upon the site of Baltimore, there can be, hardly, a reasonable 
doubt. It was as far back as 1606, as appears, that he penetrated 
the Patapsco ; and when he had turned away from the head-waters 
he had sought, a long time intervened before the coming of any 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. \) 

other of the European race to tbo Patapsco again. It is not im- 
probable that the next white man who penetrated to this river, and 
who mayhap also stood and ate maize upon the site of the present 
city, was Lord Baltimore himself, in 1628, of whom, in this con- 
nection, the historian Bozman saj's : — " Whether Lord Baltimore 
personally, at the time of his visit to Virginia, explored that tract 
of country now denominated Maryland, of which he afterwards 
procured a grant, we are not positively informed. But as the 
obtaining a more complete knowledge of the country bordering on 
the Chesapeake, than he could otherwise possibl}^ have from report, 
must have been the principal object of his visit, Ave cannot but 
Buppose that he must at this time, notwithstanding the discourage- 
ment of his pursuits by the Virginians, have made the tour by 
water of the principal parts of the Chesapeake Bay." 

Nothing is positively known of the presence of any others in 
the neighborhood of Baltimore up to the year 1659, although it is 
not unlikely that some had pushed up and settled about the head 
waters of the Patapsco, following in the track of Captain John 
Smith's and Lord Baltimore's visit. 

1659. Baltimore County was established in this year. Its limits 
were then fiir more extensive than at present, embracing not onl}'" 
all of Harford and Carroll Counties, but lai'go portions of Anne 
Arundel, JHoward, and Frederick. At that time the population of 
all Maryland was only twelve thousand, and that of the newly 
erected county was probably less than one-sixth of that number. 

On the 28th, 29th and 30th of July, patents for land in the 
neighborhood of Baltimore were issued to Robert Gorsuch for 
500 acres, Hugh Kensey 400 acres, Richard Gorsuch 500 acres, 
Thomas Humphreys 300 acres, John Jones 200 acres, Thomas 
Powell 300 acres, Howell Powell 300 acres, William Ball 420 acres, 
and Walter Dickinson 420 acres. Captain Thomas Howell, Cap- 
tain Thomas Stockett, and Messrs. Henry Stockett and John 
Taylor, styled Commissioners of the County, took up patents, and 
on the 20th of July, 1061, held a court at the house of Captain 
Howell, the presiding Commissioner, Mr. John Collett being 
their clerk. 

On the 20th day of October, Mr. Walter Dickinson sold all his 
land to Mr. Abraham Clarke, a shii)-wright. Mr. Clark also pur 
chased of Mi-. Jolin Collett, on the 2d of March, 1662, 200 acres, 
and of Richard (Jorsuch 300 acres, and on the 7th of March, 1662, 
Mr. Clarke sold all his lands to Thomas Muntross. 

1661. The next settler who took up ground was Charles Gor- 
such, said to be a member of the Society of Friends, who patented 
fifty acres of land on the 24th of February, 1661, whicli is after- 
wards known as " Whetstone Point," lying between the branches 
of the Patapsco River, and at whose extremity Fort McHenry now 
stands — Mr. Gorsuch yielding and paying the rent of £1 sterling 
per annum in (-(jual half-yearly instalments at Saint Mary's. 



10 CHEONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

Mr. Gorsuch vacating, a patent was granted for the same land, 
on the 2d of June. 1702, to Mr. James Carroll, who called it 
"Whetstone," he paying two shillings rent per annum. 

On the 15th of June, Mr. Peter Carroll surveyed for Mr. David 
Jones, 380 acres of land on the line of what is now called Jones 
Falls, at a rent of fifteen shillings two and one-half pence per 
year, which was called "Jones Eange." Mr. David Jones gave his 
name to the stream which is sO often mentioned, and by its 
repeated overflows, of such troublesome interest to Baltimoreans 
of the ])resent day. Jones is said to have been the tirst actual 
settler, having his residence on the north side of his "Falls" on 
Jones street, which hj the sacrilegious interference of the minis- 
ters of the law has been changed into Front street. We say sac- 
rilegious, because the ancient landmarks and names of towns, 
cities, &c., should be preserved and cherished reverentiall}^ as are 
family heir-looms. Mr. Jones built his residence in the neighbor- 
hood of the intersection of French street, near what was known 
as " Finn's Bridge." 

On the 8th of P'ebruary a warrant was issued to the Surveyor 
General to laj^ out 200 acres of land for Alexander Mountena}^, 
which was afterwards called " Mountenay's Neck." Mr. Alex- 
ander Mountenay did not, however, receive a patent for his lands 
until the 30th of June, 1663. The patent states that Lawrenccn 
Porter assigned 200 acres to Mr. Mountenay, at the rent of 4 
shillings sterling, &c., per annum ; but we can find but one entry 
where L. Porter demands 100 acres for transporting himself 
and servant in 1661. There is another entry on the Land 
Records where Margaret Kinsey assigns 50 acres, Kobert Ball 
100 acres, and Wm. Like 50 acres, to Alex. Mountenay in 1661, 
which is no doubt the correct entry. " Mountenay's Neck," 
which lay on each side of Harford run, was re-surveyed the 27th 
of April, 1737, for Wm'. Fell as Escheat Land. The run in ques- 
tion is now bound in by long straight Avails, or tunneled over, 
through which in drier times it trickles in a meagre rivulet, or 
after heavy rains dashes Avith a swollen and turbid tide, to contri- 
bute its portion of alluvion to supply labor to the ponderous " mud 
machines" to which the harbor or basin of Baltimore owes its 
continuing existence. In olden days, Harford run meandered 
lazily along the broad low lands until it silently entered the 
Patapsco ; extending now to the right, noAV to the left, now hid 
among the rushes on its banks, noAV lost to view as it spread into 
some Avidening of the marsh, and then reappearing, slowly creeping 
onward to its destination. Insignificant as it was, it possessed 
charms for Mr. Alexander Mountena}^ the ancient patentee ; and as 
if acquiring dignity in the course of years, it noAv, with its con- 
fines, is the boundary betAveen " Old ToAvn " and " Fell's Point." 

On the 1st of May an Act was passed by the General Assembly 
" that all vessels Avhatsoever, not px'operly belonging to this Pro- 



CHKONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 11 

vince, havini;- a deck flush fore and aft, coming in. and trading 
within this Province, shall pay, for port duties, or ancliorago, half 
a pound of powder, and three pounds of shot, or so much in value, 
for vxevy ton of burden, to the Lord Proprietary, and his Jleirs." 

1G()8. The next land taken up was " Cole's Harbor," on which 
the town of Baltimore was originally laid out, containing about 
550 acres, and divided into nearly two equal parts by the current 
of '• Jones Falls." 

On the 13th of Januarj-, Thomas Cole received a warrant for 
300 acres of land, whieh he soon after revoked, but renewed it again 
on the 8th of June. He also received on the 8th of June 200 acres 
more by assignment from Geo. Yates, and 50 acres more by assign- 
ment from John Blomfield,tho assignee of Roger Sheekie, for his 
the said Sheekie's transporting himself into Maryland in the year 
1649. Geo. Yates received his land from John Collitt the 8th of 
Feb., 1668, and John Collitt received the same from Major Samuel 
Goldsmith, who claimed five rights of 50 acres each, for transport- 
ing Robert Parker, Nicholas Banks, Thomas Pickerall, Edward 
Jackson, and Elizabeth Hopkins, — all excepting 50 acres which 
were laid out for John Deering, were transferred to Yates as afore- 
said. " Cole's Harbor " was surve3'ed for Thomas Cole, Aug. 28th, 
1668. and was patented to him Se))t. 4th : " To be held in fee and 
common soceage, by fealty only, for all manner of services ; yield- 
ing and ])aying therefor yearly unto us our heirs, at our i-eceipt 
at St. Maries, at the two most usual feasts in the year (viz) at 
the feast of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and at 
the feast of St. Michael the archangel, by even and equal ])ortions 
the rent of eleven shillings sterling in silver, or gold, and for a fine 
upon every alienation of the said land or any part or parcel 
thereof, one whole year's rent in silver or gold, or the full value 
thereof, &c., Scq." 

" Cole's Harbor " was for a long time ample space for the accom- 
modation of Baltimore; and until, like a sturdy boy outgrovring 
his first garments, it required larger limits, and embraced within 
its expansion Hap Hazard, Spicer's Inheritance, Chatsworth, 
Welsh Adventure, Bond's Pleasant Hill, Ridgely's Delight, JiUnn's 
Lot, Atoiint Ro^'all, Timber Neck, David's Fancy, Salisbur}- Plains, 
Halle's Folly, Gay's Neglect, Darl}' Hall, Hanson's Wood Lot, 
Coles Adflition, Gallow Burrow, liogor's Inspection, Carter's De- 
light. Ki'mp's Addition, Parker's Haven, Mountenay's NecU, Upton 
Court, Whetstone Point, Georgia, Diligence, Fell's Point, Elizabeth, 
Inspection and Portland. All of these lands or farms, l)y various 
names and titles, subsequently fell witliin the growing limits of 
Baltimore. '• Cole's Harbor," after being patented to Cole, Sep- 
tember 4th, 1668, was re-surveyed February 17lh, 1698, and found 
to eontain only 510 acres, which were patented to James Todd, 
June; 1st. 1700, as "Todd's Range," at the rentof ten shillings and 
two and a half penc(^ per year. 



12 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

On the 20th of June, 1668, Mr. John Howard patented " Timber 
Neck," comprising 200 acres, yielding and paying therefor yearly 
the rent of four shillings sterling in silver or gold. " Timber 
Neck" lay between the middle and north branches of the Pa- 
tapsco, being that part of the city now occupied by Howard, 
Eutaw and Paca streets. Other parties followed Grorsuch, Mounte- 
nay, &c., and year after year the cultivation of this part of Balti- 
more County went on increasing. 

The most striking feature upon the face of society was these 
plantations. Upon them were held some of our earliest courts 
and councils. Hardly a home or a tenement was not approached 
by water. And our governors, privy-councillors, and county court 
judges, were, all of them, planters. The pi-incipal planters were 
also the merchants, who traded with London and the other great 
ports of England. And the large plantations, with their group of 
storehouses and other buildings, assumed the appearance and 
performed the office of little towns. 

The currency of the province presents a good key to the state 
of societ}^. In some contracts, none was required. There was 
simply a barter or an exchange of one commodity for another. 
In commercial transactions, a little English or European coin was 
occasionally used. In the trade with the Indians, for beaver skins 
and other valuable articles, the peake and the roanoke obtained a 
free circulation, and a good deal o± this kind of currency was held 
by the colonists. There was also a provincial coin consisting of 
silver, and issued by the Proprietary, of various denominations 
(as groats, sixpences, and shillings), having upon one side his 
lordship's arms, with the motto Crescite et Multiplicamini, upon 
the other his image, with the circumscription Ccecilius Dominus 
Terrce-Marice, &c. ; being equal in fineness to English sterling, and 
of the same standard, though somewhat less in weight. Speci- 
mens of this curious money are preserved in the Maryland Histori- 
cal Society ; but very little of which, there is reason to believe, 
was ever coined — tobacco being the most common currency of. 
the province ; and one pound of it, in 1650, worth about three 
ponce of English money. 

Our ancestors, about this time, generally sat upon stools and 
forms, the latter a sort of bench, and sometimes, if not always, 
attached to the wall. They dined without forks, but made a free 
use of the napkin ; and paid especial attention to the furniture of 
their bed-chambers. The walls, also, of their principal rooms 
wei'e wainscotted, specimens of which are still preserved at some 
of the old family-seats in Maryland. And they kept a great deal 
of rich and massive silver plate, upon which were carved the 
arms of their own ancestry. Tea and coffee they rarely if ever 
tasted'; sugar they sometimes had ; but freely did they drink both 
cider and sack. And there is frequent mention of the silver sack- 
cup. Strong punch and sack, it would seem, were their favorite 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE, 13 

drinks. They had, also, eveiy variety of fruit, both for the winter 
as well as for the summer. They delighted in pears and apricots, 
in figs and pomegranates, in peaches and apples, and the most 
luscious melons. The wild strawberry and grape-vine grew, also, 
in the richest profusion. The air and ihe forest abounded in game ; 
the rivers and bays in fish. Our ancestors feasted upon the best 
oysters of America ; and dined, we may suppose, upon the can- 
vas-back, the most delicious duck in the world. Providence 
was " not content with food to nourish man." All nature then 
was "music to the ear," or " beauty to the eye." The feathered 
songsters of the forest were constantly heard. And so fascinated 
were our forefathers with a bird the}' had never seen before their 
arrival, that they gave it the name of Baltimore — its colors (black 
and yellow) corresponding with those upon the escutcheon of the 
Calverts. The eagle also, which still lingers, was then more fre- 
quently seen, in all his proudest majesty. 

Tobacco was the great product of the province. In all the 
parts of Marj-land at that time colonized, was it cultivated. And 
it is said upon good authority, that " a hundred sail of ships," a 
year, from the AYest Indies and from England, traded in this 
article — the source also of a very large revenue to the English 
crown, at " his lordship's vast expense, industry, and hazard." 
Indian corn (or " mayz,") was also cultivated at an early })eriod. 
From the Indian also did we obtain the sweet potato. Tlie word 
itself is derived from them. So also are 'pone hominy, po coson, 
and many others. 

No rcguh\r post was established ; and it is doubtful if we had 
any printing-press before the year 1689 in the province. Gentle- 
men traveUed'On horseback by land, or in canoes or other small 
boats by water. Ferries over the rivers and other large streams 
were erected by the government, and kept by the most respectable 
colonists — the duties in most cases, however, being performed by 
their deputies. Letters were sent by private hand, and dispatches 
from the government liy a special messenger. The practice of 
•partaking of ardent spirits and other refreshments at funerals 
was brouglit by our earliest ancestors from their own fatherland, 
and generally, if not universally observed. The sums expended in 
"hot waters" and other drinks upon such occasions were sui'j)ris- 
ingly large. 

The costume, during the reign of Charles I., bore the marks of 
the strong military spirit of that age, and was the most striking 
and pictui'esfpie ever worn in England. We have also, here and 
there, a glimpse of it U])on the records of this ])rovince. The 
inventory of Thomas Egcrton, a cavalier, may illustrate a i»nia of 
it. There we have the falchion and the rapier; the clolli coat 
lined with plush, and the emhroidered belt; the gold iiat-band, 
and the feather; the pair of shoes, and the silk stockings; the 
pair, also, of cufis, and the silk garters. The signet-ring is also 



14 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

incntioiK'd, one of the urtk-les of a gentleman at that period. 
And we rind that heather hreeches, and stockings of tlie same 
material,- were frequently worn. The collar was succeeded hy the 
cravat, it would seem about the time of the Protestant JU^volution. 
Butf coats were also worn as early as 1650. The cocked hat was 
probably not introduced before the year 1700. 

Finger-rings were worn by almost all the early landed gentry 
of Maryland, and they were the favorite tokens of regard and 
remembrance given in their wills. The number bequeathed during 
the rirst luiudred years after the settlement at St. JMary's would 
seem incredible to any one who is not familiar with our early 
testamentary records. 

Mr. ilacaulay says that many English gentlemen and lords of 
manors, as late as 1G85, had hardly ''learned enough to sign" a 
mittimus. The accuracy of his picture has been doul)ted ; but so 
far as it regards the education of man}- of the early gentr}' of 
Maryland, nothing could be more faithfully drawn. That many 
gentlemen could not write tlieir names is evident; the}- repeat- 
edly made their marks, (^ases from the records could be cited. 
AVe have instances in which the servant writes his name and 
the master makes his mark. One, if not several, of the earliest 
udges of the provincial court came within this same category. 
The fact, indeed, suggests a very important inference, and can only 
be accounted for upon the true historical hypothesis. In the past 
we see the military, in the present the commercial spirit of 
society. 

IGSo. In 1GG3 an Act was passed by the (Jeneral Assembly, -'for 
seating of lands in Baltimore County," which was rejected by the 
Proprietary. But on the Gth of November, 1GS3, an Act was 
passed establishing towns, ports, and places of trade in " Baltimore 
County on Patapsco, near Humphrey's Creek," and on " Bush 
Eiver on the town land, near the Court House." By this Act, " ail 
ships and vessels, trading into this province, shall nnlade, and put 
on shore, and sell, barter and tratric away all goods, &c., imported 
into this province. And all tobacco, goods, &c., of the growth, 
production or manufacture of this province, intended to be sold 
here, or exported, shall be for that intent brought to the said 
ports and places." The commerce of the bay and river was grow- 
ing, and as the most convenient converging point at that time for 
all sections bordering on or communicating with the great streams, 
"North Point" was agreed on as the common resort and anchor- 
age of vessels for loading and distril)ution. 

IGOG. On the 13th of January, 1G95, Charles Carroll surveyed 
1000 acres of land ''lying in J>altiinore County on the north side 
of Patapsco river in the woods upon Jones' Falls, ami on the Avest 
side of the said Falls," which was called " Ely O. Carroll." On 
the 10th of February, 1G9G, this huul was patented ; 500 acres to 
Daniel Carroll and 500 to Charles Carroll, at the yeaily rent of 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 15 

two pounds per anmim for the whole — this land being "Cole's 
llai'bur," with further additions. 

1702. On the 25th of March an Act was passed for the " estab- 
lishment of religious worship in this province, according to the 
Church of England; and for the maintainance of ministei's." By 
this act the Episcopal Church was established by law throughout the 
State, and a ta.x or assessment of forty pounds of tobacco per poll 
was successively levied upon ever}' taxable person within each 
parish, for the maintenance of the minister, who was appointed by 
the Governor or Commander-in-Chief 

1704. On the 3d of October an Act was passed "prohibiting 
the importation of bread, beer, flour, malt, wheat, or other English or 
Indian grain or meal, horses, mares, colts or fillies, or tobacco IVora 
Pennsylvania, and the territoi"ics there belonging." At the same 
time an Act was passed " requii-ing the masters of ships and vessels 
to jnil^lish the rates of their freight, before they take any tobacco 
on board." By this Act " every Master and Commander of a ship 
or vessel, before he take any tobacco on board his said ship or 
vessel, publish in writing, by a note under his hand, which he 
shall cause to be affixed on the Court-house door of the County 
where his said ship shall ride at Anchor, at what rate he will receive 
tobacco upon freight per ton, on board his said ship for that 
intended voyage ; which note the Clerk of the County shall enter 
upon i-ecord." 

On the .3d of October of this year it was " thought convenient, 
and very much for the benefit of the inhabitants of the pi-ovince, 
that roads and paths be marked." It was enacted, therefore, that 
all public and main i-oads be hereafter cleared and grubbed, fit for 
travelling twenty feet wide, and that the roads that led to any 
Count}' Court-house shall have two notches on the trees on both 
sides of the roads, and another notch a distance above the other 
two; and any road that leads to any church shall be marked into 
the entrance of the same, and at the leaving any other road, with 
a slip cut down the face of the tree, near the ground. This cer- 
tainly shows how much of the country then settb-d was a wild 
wood, and at the same time the primitive guide-marks along the 
public roads and p.iths leading to court-houses, and also to the 
places of public worshij). 

liOC. On the 19th of April an Act was passed creating "Whet- 
stone Point " a town. — the original favorite among locators of land 
in tliis vicinity. 

Speaking about this period, Beverly, in his history of Virginia, 
Bays: — "At the mouth of their rivers, and all along upon the Sea 
and Bay, and near many of their creeks and swamps, grows Myrtle, 
bearing a berry of which they make a Jiai'd, brittle wax, of a curi- 
ous green color, which by refining becomes almost transparent. 
Of this they make candles, which are never greasie to the touch, 
nor melt with lying in the hottest weather; neither does the snuff 



16 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

of thoso over otVond the smell, liUo that of a tallow candle ; but 
iiij^tead of being disagreeable, if an accident puts a candle out, it 
^•ields a pleasant fragrancy to all that are in the room ; insomuch, 
that nice people oIUmi put them out, on purpose to have the incense 
of the expiring snulf. The method of managing these berries is 
by boiling them in water, till they come to be entirely dissolved, 
except the stone or seed in the middle, which amounts in quantity 
to al>out half the bulk of the berry; the bigest of which is some- 
thing less than a corn of pejiper." 

17(18. On the 17th oi l>eceniber an Act was revived "imposing 
three pence per gallon on rum and wine, brandy and spirits, and 
twenty shillings per poll for negroes, for raising a supply to defray 
the public charge of this Province, and twenty sLillings per jtoll on 
Irish servants, to prevent the importing too great a number of 
Irish Papists into this Province." 

1711. In this year we tind Mr. Charles Carroll selling thirty-one 
acres of his portion of " Cole's Harbor " with a mill-seat, to Mr. 
Jonathan llaitson. niillwright, who erected a mill, of which the 
remains were standing a short time since, in the old building near 
the northwest intersection of Bath and iloUiday streets. 

1713. On the 14th of November an Act was passed '' for the 
more speedy conveying public letters and packets of this Province 
and defraying the charge thereof; and to prevent the abuses of 
breaking open, and concealing any letters whatsoever." By this 
Act the sheriff of each county was authorised to convey all public 
letters to the sheritf of the next county, and so on to the place of 
destination — the sheriif of Baltimore county to receive for his 
services six hundred pounds of tobacco annually. 

1715. On the 3d of Juno an Act was passed authorising ''that 
for the future there shall be held four courts in the j'ear, viz. : for 
Baltimore County, the tirst Tuesday in March, June, August, and 
November." 

1717. On the Sth of June an Act was passed "for laying an 
additional duty of twenty shillings current money per poll on all 
Irish servants, being Papists, to prevent the growth of Popery by 
the im]Hirtation of too great number of them into this Province; 
and also the additional duty of twenty shillings current money 
per ])oll on all negroes, for raising a fund for the use of Public 
Schools within the several counties of this Province." By this Act 
" all masters ot' ships and vessels, or others, importing Irish ser- 
vants, being Papists, into this Province, by land or by water, at 
the time of their entry, shall pay unto the Naval officer for the 
time being, belonging to such port or place, where they make 
their entry, the additional sum of twenty shillings current money, 
over and above the twenty shillings sterling per poll imposed by a 
former Act of Assembly of this Province, for every Irish servant 
so^ imported, on penalty and forfeiture of five pounds current 
money for every servant that shall be by him or them concealed 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 17 

at the time of his or their entry as aforesaid, one-Lalf thereof to 
be afipropriated for defraying the public charge of this Province, 
the other half to the informer, or to him or them that shall sue 
for the same, to be recovered in his Lordship's name, in any court 
of record within this Province, that shall have jurisdiction of the 
same, by action of debt, bill, plaint or information, wherein no 
ession, protection or wager of law to be allowed." It is further 
'• enacted, that the Xaval Officers of the time being, belonging to 
the several and respective Districts within this Province, be, and 
are hereb}- authorized, impowered and required to administer to 
every such Irish servant, except children under the age of fourteen 
years, (to be adjudged at the discretion of »the Xaval Officer) so 
imported as aforesaid, the several oaths appointed by the Act of 
Assembly, and cause them to subscribe the Oath of Abjuration 
and the test, and all and every such servants that shall refuse to 
take the Oaths, and sign the Oaths and test as aforesaid (except 
before excepted), shall be and are hereb}' deemed and declared 
Papists, for whom the owner or importer shall be obliged to pay 
the additional duty as aforesaid." 

172.3. On the 26th of October, an Act was passed "to punish 
blasphemers, swearers, drunkards, and sabath-breakers." By this 
Act it was imposed, " That if any person shall hereafter, within this 
Province, willingly, maliciously, and advisedly, by writing or 
speaking, blaspheme or curse God, or deny our Saviour Jesus 
Christ to be the Son of God, or shall deny the H0I3' Trinity — the 
P'ather, Son and Holy Ghost, or the Godhead of any of the Three 
Persons, or the Unit}^ of the Godhead, or shall utter any profane 
words concerning the Holy Trinity, or any the Persons thereof, 
and shall be thereof convict by verdict, or confession, shall, for 
the first offence be bored through the tongue, and fined twenty 
pounds sterling to the Lord Proprietor, to be applied to the use 
of the County where the offence shall be committed, to be levied 
on the offender's bod}', goods and chattels, lands or tenements ; 
and in case the said fine cannot be levied, the offender to suffer 
six months imprisonment without bail or mainprizes ; and that 
for the second offence, the offender being thereof convict, as 
aforesaid, shall be stigmatized by burning in the forehead with the 
letter B, and fined forty jjounds sterling to the Lord Proprietor, to 
be applied and levied as aforesaid, and in case the same cannot be 
levied, the offender shall suffer twelve months imprisonment with- 
out l^ail or mainprizc, and that for the third offence, the offender 
being convict as aforesaid, shall suffer death without the benefit 
of clergy." Profane swearers were fined two shillings and six 
pence for the first oath or curse, and five shillings for every oath 
or curse after the first. Drunkards to be fined five shillings for 
every offence. In case of the non-payment of fines Ity drunkards 
and swearers, they were to be fined or whip|)ed not over thirty- 
nine lashes, or be placed in the stocks over three hours. Sjiiilni h- 
2 



18 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

breaking was punishable by a fine of 200 pounds of tobacco. 
House-keepers selling strong liquor on Sunday, punishable by a 
fine of 2000 pounds of tobacco. This act to be read by every 
minister in his parish church four times a year, on forfeiture of 
1000 pounds of tobacco. 

In this year there were but five ships in the Patapsco up for 
freight for London, to which place the trade was then carried on 
extensively, but one of which ships was said to lie in the North- 
ern Branch. There were persons living in the last twenty years 
who have seen as many vessels of burthen anchored at the same 
time, at the point between the south and middle branches of the 
Patapsco, as in the north branch on which our city was finally 
established. The ships which traded with the surrounding country 
never at this time ascended the Patapsco, but lying at anchor 
off North Point, received their cargoes from the rivers which 
emjDtied into the bay in the vicinity. 

1726. Mr. Edward Fell, a Quaker from Lancashire, England, 
who had settled east of Jones Falls, took out an escheat warrant, 
and employed Richard Gist to survey " Cole's Harbor," or " Todd's 
Range," and in the succeeding year purchased the rights in it of 
John Grorsuch, son of Charles. But this stirred the sons of Charles 
Carroll, then lately dead, who entered a caveat, and prevented the 
new grant sought for by the enterprising land-hunter from Lan- 
cashire. Gist's return of the survey is interesting as showing 
that, in 1726, the sole improvements in that part of modern Balti- 
more were three dwellings, a mill, tobacco-houses and orchards, 
and that the land was about " one-half cleared and of middling 
qualit3^" 

1728. On the 24th of October, an Act was passed " to encourage 
the destroying of wolves, crows, and squirrels." By this Act 
every taxable person was required to produce annually to the 
Justice of the Peace where they resided, three squirrels' scalps or 
crows' heads, under a forfeiture of two pounds of tobac.co bj' exe- 
cution, for eveiy such scalp, &c., not produced. Two pounds of 
tobacco were also allowed in the county levy for ever}^ such scalp, 
&c., produced over and above the three required by lawj 200 
pounds of tobacco were also allowed in the payment of taxes for 
every wolf's head. 

1729. As yet no designation had been given to the significant 
settlement, which had groped its way and fixed itself amid the 
creeks and marshes and under the hills of the northwestern 
branch of the Patapsco. To the point between the south and 
middle branches, the main road from the west and through the 
country generally was directed, passing south of Gwynn's Falls, 
at the mouth of which once stood Tasker & Carroll's Furnace of 
the '' Baltimore Company." This point, the terminus of such a 
road, and with such an anchorage for commerce, was, of course, 
one of vast importance in '' seating counties " and establishing a 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 19 

future metropolis. And at last, when the Lead of tide began to 
attract attention as the proper site for a fair and promising town, 
it was upon the southern, and not the iiorthwestern hranch it was 
])roposed to be placed. Fortunately for the owners of " Cole's 
Harbor," and for us of the pre.'^ent da}', •' Moale's Point" — which 
looks in on Spring Gardens — the intended and designated site of 
the new city, Avas the property of a Mr. John Moale, a merchant 
from Devonshire, in J^ngland, who set ])rodigious store by certain 
iron mines which he believed to be situated on his territory, and 
Avhen he got wind of the attempt about to be made to put a town 
upon his property, he posted off to Annapolis, which by this time 
had become the seat of government, and taking his place in the 
Legislature, of which he was a member, defeated the plan, much 
to his own satisfaction, no doubt, but w' hether equally to the satis- 
faction of his heirs is a point which admits of question. Excluded 
from the level land, those persons interested in ibrming a new- 
town, wei-e obliged from sheer necessity, which in tliis instance 
tbrcetl them to their true interests, to seek the site of Baltimore 
under the hills and amid the marshes of the northwestern branch 
of the river; and accordingly, on Monday morning, July 1-lth, 
1729, the petition of the inhabitants of Baltimore was read in the 
Upijer House of Assembly, " praying that a bill may be brought 
in for the building of a Town, on the North side of Patapsco river, 
upon the land supposed to belong to Messrs. Charles and Daniel 
Carroll." On Friday morning, July 25th, the bill was read a sec- 
ond time and ordered to be endorsed thus, " the name of the land 
being inserted, and a saving clause as usual in bills of the like 
nature to be added." It was then sent to the Lower Ilouse by 
Colonel Tilghman, signed, &c., by order of John Ross, clerk. On 
July l-4th, Colonel Ward, from the Upper Ilouse, delivered to the 
Speaker of the Lower House '-the petition of several the inhabit- 
ants in and about Patapsco river and the rest of the inhalMtants of 
Baltimore Count}^ " endorsed thus, •' By the Upper House of Assem- 
bly, Uth.Iuly, 1729, read and recommended to the consideration 
>)t' the Lower Ilouse of Assembly," with this further endorsement: 
■ We the subscribers proprietoi-s of the land mentioned in the 
within petition, do consent there may an act pass as prayed in the 
usual terms. " Cii.vules Carroll, 

" Daniel Carroll." 
On the second day it was ordered that leave be given to bring in a 
bill as prayed On Saturday, .Inly 20th, the bill was passed for 
engrossing. On the HOth the bill was finally passed. On the 8th 
of August the Lower House assemljled in the lJi)])er House, where 
the laws passed during the sessicjn were signed and received the 
assent of the Uiglit Honorable the Lord Proprietary, &c., of which 
the following is a copy of the law relating to Baltimore: — "At a 
session of Assembly begun and held at the (!ily of Annapolis, in 
the Count V of Ann-.\ riiudrl. for the Pi-oviiiee of Mar\-land, on the 



20 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

10th Day of July, in the 15th Year of the Dominion of the Eight 
Honourable Charles, absolute Lord and Proprietaiy of the Prov- 
ince of Maryland and Avalon, Lord Baron of Baltimore, &c., and 
ended the 8th of August, Anno Domini 1729, was enacted the 
following law : ' Benedict Leonard Calvert, Esq., Grovernor. Passed 
Aug. 8th, 1729: — An Act for erecting a Town on the North side 
of Patapsco, in Baltimore County, and for laying out in Lots, Sixty 
Acres of Land, in and about the phxce where one John Fleming 
now lives.' " By this Act Major Thomas Tolley, William Hamil- 
ton, William Buckner, Dr. George Walker, Eichard Gist, Dr. 
George Buchanan and Colonel William Hammond were appointed 
commissioners to lay off the town. They were all justices of the 
county, excepting Doctor Walker, and as such, generally deputy 
commissaries ; some of them were delegates before or after. Mr. 
Gist, then deputy surveyor of the western shore, was the son of 
Mr. Christopher Gist, or Guest, as in some records, who had settled 
on the south side of the Patapsco as early as 1682, and died before 
the river became the bounds of the county; Dr. Buchanan, who 
came from Scotland, purchased lands and practised medicine in 
the county from the year 1723 ; Colonel Hammond was, from all 
accounts, the son of Mr. John Hammond, who settled on the north 
side of the Patapsco, upon lands for which he paid forty shillings 
sterling per acre, as early as 1695 ; Mr. Hamilton purchased lands 
in the county, as appears by the i-ecords, in 1710 ; Doctor Walker, 
with a brother James, had practised medicine in Anne Arundel 
county some years, but came to reside in Baltimore county about 
the year 1715, and was the proprietor of that well-known seat 
and tract of land on the west side of the town called Chatsworth, 
which is occupied at present by Daniel B. Banks, on Franklin 
street; Mr. Buckner had not appai"ently been long settled in the 
countiy, but in 1726 became purchaser of several tracts of land in 
Patapsco Xeck. John Flemming, who has thus travelled down to 
posterity by Act of Assembly, and to whose memory a great city 
may now be almost deemed a monument, was a tenant of Mr. 
Carroll's ; and the antiquarian who revels in the occupation of 
deciphering the almost illegible remnants of the past, may deposit 
himself on the east side of South Charles street at the intersection 
of Lombard, and repeating, as he may do with perfect security, 
" here was once the homestead of John Flemming," enjoy at his 
ease the associations that the occasion may give rise to. The 
Commissioners of Baltimore Town were appointed for life, and 
were authorised to fill their own vacancies ; also empowered " to pur- 
chase (by agreement, or valuation of a jury) sixty acres of land, 
on the tract whereon John Flemming now lives, commonly known 
by the name of 'Cole's Harbor; ' and to lay out the same in the 
most convenient manner into sixty equal lots, to be erected into a 
town. The land being laid out, surveyed, marked, staked out and 
divided into convenient streets, lanes, &c., and the lots marked. 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 21 

numbered, &c., the owner of the hind to h;ive the first ehoicc for 
one hit, after which the remaining lots to be taken up by others, none 
to talve up more than one h^t during the first four months, nor any 
but the inhabitants of tlie county within six months after hxjang 
out ; after which vacant lots may be taken up by an}' other ])ersons. 
The takers-up of lots to ])ay the owner of the land the valuation 
of the sixty acres, proportionably to their lots, which shall give 
such purchasers, their heirs and assigns, an absolute estate, in fee 
simple, in said lots; they complying with the requisites in this 
Act mentioned. The surveyor to return a plat of the town to the 
County Clerk, to be by him kept among the county records. In 
case the taker-up of an}^ lot or lots neglect to build thereon within 
eighteen months, a house that shall cover 400 square feet, then 
may any other person enter upon such lot or lots so not built 
upon, paying the Commissioners, or person by them thereunto 
appointed, the sun\ first set and assessed upon such lot, for the use 
and benefit of the town ; provided, such second taker-up do build 
and finish, within eighteen months after such his entry made, such 
house as in this Act is before limited and appointed be built by the 
first taker-up; which house so built, shall give as good estate to such 
second taker-up as is b}' this Act settled upon the first taker-up 
and builder. If any lots remain untaken after seven years from 
the date of this Act, then shall the owner of the land (after such 
time has expired) bo possessed and interested in such lots, as in 
his first and former estate. The town to be called Baltimore 
Town ; the Commissioners to employ a sufficient clerk to make 
true and impartial entries of their proceedings, upon oath, 
which entries shall be made up into a well bound book, and 
lodged with the clerk of Baltimore county court, for the inspection 
of any person, saving to the Crown, the Lord Proprietor, all bodies 
politic and corporate, and all others not mentioned in this Act their 
several rights." On the first of Decembci', Messrs. Eichard Gist, 
"William Hamilton, Doctors Buchanan and Walker, agreed with 
Mr. Charles Carroll, acting for himself and brother Daniel, about 
the price and purchase of the sixty acres of land, to be erected 
into a town called Baltimore Town, in honor of the Lord Proprie- 
tary, who in his turn had borrowed his from a town of the same 
name, which stands on a promontory in the sea, in the County of 
Cork, Ireland, at the rate of forty shillings per acre in current 
money of Mar^'land, or tobacco, to be paid into the hands of the 
Sheriff of the County, at the rate of one penii}- ])cr ))0und. this 
to be ])aid by each " taker-up " of lots. 

1730. On the 12lh of Januar}', the commissioners, assisted by 
Phili]) Jones, the county surveN'or, laid off the town, commencing 
at a pf>int near the northwest corner of what is now called I'ralt 
and Light streets and running thence northwestei-ly, along or near 
IJhlcr's alley, towards what was then called a "great eastern 
road " and ''a great gully " or drain at or near .Sharp street, theuco 



22 CHROIS'ICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

across the present Baltimore sti-eet. east of the gulh' northeasterly 
■\vith the same road, afterwards called the Church road, and now 
McClellan's alley, to the precipice which overhung the falls at or 
near the southwest corner of St. Paul and v'^aratoga streets, then 
with the hank of Jones Falls (which then swept up to the last 
named corner) southwardly and eastwardly various courses, unto 
theloAv grounds which lay ten perches west of Gay street, including 
the African Bethel church lot. then due south along the margin of 
those low grounds to the bank on the north side of the river, 
which then came up to near the present Custom House and Post 
Office building, and thence by that bank various courses, nearly as 
Lombard street runs, westwardly and southwardly- to the first 
mentioned point, making thus by its original bounds the form of 
an ancient Ij're. The town was divided by Long street, now called 
Baltimore street, running 132f perches from east to west and four 
perches wide, intersected at right angles by Calvert street, then 
not named, 56^ perches from the hill near the falls north, to the 
riverside south, also four perches wide, and by Forrest street, 
afterwards called Chai-les street. 89 i perches in the same course, 
and three perches wide. There were also nine lanes of the 
width of one perch each, since widened and called South, Second, 
Light, Hanover, East, Belvedere, Lovely, St. Paul's and German 
streets. The lots,, containing about one acre each and num- 
bered from one to sixty, commencing on the north side of Long 
(Baltimore) street and running westward, returned eastward on 
the south side. On the 14th of January, and on several of the 
following days, the office was open for takers-iip, and it appears 
that the proprietor, Mr. Carroll, chose Xo. 49, which was the east 
side of Calvert street next the river bank. Mr. Gist taking the lot 
on the op])Osite side of Calvert street. Other lots were taken by 
Messrs. Walkei\ Jones, Jackson. Hammond, Price, Buckner. Sheri- 
dine. Powell. Ridgely, Trotten, Xorth, Hewitt, Gorsuch and Harris, 
all inhabitants of the vicinity; some did not improve in time, and 
their lots were taken by new settlers in succession, but some lots 
fell to the original proprietoi", not being taken up within seven 
years. Thus the first "Baltimore Town" was laid out and dis- 
posed of, but it was as we see a small aifair of sixty rough acres, 
comprised within the westernmost basin of the Patapsco on the 
south, the chalk hills of Charles and Saratoga streets on the north, 
the deep drain and gull}' which swept down about the present 
course of Liberty street and McClellan's alley on the west, and on 
the east of the big swamp, which bordering Jones Falls, ran np 
by its western flank as far on the present Frederick street as Sara- 
toga or Bath streets. Jones Falls, the absolute easternmost limit, 
swept round in a deep, liorse-shoe bend, a couple of squares above 
our Gay street bridge, the course of the horse-shoe penetrating as 
far as the corner of Calvert and Lexington streets, and thence 
going northeastwardly along the line of Calvert street. From the 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 23 

small quantity of ground originally 'taken for the town, and from 
the ditfieulty of extending the town in any direction, as it was 
surrounded by hills, water-courses or marshes, it is evident that 
the commissioners did not anticipate either its present commerce 
or population. The expense of extending streets, of building 
bridges, and ofMevelling hills and tilling marshes, to which their 
successors have been subjected, and which unfortunately increases 
that of preserving the harbor as improvements increase and soil is 
loosened, have been obstacles scarcely felt in other American cities, 
requiring immense capitals of themselves, against which nothing 
but the great local advantages for internal and external trade 
would have enabled the citizens to contend. The situation rela- 
tive to other ])arts of the country, however, afforded the most direct 
communication ; the proximity of better soil, the great security 
presented by the harbor, the abundance of stone, lime, iron and 
timber, and the proximity of seats for water-works, all contributing 
to make the first part of the town the centre around which addi- 
tions have been nearly equally made, affords some proof of the 
c^ommissioners' judgment and foi'esight. It is to be noticed also, 
that the lots toward the river Avere all taken within the first three 
days, and not one of those on Baltimore street, except that on the 
north side, next adjoining the great public road, now McClellan's 
alley. 

it appears that Roger Mathews was presiding justice at this 
time, and Thomas Sheridine sheriff, but the latter was succeeded 
the same 3'ear by John Hall. 

During thiss 3'ear a ship-carpenter, William Fell, brother of Ed- 
ward, who settled east of Jones Falls in 1726, bought the tract of 
land called Copus's Harbor, and built a mansion there, on the 
present site of Lancaster street, so that the subsequent improve- 
ments and disposition of the property have resulted in what still 
bears the name of •' Fell's Point." 

The situation of the town at this time was unhealthy, and would 
continue to be so until a large marsh was reclaimed. The alluvion 
of the falls, spreading from the shore from Harl'ord run to South 
street, already limited the channel of the river on the north side 
of it, and formed some islands which continued to be overflowed 
by high tides, until the islands and shoals were made fast land, as 
they now are. Certainly the commissioners were not regardless 
of the navigation, or they would not have located the town by the 
water; yet the exterior lines nowhere reached thb shore, and one 
street onl}-, Calvert sti'eet, aj)peared to communicate with it, for 
between the east end of Baltimore street and the falls, there was a 
marsh, and on the south, Charles street terininate(l at Uhler's 
spring branch, or rather a precipice which stood on the south side 
of it, as did the north end of Calvert street, at a greater precipice, 
where, indeed other commissioners closed the street by erecting 
the Court-house, whifh stood on a Idufl" overhanging the falls, 
precisely where the Battle ^Monument now stands. 



24 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMOEE. 

The zeal of the founders of our city furiiishes evidence this year, 
in the passage of an Act b}' the Assembly on the 16th of June, for 
the erection of a parish church in Baltimore, which, being the first 
church erected in the town, we will endeavor to give a brief his- 
tory of the same from the first knowledge we have of it, down to 
the present time. In Januar}-, 1675, Mr. Jeremiah Eaton in his 
will devised to the first Protestant minister who should reside in 
Baltimore County, and his successors, " Stokely Manner," contain- 
ing 550 acres, tip to this time there had been no resident Pro- 
testant, in other words Church of England, minister in the count}*. 
This Manor was about two miles south from Abington, as it is 
now called, and four or five miles northeast from Joppa, and six or 
seven miles from the bay. 

It is not probable that as yet there was a population of more 
than one thousand in the whole count}', which extended from 
below the Patapsco river to the north line of the Province, a dis- 
tance in a dii'ect line from north to south of more than forty miles, 
and a considerable proportion of it was on the south side of the 
Patapsco. The rest, save on the Spesutia? and Bush river neigh- 
borhood, were scattered widely distant from each other on the 
rivers and inlets along the bay. Little land could as yet have 
been brought under cultivation, and a house of unhewed timbers 
from the wild forest, afforded the most comfortable dwelling pos- 
sessed by any one. The original terms for seating lands in this 
country indeed had materially hindered the increase of popula- 
tion. Not only had the time fixed for the emigrants sailing from 
England been too short as well as unseasonable, but each one was 
obliged to keep three servants, above three 3-ears old, upon his 
plantation, which many were not able to do. Besides all this, 
through this vast region of wild forests lay the great war-path of 
the " Sasquesahanocks " and more northern Indians, in their too 
frequent forays on the Piscataway nations on the Patuxent. Of 
these a few were sometimes killecl in their passing through b}* the 
settlers, and revenge was not long delayed ; and when even not 
prompted by revenge, the lives and property of the settlers were 
alike a prey to their savage dejiredations. It is not long after this 
date that we have a petition, quite illustrative, to the General As- 
sembly, from Thomas Hawkins of this county, asking for relief, 
in which he states that the Indians had lately broken into his house 
with violence and spoiled him of all his goods, so that he had not 
a bed left him to lie on or a spoon left to eat his victuals with. It 
may not be out of place to mention here some account of the 
Indian tribes which inhabited Baltimore County, and the sur- 
rounding country. Captain John Smith, in his history, speaking 
of the habits and customs of the Indians, says : 

"When the}' need Walnuts the}' break them between two 
stones, yet some parts of the shels will cleave to the fruit. Then 
doe they dry them againe upon a Mat over a hurdle. After they 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 25 

put it into a inortei- of wood, and beat it very small. That done, 
the}- mix it with Avator, that the shels may sinko to the bottome. 
This water will be eoloured as milke, which they call Pawcohiccora, 
and keepe it for tlieir use. Of their Chesnuts and Chechinquamins 
bojdcd, they make both broath and bread for their chiefe men, or at 
their greatest feasts. They divide the year into five seasons. 
Their \\nnter some call Popanou\ the spring Cattapeuh; the sommer 
Cohattayough, the earing of their Corne Nepinough, the harvest 
and fall of leafe Taquitoek. From September untill the midst of 
November are the chiefe feasts and sacrifice. Then haue they 
plentie of fruits as well planted as naturall, as corne, greene and 
ripe, fish, fowle, and Avilde beasts exceeding fat. The greatest 
labour they take, is in planting their corne, for the Country natu- 
rally is overgrowne with wood. To pi'epare the ground they 
bruise the bai'ke of the trees neare the root, then doe they scortch 
the roots with fire that they grow no moi-e. The next 3'care with 
a crooked peece of wood the}' beat up the weeds by the rootes, and 
in that mould they plant their Corne. There manner is this: 
They make a hole in the earth with a sticke, and into it they put 
foure graines of wheate and two of beanes. These holes they 
make foure foote one from another. Their women and children 
do continually keepe it with weeding, and when it is growne middle 
high they hill it about like a hop-yard. Their corne they rost in 
the eare greene, and bruising it in morter of wood with a Polt, lap 
it in rowles in the leaues of their corne, and so boyle it for a 
daintie. As small as the proportion of ground that hath yet 
beene discovered, is in comparison of that yet vnknowne ; the 
people differ very much in stature, especially in language, as 
before is expressed. Some being very great, as the Sasquesaha nocks; 
others very Uttle, as the Wighcocomocoes : but general)}' browne 
when they are of any age, but they are borne white. Their hayre 
is generally blacke, but few haue any beards. The men weare halfe 
their beards shaven, the other halfe long; for Barljers they vse 
their women, who with two shels will grate away the hayre of anv 
fashions, agreeable to their yeares, but ever some part remaineth 
long. They are very strong, of an able body and full of agilitie, 
able to endure to lie in the woods vnder a tree by the fire in the 
worst of winter, or in the wecdes and grasse in ambuscado in the 
sommer. Some are of disposition feareful, some bold, most caute- 
lous, all savage. They are soone moued to anger, and so nuilicious 
that tliey seldome forget an ininry. For their ap])ai'ell they are 
sometimes covered with the slcinnes of M'ilde beasts, which in 
winter are dressed witii th(i hayre, but in sommer without. The 
better sort vse large; mantels of Deare skins, not much ditl'cring in 
fashion from the Irish mantels, some imbivxh-iHwl with white 
beads, some with Coj)])er, other painted aft<'r tlu'ir manner. But 
the common sort haue scarce to cover their miUednesse, but with 
grasse, the leaues of trees, or such like. Their women, some haue 



26 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

their legs, hands, breasts and face cunningly imbrodered with 
divers workes, as beasts, serpents, artificially wrought into their 
flesh with black spots. In each eare commonlj^ they haue 3 
great holes, whereat they hang chaines, bracelets, or copper. 
Some of their men weare in those holes, a small greene and yellow 
coloured snake, neare halfe a yard in length, which crawling and 
lapping her selfe about his necke oftentimes familiarly w^ould kisse 
his lips. Others weare a dead Eat tyed by the taile. Some on 
their heads weare the wing of a bird, or some large feather with a 
ilattell. Those Eattels are somewhat like the chape of a Rapier, 
but lesse, which they take from the taile of a snake. Many haue 
the whole skinne of a Hawke or some strange foule, stufted with 
the wings abroad. Others a broad peece of Copi^er, and some the 
hand of their enemy dryed. Their heads and shoulders are painted 
red with the roote Pocone brayed to powder, mixed with oyle, this 
they hold in summer to preserve them from the heate, and in winter 
from the cold. Many other formes of paintings they vse, but he 
is the most gallant that is the most monstrous to behold." 

In closing his description he says : " So then here is a place, a nurse . 
for souldiers, a practise for mariners, a trade for marchants, a reward 
for the good, and that which is most of all, a businesse (most accep- 
table to G-od) to bring such poore Infidels to the knowledge of God 
and his holy Gospell." 

Under all these circumstances, it is not wonderful that the early 
settlers of this country had not as yet been able to have the services 
of a minister ; and it was a noble Christian act for Mr. Eaton to 
provide as he did for the support of a resident minister, for this 
scattered, struggling, destitute people. The Rev. John Yeo, who 
removed to this county from Calvert about 1682, is the first Church 
of England clergyman, or any other of whom we have any mention, 
in Baltimore County. Mr. Eaton having made the provision 
which we have mentioned, it may have been some inducement to 
Mr. Yeo to remove to this county. The places for holding public 
worship were generally private dwellings ; for we have found no 
hint that there were any other than such in the coiinty, save St. 
George's, which was simply a log-building. St. Paul's Parish were 
accustomed to assemble for public worship in Pataj^sco JNeck, the 
neck of land between Back Creek and the Patapsco river, east 
from the city of Baltimore. Their place of assembling at that 
time, was probably from six to eight miles from the pi-esent city 
limits. Mr. Yeo was spared to minister here only a few brief 
years. He died in 1686, leaving a married daughter, and a son John, 
if no other children, to which son the Court gave his property, and 
made Miles Gibson his administrator. 

Within three j^ears after the death of Mr. Yeo, on the first of 
August, 1689, occurred what is called the Protestant revolution in 
Maiyland. On that day the government of the Province was seized 
by the Protestants, without bloodshed, Avhich put an end here to 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 27 

the Tionum Catliolic nilo and doiniiuition. The <;x)vei'niiieiU 
passed into the hands of a Protestant Convention of the Colonies, 
and Lord Bahiniore's officei's were deposed. After its eontinuance 
for two years an<l a half the government of the Province was taken 
in charge by King AVilliani and Queen Mar}-, and early in the 
spring of 1692 Gov. Copley arrived as their Majesties' Governor. 
In this government no Eonian Catholic was permitted to hold 
office. 

By the Act establishing the Church of England in the Province, 
passed on the 9th of June, 1692, every taxable inhabitant (and such 
were all male persons, and female slaves, female mulattoes born of 
white persons, and free negro women), of the age of sixteen, were 
obliged to pay 40 pounds of tobacco annually to the su])port of the 
parish minister. Patapsco Hundred, or St. Paul's Parish, in the 
returns of the year 1694 to the County Court, contained 231 taxable 
inhabita,nts, equal to 8240 pounds of tol)acco, or 8226 less than one 
dollar tax to each inhal)itant. Under the Act of 1692, the several 
parishes having been determined or defined, the freeholders of each 
parish were then directed to meet by the ai^pointment of the 
County Justices, and make a choice of six vestry-men. .Such an 
appointment having been made, the freeholders of Patapsco Parish, 
as it was then called, now known as St. Paul's, accordingly met and 
elected a vestry. But of that meeting we find no record. That 
they however did so meet and make then an election, the following 
entry, found in the records of the Baltimore County Court for' 
1693. folio 126, fully proves. It is this : 

"We, the Vestrymen for Patapsco Hundred, met together at the 
house of Maj. John Thomas," when it was determined "that at 
Pettetes old held was the most convenient place to erect a church, 
and also appointed John Gay to be clerk of the Vcstiy, Mr. Wat- 
kings being absent. And at another meeting at Master Demondidies, 
did confirm the above mentioned proceedings. Mr. Watkings also 
absent. George Ashman, Nicholas Corban, John Terry, llichard 
Sampson, Francis Watkings, l^ichard Cromwell." This record thus 
tells of two vestry meetings, of what was done at, and who the 
vcstrj'-men were. Such were the beginnings at the organization 
of this parish one hundred and seventy-nine years ago. 

General Toliias Stansltury, who died in 1849, aged 92 yeai's. said 
that the old St. Paul's Church stood about thii'ty or forty rods west of 
where the Sollers Point road leaves the Xorth Point road on tlie 
left side as you go cast. It was built f)f brick. In 1769 it was 
then ill ruins, and the l)ones of the dead bui'ied there were removed 
to Baltimore town. The plough has not left a trace of the old 
building on the spot where it stood. 

In 1702 St. I'aul's was made a missionary parish, niaiidy undci- 
the ministry of Uev. Wm. Tiblts. who does not apjiear to havi- bin ii a 
faitlifid rector. After several unsuccessful attem])ts fo build a new 
chui'(-h. tin- iiai'ish at hist siiccticdi'd. and about 1702 Isiiill. as is 



28 CHEONICLES OF BALTIMOEE. 

supposed, the one mentioned b}- Gen. Stansbury. On the 2d of 
January 1728, Mr. Thomas Sheredine and Mr. Eichard Gist havino- 
been appointed a committee by the vestry to purchase a site for 
the building of a ucay church, purchased two acres of kind of Mr. 
Moses Edwards, on the old York road near Walsh's tan-yard. The 
vestry afterwards, on the 8th of July, 1729, decided to build at Mr. 
Edward Eells', who lived east of Jones Falls. 

On the 16th of June, 1730, an Act was passed by the General 
Assembly " for the Building a Church in Baltimore County, and in 
a Town called Baltimore Town, in St. Paul's Parish." Bacon says : 
" The Act of 1727 having impowered the Vestrj'-men and Church 
wardens to purchase one or more acres of land, and thereon to build 
a Parish Church ; in pursuance whereof, land was purchased but 
not built on ; and the same being very inconvenient, the present 
Act impowers the Vestry-men and Church-wardens to purchase a 
Lot in Baltimore-Town and to cause a Church to be built thereon ; 
which shall be the Parish Church of the said Parish, and be called 
St. Pauls Church, and directs, that the Tobacco to be raised by the 
afore recited Act, be applied to the Building a Church in the Town 
as aforesaid." Under the provisions of this Act, on the first of July, 
1730, the vestry having abandoned the idea of building at Mr. Fells', 
as they had previously determined, on the lot purchased on the old 
York road, agreed with Doctor George Walker for lot No. 19 on 
the town plat, to build the church on. This lot was the most 
elevated point on the plat, and it is on the northwest corner of 
that lot that the present St. Paul's now stands — on the corner of 
Saratoga and Charles streets. The lot then extended south below 
Lexington street, and eastward to St. Paul's street. 

On the 28th of July, 1730, the vestry again met, and agreed with 
Thomas Hartwcll to build the walls of the new church, which were 
to be 50 feet by 23 feet in the clear, and 18 feet high from the floor 
to the ceiling, for £40 ; the vestry to haul the bricks, lime and sand. 
They also agreed with Charles Wells to make 100.000 bricks, to be 
delivered at or upon the last day of October, and May then suc- 
ceeding, for £90 currency. On the 3d of November the vestry 
agreed with Mr. John Moale and Mr. William Hammond to get the 
rafters, six window-frames, two for each side, and one for each end, 
and two door-frames, one for the southeast side, and the other for 
the end, for £59 5s. currency, or tobacco at 105 per hundred at the 
same amount. On the 2d of Februar}^ 1731, the vestry agreed 
with Mr. Hammond to build a vestr3"-house in Baltimore Town, 16 
feet by 12, in height 7i feet, for which they were to pay £6. They 
also agreed with Mr. Charles Eidgely to draw the brick for £10, 
and Mr. Jonas Eobinson to furnish 1500 bushels of lime, at the 
place where the church Avas to be built, for 6d. currency per bushel. 
On the 9th of xVpril Mr. Hartwell failed in his contract, and the 
vestry agreed with Mr. John Babcock to build the walls of the 
church for £50 currcncv. On the 11th of October 1732, Eev. AYm. 



CHEONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 29 

Tibbs died. IIo was succeeded by Rev. Joseph Hooper. Owing to 
the failures in fultilling contracts and other delays, the church was 
not completed until 1739, a period of eight years from the time 
work was first commenced. Mr. Hooper died Jul}- 12th, 1730, and 
was buried in the church. He was succeeded by the Eev. Benedict 
Bourdillon, July 2S)(h, 1739. He died January 5th, 17-15, greatly 
lamented. On the 11th of February 1745, l^ev. Thomas Chase was 
appointed rector by (lov. Bladen. At the meeting of the vestry 
on the 30th of June, 1753, they ordered that the middle jiortionof 
the front gallery be taken down. This was done in order to place 
the organ there, which had been purchased by subscription from 
Mr. Adam L^-nn, to put in its place. At this period the church 
also had a bell. On the first of June the vestry ordei-ed a brick 
wall to be built around the chui'ch. After an eventful and useful 
ministry of thirty-four j'ears, Dr. Chase, father of Samuel Chase, 
one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence, &c., &c., died 
on the 4th of April 1779, and was succeeded, by Rev. Wm. West, 
D. D., who became rector June 7, 1779. 

On the 1st of November 1779, the vestry resolved to build a 
new church ; and on the 25th of April 1780, the corner-stone was laid 
Avith religious services by Rev. Wm. West. This church was 
erected with the assistance of money raised by lottery, which 
realised $33,443 currency. It was finished May 10th, 1784, when 
the pews, 83 in number, Avere distributed " by ballot." The church 
Avas opened May 30th at Whitsuntide. The Rev. Mr. West preached . 
from Psalm cxxii. 1 : " I was glad when they said unto me. Let us 
go into the house of the Lord." This new edifice stood a little 
at the south of the centre of the square, and just in front of the 
old one. Its appearance was similar to St. Peter's which lately 
stood on the southeast coi-ner of Sharj) and German streets, except 
that it was not quite so large. At the east end there was au 
immense window of common glass, which during the morning 
service would have poured an intolerable light into the church but 
for the protection of a green baize curtain. It had three large 
doors, moi'c imposing than any belonging to the structure to which 
it has just been compared. One was at the west end, and was 
seldom entirel}' opened, but access was given to the church through 
a sort of wicket cut in one side. The other two doors were on the 
south side ; one of them was closed and plastered on the inside, but 
on the outside it appeared as a door. This was the eastern one of 
the two ; the western was the principal entrance. 

The church stood on very high ground, surx'ounded on three 
sides by the graveyard. On the south side was a terrace, paved 
with imported brick and shaded b}' sycamore trees. From the 
terrace to the two south doors it was reached by flights of rough 
stone stej)s, three or four stejis each, and the ground descended to 
New Church street, now called Lexington, by three or four of 
what gardeners call falls. At Lexington street was a fence, the 



30 OHUONIOLKS OV HALTIMOKM. 

g:\lo of" which WHS jihoiil h;»ll\v:iy holwocn llio pivsonl <U)(>i's 
of Mr. llodiios ;uid Prof. Ihill. Tho iiilorior Mpitoiii-ain'o oi' (ho 
ohm\'l» was voit hoavy. 'I'ho gaUorios woro vsolul wainsooltiiiii 
jnul sui>iH>v(oil hy hiViio solid pillars. Tho jiallorios woiv roai-hod by 
two vory massive lliixlits ol' stairs. Tho )>o\\ s woro (l>o old-l'ashiouod 
squaro (h>xos, vory luuh. In (ho original plan o\' iho ohuroh (horo 
woro tivoaislos. 'I'horo was no vos( i-y-roon» ; (ho niinistor put on his 
roho hohind a rod stilV ourtain suspondod troni an iron rod. Tho 
boll romainod in (ho (owor built in tho tin\o ot' tho fornior ihurih. 
Tho orpm was plaood in tho wost u'sdlory. in front ol' whirh 
was a desk, from whioh (ho olork u\ado tho rosponso. Thoro was 
no ohoir. and tho or^an was gonorally so n\uoii on{ o\' ropair as to 
ho usoloss until tho prosonl oontury. 

In Ajiril 1785. it appoarsfroni thorooorilsot" thisdato. that thooom- 
n\union turniluro oonsisloilof oiio silver ]ila(o. two napkins, ono table 
oKuh. ono ]>ew(or basin, and one lireon olo(h oover for (he oom- 
n^union (al>lo. In (ho sanve year (he old ohuroh was used for a 
school-house by Kev. Wm. IS'ixon. In Noven\ber I78l>, the old 
ohuroh, excepting the bell-tower, was ordered to be torn down, and 
the brick to no used ii\ a wall to be j^laced around the church lot. 
h\ ITlU a new parsoiuiiiv was tinished. on ground donated by John 
Imager Howard, at the head oi^ Liberty street, where the rector now 
resiiles. The house which had been heretofore occu]uevl as a par- 
sonage, and in which Or. West resided, was on the northwest corner 
of the intersection of Charles and Lexington streets, nearly opposite 
the chuivh. It was a one-story frame building with a " hij) roof." 
and was painted red. had a yard in front ornan\onted with trees 
and shrubbeiy. There was then no house between the parsonage 
and one on the south side of Bal(in\ore street. 

On the 22d oi' June. 1788. the tirst Convention ol' the Oiocese 
met. and adopted a constitution adapted to the new state oi alfairs, 
resulting fron\ the independence of the I'nited States, and the 
separation oi slate and church at^airs. Dr. West died March 30th. 
17iU. June I7th, Kev. Joseph Ci. J. IVnU. D. D.. was elected rector, 
whose ministry was signalised by a violent controversy with a Hev. 
^ti\ Ralph. l\ov. John Ireland was made associate rector, December 
8th. 17;H>. and removed October I7(h. 180L On the 10th of June, 
1707, the church was consecrated by Bishop Claggett, On the 8th 
of April, 1802. Rev. Elijah Hattoone was (hen elected associate, lie 
was succeeded by Hev. James Whitehead, March 24. 180G. who died 
August 24, 1808*; and he by Kev, Frederick Beaslev, 1>. D,, August 
7, 1807. Upon the death "of Rov. Dr. Bend, Xoven\ber 25th, 1812, 
Kev. IV, James Kemp was elected rector — a man oi high literary 
and seiontitic cultuiv, and an author of much repute, lie died sud- 
denly, from injuries received by the upsetting of a stage-coach, 
October 28th, " 1827. Eev. William Wyuit was elected May 3d, 
1814, as associate rector, and afterwards. November, 1827, rector; 
and after a most useful and distinguished ministry of 50 veal's, died 
uuivei*sallv lamented, June 24th, i8G4. 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 31 

On the 4th da}' of May, 1814, the corner-stone of the new St. 
Paul'n Church, was laid, with appropriate ceremonies, Rev, Dr. 
Kemp delivering the addre?*.-'. This church was situated where the 
present one now stands. Jt was a spacious and noble edifice, of the 
Grecian Doric order, 126 feet in length by 84 feet in breadth. The 
portico was supported by four fluted marble columns, and the steeple 
was considered the handsomest in the United States. The church 
was finished in 1817, K. C. Long architect, and cost 8126.140. On 
Saturday morning, April 20th. 1854, shortly after one o'clock A. M., 
the stately edifice of St. Paul's was discovered to be in flames. The 
rain was failing heavily, but upon forcing the doors, it was per- 
ceived that the flames had gained great headway in a room in the 
back part of the building, immediately over the altar, and in that 
place most certain to en.sure the complete destruction of the build- 
ing. At about this stage of the fire, Dr. Colburn, the Secretary 
of the Episcopal Convention, residing directly opposite, assisted by 
others, succeeded, after great exertions and no little danger, in re- 
moving from the church the iron safe containing the records and 
other valuable papers of the Diocese of Marjland. The firemen 
labored hard to arrest the progress of the flames, but this was im- 
possible, in consequence of the elevated position of the building 
and the scarcity of water. The fire gaining increased power, .soon 
swept through the building, forced through the roof, and illumined 
the darkness of night by its glare. Its towering torch gained 
access to the beautiful steejjle, and then the terribly grand spec- 
tacle was complete. The bell fell from its air}- perch, and the 
crashing timbers throughout sent a chill to tiie heart of many a 
silent witness of the picture ; the fire had subdued its victim, and 
the raging element ceased. 

The rebuilding of St. Paul's was at once entered on, ^vithout 
the indecision of an hour on the part of the vestrj- or the congre- 
gation, and being finished, was dedicated, by Bishop Whittin<;ham 
on the 10th of Januarj*, 1856, assisted by the Kev. Drs. Wyatt, 
Johns, and Balch, and liev. Messrs. Crane, Rankin. Lcakin, String- 
fellow, Thos. J. Wyatt, C. C. Adams, McFarland, Piggot. Reed, 
Rich, Schroeder, Bausman, Cox. Swope. Spoon, Tuttle, Harrison, 
and Allen. The building is Xorman Gothic, designed by Mr, Up- 
john of Xew York. The walls of the previous building remain 
entire, with the addition of a new front, bringing the church much 
nearer to the street than it was before. The bell-tower if finished 
would be one hundred and fifty feet high, but in view of the west- 
ward and northward march of the population, including the mem- 
bers of the church, it may never be completed; the sacred edifice 
itself being perhaps destined to give j)lacu to other buildings. 

1731. The county town of Joppa being aflBicted by small-pox, 
the Legislature suspended the sessions of the court, which njade it 
verj' dangerous for the ma^strates and people to meet from June 
court till first Tuesday in ^November, a circumstance the more un- 



32 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

fortunate for the place, as Baltimore Avas then preparing to become 
its rival. 

1782. On the 8th day of August the Assembly passed "An Act 
for ereetini>: a Town on a creek, divided on the East from the 
Town lately laid out in Baltimore County, called Baltimore Town, 
on the land' whereon Edwartl Fell keeps store." (Samuel Ogle, Esq., 
Governor.) By this Act Major Thomas Sheridine. Capt. Eobert 
North, and Messrs. Thomas Todd, John Coekey and John Boring 
were appointed Commissioners, who also appointed Doctor Walker 
their clerk. The}- were empowered to purchase by agreement with 
the ownicr, or in case of such owner's refusal, cS:c., by valuation of 
a jurj' — (a common custom at the present day, when an indi- 
vidual's land is taken for public purposes, on his being paid what 
twelve of his neighbors, who have no property similarly situated, 
think that he ought to be satistied with) — ten acres of land out of 
the said tract lying most convenient to the water, and to k}^ out 
the same into twenty lots, &e.. to be numbered from one to twenty 
for better distinction thereof, &c., &c., &c. The town to be 
called Jonas Town, but afterwards Jones's Town, in compli- 
ment to one of the former owners of the land. The new town 
was laid off on Wednesday-, November 22d, 1732, in twenty lots, 
valued at 150 pounds of tobacco each, on that part of " Cole's 
Harbor " which was first improved, east of the Falls, and where 
Edward Fell kept store, belonging, it is said in the return of the 
jury, to the orphan children oi' Richard Colgate. The conditions 
of settlement were similar to those of Baltimore Town, except 
that the possessors of lots in this town were to pay the Proprie- 
tary one penny sterling per lot annually. Major Sheridine had 
taken up land in the county as early as 1721, and in 1734 purchased 
the Kigsbury lands at the head of Back river, where the furnace 
was atterwards erected, and General Smith built a mill. Capt. 
North, who took the lot No. 10 at the northwest corner of Balti- 
more and Calvert Streets, and upon the laying out of Jones's ToAvn, 
had visited the Patapsco and cai-ried freights in the ship Content, 
Avhich he commanded, as early as 1723. Mr. Thomas Todd was 
the son and heir of Capt. Thomas Todd, who removed from Vir- 
ginia and purchased the land at North Point in 1664, which had 
been first taken up by Messrs. William Batten and Thomas Thomas. 
Mr. John Coekey purchased lands near Patapsco in 1728 ; the year 
after, his brother Thomas settled in the Limestone Valley, on the 
York Road. Mr. Boring was a merchant, whose father had 
bought several tracts of land on Patapsco Neck as early as 1679. 
Jones's Town consisted of three streets, or one street with courses 
■corresponding with the meanders of the bank of the Falls, from 
a great gullj- at Pitt Street to the ford at the intersection of 
the old road where French Street commences, and which was 
iiftcrwards called Front, Short, and Jones Streets ; on the last of 
which, at the southwest corner of Bridge, or Gay Street as since 
called, and the only cross street, stood Mr. Fell's store. 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 



33 • 



Improvements were soon made on the east side of the Falls, by 
which, and from the early settlement of Cole, Gorsuch, or Jones, it 
obtained the name which it now bears of " Old Town." The com- 
munication with Baltimore Town being obstructed by the passage 
of the Falls, was so inconvenient by the ford that a bridge was 
soon erected where Gay Street bridge now stands, by the respec- 
tive inhabitants of the towns. 

Edward Hall was presiding Justice in 1732, and Sheriff in 1734, 
when Col. William Hamilton was presiding Justice. 

1735. On the 23d of April the Assembly passed an Act to prevent 
the injuring of harbors within this Province. By this Act masters 
of vessels and others were j^rohibited, under a penalty of £50 
currcTicy, from casting ballast into the bay above Cedar Point, nor 
into any river, creek or harbor below high-water mark, nor to un- 
load ballast but between the rising and setting of the sun. 

1736. John Stokes, Clerk of the county, died, and was suc- 
ceeded bj- his son, Humphrey W. Stokes. Col. William Hammond 
was Sheriff, and Kichard Gist presiding Justice. 

1738. In this year Col. Nicholas Eidgely was Sheriff. Mr. 
Edward Fell died, leaving a daughter, or daughters, in England, 
but bestowed his property here on his brother's son Edward. 

1739. On the 29th of August Captain Michael Willson, of the 
good ship Farad and Gaily, published according to law that he was 
up for freight; and it appears fi'om the records that he received 
one hogshead of leaf tobacco, shijiped by Avai'ila Day, and con- 
signed to Messrs. Delmitt and Heathwat of London, at the rate of 
£7 sterling per ton. This is the first vessel we find in the records 
of Baltimore County published according to law for freight. 

1740. Mr. John Moale died, bequeathing his lands near Balti- 
more to his two surviving sons, John and Kichard. 

1741. Thos. Brereton was clerk of the count}'. On the 19th 
day of Feljruar}-, for the sum of 40 pounds sterling money of 
Great Britain, Mr. Jonathan Hanson sold to Mr. Edward Fottrell 
all of his the said Hanson's right, title and interest in the lands 
lying ujjon Jones Falls, being part of the tract called " Cole's 
Harbor," containing by estimation about 30 acres, and also all of 
his interest and property of and into 20 acres of land lying on 
both sides of Jones Falls : the latter being taken by Jonathan 
Hanson and George Walker in 1735 by virtue of the law for ap- 
propriating mill-seats. Walker also sold his interest this year to 
Fottrell for 120 pounds paper money of the Province. Mr. 
Edward P'ottrell was a gentleman from Ireland, and imported the 
materials and erected the first brick house with freestone corners, 
and the tirst which was two stories without a "hip-roof" in the 
town. It stood near the northwest corner of Calvert and Fayette 
streets, on or near the lot at present occupied by Reverdy John- 
son's mansion, opposite Barnuin's Hotel, and was the duelling 
house of Mr. Fottrell. He returned to Ireland belore the llevolu- 

3 



34 CHEONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

tion, when his property was confiscated and sold. Our worthy 
forefathers did not, at this period, arrive at the stature of so high 
a fact as to believe that there Avas earth in Marj'land which could 
be made into a brick, much "less that they were daily walking over 
a soil which was destined to be fashioned into the material of a 
beautiful city, whose architectural renown should be in some de- 
gree connected with the unrivalled excellence of its brick. 

1742. Mr. Thomas Harrison, merchant, arrived from England, 
and built a house near the northeast corner of South and Lombard 
streets, buying the lots nearest the water on each side of South 
street. 

On the 29th of October St. Thomas's Parish was taken from St. 
Paul's, and the new parish church of that name was erected about 
ten miles northwest of the town. 

Major Thomas Sheredine was presiding Justice, and John 
Eidgely sheriff. 

On the 20th of January, Mrs. Elizabeth Groor shipped on board 
the ship Swan, Capt. Joseph Tuck, four hogsheads of Maryland 
leaf tobacco, consigned to Jonathan Foward, of London, at the 
rate of nine pounds sterling per ton. 

1744. On the 22d of August, John Boyley shipped on board the 
Elizabeth, Capt. David Frazer, 4 hogsheads Maryland leaf tobacco, 
consigned to Joseph Adams, London, at the rate of nine pounds 
sterling per ton. 

1745. The Assembly of Maryland, on the 28th of September, 
passed a supplementary and additional Act to the Act entitled, "An 
Act for erecting a town on the north side of Patapsco, in Balti- 
more County, and for laying out in lots sixty acres of land in and 
about the place where John Flemming now lives; and to an Act 
entitled. An Act for erecting a town on a creek divided on the east 
from the town lately laid out in Baltimore County, called Balti- 
more Town, on the land whereon Edward Fell keeps store." 
(Thomas Bladen, Esq., Governor.) "On the joint petition of the 
inhabitants of Baltimore and Jones's Town, in the County of Bal- 
timore, it is herein enacted : 

"1st. That the same Towns, now called Baltimore and Jones's 
Town, be incorporated into one entire Town, and for the future 
called and known by the name of Baltimore Town and by no 
other name. 

" 2d. The bridge built by the inhabitants on the branch that 
divided the said Towns, shall for the future be deemed a public 
bridge, and repaired and kept, &c., at the charge of Baltimore 
County. 

" 3d. Certain Commissioners (Maj. Thomas Sheridine, Doctor 
G. Buchanan, Capt. Eobert North, Colonel William Hammond, 
Capt. Darby Lux, and Messrs. Thomas Harrison and William Fell), 
seven in number, appointed to see the present and former acts, 
relating to the Towns before mentioned, put in execution, and 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 35 

cause them to be eiirefully Hurveycd by their outlines, tliercin in- 
cluding the branch over which the britlge is built; and nhall from 
time to time (for preventing disputes.), cause all the lots taken up 
and improved, or that shall hereafter be taken up, &c., to be reg- 
ularly surveyed, substantially and lairly bounded, and numbered. 

"4th. On the death, removal, or declining to act, of any com- 
missioner, the major part of the remaining commissioners shall 
appoint another to serve in the stead of sueh commissioner 
dying, &c. 

'•5th. Disputes about the bounds of lots shall be fully deter- 
mined by a majority of the said commissioners; and to prevent 
partiality herein, the commissioners, or a major part, shall meet 
at least once a year, and see that a boundary to each lot be kept 
up and preserved, in manner before prescribed ; and cause other 
sutticient boundaries to be fixed in the room of any missing or 
decayed. 

'•6th. The commissioners have power to employ a clerk (Wil- 
liam Lux, son of Darby Lux, was appointed in place of Doctor 
AValker, who died in 1743,) who shall be under oath fairly and 
honestly to enter in a book, to be kept for that purpose, all the 
proceedings of the said commissioners relating to the town ; in 
which book, among other things, shall be kept a fair plat of the 
said town, describing every lot by its right number, and who the 
taker-up was, or shall be; and to prevent corruption, all or any of 
said commissioners, and their successors, shall have recourse to 
the clerk's book as frequently as they please without fee or 
reward. 

" 7th. The commissioners are impowered to levy, assess, and 
take by way of distress, if needful, from the inhabitants of the 
town, by even and equal proportion, the sum of 3» pounds yearly, 
to be paid to their clerk ; and also have power to place and displace^ 
their clerk as often as they shall think lit. 

"8th. The commissioners for the time being, may, by duo 
course of law, or any other legal manner, in the name of the said 
commissioners, or the major part of them, take, demand and 
recover any money which shall be found due to the first commis- 
sioners nominated for the said towns, from any takers-up of lots 
by virtue of the original laws for laj'ing out the same ; which 
money they shall apply to the uses intended by the said original 
Acts, and in no other manner. 

",'Hh. All after purchasers of lots, whether before or after the 
making uf this Act, shall be deemed to be within the said town, 
j)rovidcd tlicir lots shall hv within the outlines thereof; and shall 
have as good estate in their lots as if taken up, in)proved and paid 
lor under the original laws erecting the said town. 

" 10th. All improvements, oi' what kind soevei", either w liarl, 
houses, or other buildings, that have or shall be made out ol' the 
water, or where it usually Hows, shall (as an encouragement to 



36 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

such imjirovers) be forever deemed the right, title and inheritance 
of such improvers, their heirs and assigns forever. 

"11th. JS^one shall keep or raise any swine, geese, or sheep, 
within the said town, unless they be well inclosed within some lot 
or pen. 

" 12th. All takers-up of lots, therein directed, shall have a sure 
indefeasible estate of inheritance, in fee simple, in the lots by them 
taken up ; any law, custom, &c., notwithstanding." 

Of the Commissioners, Capt. Lu.k commanded a ship in the 
London trade as early as 1733 and 1743, purchased the lots num- 
ber 43 and 44 on the west side of Light street, where he resided 
and transacted much business. 

On the 28th of September the Assemby passed a law for the 
"prevention of frauds and abuses, frequently practiced by greedy 
avaricious traders in pork, beef, tar, turjjentine, and pitch, who for 
their own private luci'e and gain, not only make and set up badly 
made and hooped small barrels, but slightly pack and deceitfully 
fill the same, to the great prejudice of the trade of this Province 
in the commodities and merchandise, &c., &c." 

On the 27th of November, Mr. Charles Eidgely shipped on board 
the Three Friends, Capt. David Livingston, six hogsheads of Mary- 
laud leaf tobacco, consigned to Messrs. Williams & Kothlitt, Lon- 
don, at the rate of 12 pounds sterling per ton freight, and 5 pounds 
on each hogshead for insurance. 

1746. Mr. AVm. Fell dying during this year, he was succeeded 
by Mr. Alexander Lawson as one of the town Commissioners. 

On the 2d of December, Jacob Gupon shipped on board the 
Fredericli, Capt. James Hall, 10 hogsheads of Maryland leaf tobacco, 
consigned to William Black, London, at the rate of 12 pounds per 
ton, and 5 pounfls per hogshead insurance. 

1747. The communication by the bridge, which brought the 
great eastern road fi^om the ford directly through both parts of 
the tOAvn, gave value to the intermediate grounds, and the whole 
land and marsh, containing twenty-eight acres in all, was purchased 
of Mr. Carroll by Mr. Harrison in 1747, for 160 pounds sterling; 
and on the 11th of July the Assembly passed "An Act for the 
enlargement of Baltimore Town, in Baltimore Coun ty, &c. (Samuel 
Ogle, Esq., Governor.) The inhabitants of Baltimore Town, in 
Baltimore County, petitioned to the General Assembly that there 
is between what was formerly called Jones's Town and Baltimore 
Town, a parcel of land of about eighteen acres which is not in- 
cluded in what was called Jones's Town, nor in Baltimore Town, 
which, by means of a bridge which is alreadj^ built, reduce the said 
places into one, which would be an encouragement to people to 
build and improve, and they beg that the same may be laid out in 
lots, and made part of Baltimore Town." The Act was passed, by 
which Gay and Frederick and pai't of Water and Second streets 
were laid off, with eighteen acres of ground. This addition, prin- 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 37 

cipnlh' on the west side of the Falls, contuiued all the fast laml hc- 
twcen tlie eastern limits of the first town and the Falls. T<i/cers- 
up of lots were to agree with and pay the owners of the grounds, 
as for the former addition. The Conunis.^ioners were authorised 
to open and widen streets or alleys, with the consent of the pro- 
prietors, and remove nuisances, and also to hold two annual fairs, 
the fii'st Thursday of May and October, with privileges from civil 
process daring the fairs. Housekeepci"s were subject to a fine of 
10 shillings if they did not " keep a ladder high enough to extend 
to the top of the roof of such house, or if their chimnies blazed out 
at top." 

During this year the shipj^ing interests of Baltimore and 
vicinity showed a wonderful increase from one vessel a year to 
seven. The following is a copy of one of the advertisements : 

"I herewith publish the freight of the ahi]) Baltimore now at 
anchor in Patapsco river, burthen 450 tons or thei-eabouts, carr}-^- 
ing twenty guns, six pounders, and fort}' hands, at the rate of 
twelve pounds sterling per ton, with insurance at five pounds ster- 
ling per hogshead, the freighter consigning their tobacco to Stephen 
Theod. Jansson, Esq., merchant in London. In witness whereof 
I have set my hand and seal this 26th of June, 1748. 

"John Anter." [seal.] 

Captain Antho Beck, of the Francis and Elizabeth, publishes 
that she "mounts ten guns; as good as can be made of wood, and 
the best sailing ship in Maryland; takes in tobacco for Mr. John 
Philpott &, Co., at £14 sterling per ton, and shall be glad to see ni}'' 
friends on board the said ship at any time they please." 

Often at this period when vessels were up for freights, they 
would be compelled to wait three and four months until they could 
get a cargo. We find from the records that Captain Darby Jjux 
paid for some time, three pounds sterling per day demurrage, "the 
tobacco not being ready and collected for that purpose." Mr. 
John Toward, merchant in London, writing to Captain John 
Jackson, says, "Capt. Lux will supplj- you with rum to treat my 
friends when they come on board, and Mr. Blackburn will supply 
you with a good parcel of your north country ale, which ma}' bo 
the means of getting dispatched a month earliei'." 

174S. Messrs. Leonard and Daniel Barnetz, from Yoi-k', Fa., 
erected a brewery at the southwest corner of Baltimore and Han- 
over streets, now replaced by stores. These gentlemen, if not the 
first, were among the first of the (iermans, or the descendants of 
Germans, whose successive emigration from that Proviiici', with 
capital and industry employed here, contributed so essentially to 
aid the original settlers. 

Capt. Darby Lux was elected a delegate in the place of Col. 
Hall. Talbot Risteau was clerk of tlie county at this time. 

During the year there were fifteen vessels published according 
to law, up for freight in the rivers running into flic Fata])sc(), all 
bound for London. 



38 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMOEE. 

1749. Mr. Thomas Sheredine and Thomas Sleigh bought of Mr. 
Hurst and of Eichard Colgate's sons, John and Thomas, their 
several rights to the residue of Cole's Harbor and Mountenay's 
Neck, east of the Falls, and High street from Plowman to French 
street, with lots on each side, including eighteen acres of groiind, 
which is added to the town. 

1750. On the 2d of June, the General Assembly, in pursuance 
of a petition from the inhabitants of that portion of Baltimore 
County, caused about 25 acres of land, on the north and east sides 
of Baltimore Town, formerly called Jonas's Town, to be survej^ed 
and laid out into lots and streets, and to be declared to all intents 
and purposes a part of Baltimore Town. 

A house for the inspection of tobacco was erected on the west 
side of Charles street, and near the head of the inlet into which 
Uhler's spring emptied, and a public wharf commenced at the 
south end of Calvert street, a long time called the " County 
Wharf." Messrs. Lawson, Hammond, and Lux, three of the com- 
missioners, entered notices of their intention to improve into the 
water, and did actually erect houses on the bank near the shore, 
the first of wood, on the east, and the last of brick, on the west 
side of Light street, near the west end of Bank street (Mercer), 
and the other further east, near South street. 

Our annals about this date are embellished Avith an exploit of 
some unction, in an historical fact pleasantly demonstrative of the 
vivacity and of the picturesque imagination of the founders of our 
city. For what reason connected with our position in reference 
to foes either foreign or domestic, Ave have never been able to find 
out ; but there was a vague and latent opinion in Baltimore for 
several j^cars, that the inhabitants were dangerously exposed to 
the incursions of an enemy. We have on one occasion at least — 
just after Braddock's defeat — the tradition of a panic which drove 
the country people into the town, and the town's-people into the 
boats of the harbor — suddenly and strangely apprehensive of 
mischief that never came. This peculiarity of opinion or temper, 
or whatever it might have been, suggested, at an early period, to 
the inhabitants the policy of building a defensive fortification. So 
our people went to work and I'aised a subscription, and having 
provided the funds, straightway — under the direction of what 
militarj' engineer we know not, for history has not preserved his 
name — but what we suppose Avas intended to be considered and 
regarded as a fence or wall of defence around the AA^hole inland 
border of the tOAvn ; thus showing very clearly that the enemy 
against Avhom this provision was made, Avas not of the maritime 
or salt-water kind. In this formidable wall, Avhich, it is to be noted, 
was not pierced for cannon, there were two great gates to admit 
the friendly tra\''eller, or to be shut in the face of the unfriendly 
one. The first of these gates Avas at the west end of Baltimore 
street, and Avas placed someAvhere very near the present intersec- 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 39 

tion of McClellun's alloy. The second gate for carriages opened into 
the upper part of North Gay street, not far, we conjecture, from 
the stone house at the corner of Front street. Between these two 
great portals a smaller gate, for the use of foot-passengers — a 
postern, it may be called — was cut through the fence near the 
head of Charles street, that is to say about the intersection of 
Saratoga. This line of fortitication never had its virtue put to the 
trial b}' any attack fi-om abroad, Init like some of the most distin- 
guished martyrs of history, it sank before ]irivy sedition at home. 
It was not more than three or four 3'ears after its erection when 
a severe winter came on, and the wall, by a great and indeed fatal 
mistake, being made of wood of a ver}' combustible kind, and 
not being put together with so much skill as the engineer ought 
to have employed in so weighty a matter — this whole bulwark 
was, by very secret and gradual assaults, pulled to pieces, and 
stolen away for " kindling." A second winter finished it; and it 
thus fell a sacrifice to the rigors of the climate and the fireside com- 
forts of the inhabitants. Not a vestige of a decayed post or rusty 
nail belonging to this ancient fortitication of the only "walled 
town " in the United States remains. Lloyd Buchanan was em- 
ployed by the commissioners to prosecute the needy inhabitants, 
but found they had not sufficient legal authority. 

In this year Doctor Buchanan died, leaving, besides the son 
Llo3'd, Archibald, who was a merchant, Andrew, George, and Wil- 
liam, noticed hereafter. 

The following is a copy of the original subscription-paper, now 
in the possession of the Maryland Historical Society, to keep the 
fence in repair : 

" Maryland, Baltimore Town, January 2Sth, 1748. 
''"Whereas, there is an Act of Assemblj^ which prohibits all the 
inhabitants of Baltimore Town from keeping or raising hogs or 
geese in the said town, we the subscribers do hereby agree and 
oblige ourselves to pay to the clerk of said town the sums affixed 
against our respective names towards keeping up, repairing, and 
making good the fence of the said town, and supporting a person 
to keep it in good order — 

£ B. (1. , £ s. <L 

Robert North gives 10 00 00 Darby Lux gives 10 00 00 

Wm. Hammond " 10 00 00 Win. Rollers " 10 00 00 

Tiios. Cliase " 10 00 00 Wil. Lyon " 10 00 00 

R. Chase " 10 00 00 Brian Pliilpot, Jr.," 00 10 00 

Nicholas Rogers " ,. 00 10 00 .Toim Ensor, Jr., " 00 5 00 

Joim Sl)epiianl " 00 5 00 Aljraiiani PanuT " 00 2 6 

Hannaii lliigiies " 00 10 00 Josi!i)h Ens^land " 00 5 00 

Jolin Frasher " 00 5 00 Henry Johnson " 00 2 6 

James Perkins " 00 5 00 Wm. Ferguson " 00 :? 00 

Nich. Harlway " 00 5 00 ' Dr.Gco. Bnchannn" 00 10 00 

Capt. Darby Lux " 1 00 00 | Wm. Rogers " 1 00 00 

Ciuis. Cylmire " 00 5 00 1 Edward Dogan " 00 10 00 

Thomas Harrison " 1 00 00 Capt. Ciia.s. Ridgelv gives. . 00 10 00 



40 CHEOlSflCLES (5F BALTIMORE. 

Dr. Buchanan was succeeded in the Board of Commissioners 
by Mr. Brian Philpot, an English merchant then lately arrived, 
and in the Assembly, by Wm. Smith, Esq., of the northern part of 
the county. Thomas Franklin, Esq., was presiding Justice, and 
BO continued more than twent}^ years, during which time the fol- 
lowing gentlemen were appointed to the office of shei'itf. viz : 
Messrs. Roger Boyce, in 1750; William Young, 1754; Charles 
Christie, 1756; Aquiila Hall, 1761; Eobert Adair, 1765; Daniel 
Chaimier, 1768; and John 11. HoUiday, 1770. 

The jirecise date of the origin of the First German Reformed 
Congregation in this city is not known. There is, however, 
good reason to believe that it was established in or about the year 
1750. An old German manuscript, found a few years since among 
the archives of this church, states, among other things, that "in 
the year 1756 or 1757, the congregation purchased a lot on which 
to erect a church, of Mr. Croxall for nine pounds, besides making 
him a present. . . . After this the congregation appointed a com- 
mittee to superintend the building of a church, which consisted of 
Andrew Steiger, Frederick Meyer, Jacob Kuhbord, John Soller, 
Valentine Loersh and Conrad Smith. These men made prepara- 
tion to build, and with the means they had they built the best 
church they could. We then called the Rev. John Christian Faber 

to become our pastor, and we all in peace and love." At 

that early period, one hundred and seventeen years ago, they 
called a settled pastor, and were numerous and strong enough to 
give him a support, besides undertaking to build a house of M^or- 
ship. Previous to the year 1756, the congregation was occasionally 
visited by several German Reformed ministers, among whom was 
Eev. Mr. Lachey. With these statements before us it is perfectly 
safe to presume, we think, that if the congregation in 1756-57 felt 
themselves numerous and strong enough to build a church and 
support a stated minister, they must have been in existence some 
six or eight years before, at least, for under the circumstances they 
must have increased in numbers rather slowly. But there are 
other facts to sustain the statement. In the early records of the 
first Lxitheran congregation in this city, on Cay street, we find "up 
to the year 1758, both Lutherans and German Reformed wor- 
shipped together, and great friendship and harmony prevailed. In 
that 3'ear they resolved to erect a house of worship in common, as 
each party was too weak to build alone; and it was at the same 
time determined that a pastor should be called bj" either church, 
as might best suit." Previous to this time they were occasionally 
visited by ministers of both Churches. Although the JReformed 
account makes no mention of the two denominations worshipping 
together up to a certain period, yet there can scarcely be a doubt 
of the fact, as stated by the Lvtheran records. It was usual in the 
beginning (and even now in very many instances) for the Luth- 
eran and Reformed to worship together in the same place, but 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 41 

maintainin<^ for the most part separate oi-i;-anizati()ns. The first 
church building owned by the Grernian Keformed Congregation 
was built, as it would seem, about 175G-58. It was located on 
North Charles street, nearly opposite to and north of the present 
St. Paul's Episcopal Church. A deceased member of this congre- 
gation for more than forty years, and who, when a boy, used to 
worship with his parents in the old church on Charles street, once 
wrote to a friend as follows : " Our first church was located up 
North Charles street, and was approached w^ith difficulty, espe- 
cially by the aged and infirm, on account of the steep hill of sand 
the}- were obliged to climb every Sabbath in order to reach their 
humble place of worship. At that time we had no cushioned 
seats, no carpeted aisles, no sweet-toned organ to aid in the mu- 
sical exercises — no, not even a stove to warm the body. The cold 
northwest wind would pierce through the tender weather-board- 
ing, and almost blow the light fabric off." The first regular pastor 
of this congregation was the Rev. John Christian Faber. In one of 
the old church books belonging to the congregation, the following 
is the first i-ecord made : 

" Baltimore, January 25, 17G9. 
" The first minister of this congregation was John Christian 
Faber, born in Mosback on the Neckar, in the Pfaltz, in Eiiro])e. 
His father was a preacher at Gimmeldingen on the river ITaardt. 
May the blessing of God attend this enterprise, and may the church 
increase and flourish." 

Mr. Faber was pastor of this church about fourteen years. 
Towards the close of his ministry he met with gi-eat opposition 
from a portion of his congregation, who charged him, it is said, 
with coldness and languor in his ministrations. They wisliod iiim 
to give place to a warm-hearted younger preacher, a liev. Mr. 
Swopc, who had recently come from Germany. In this they did 
not succeed. Mr. Faber continued in his place, and the conse- 
quence was a division of the congregation in the year 1770. The 
opposition members withdrew, built a Second Reformed church, 
and elected Mr. Swopc as their pastor. After a few years ^Ir. 
Swope either resigned or died, we do not know which, and in 1774 
the Rev. Philip WilUain Otterbine, who came from Germany in 
1752 with the Rev. Mr. Slatter and others, and who had served 
the congregation at Lancaster, Tolpehocken, Frederick, York, al- 
ternately, for twent}' years with great acceptance and success, 
took charge of the new congivgation. and remained its pastor until 
his death, which occurred November 11. 1813. The old church 
blamed Mr. (Jttcri)ine aiul Swo|)e for the division that took j)lace 
in the congregation. Under Mr. Ottci'liine's long administration 
the German flefbrmed congregation in Conway stn.'et, between 
Hanover and Sharp streets, erected three diffei'ent houses of wor- 
ship. The first soon became too small for his rapidly increasing 



42 CHEONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

congregation, so the second and then the pi'esent fine church edi- 
fice on Conway street was erected, where he officiated till the year 
of his death. In one of the old church books we have the fol- 
lowing entry : " After Mr. Faber had been here manj- years, and 
had seen much trouble, he left, and was succeeded by Eev. George 
Wallauer, who held the same faith. The next minister was the 
Eev. Charles Boehme, a member of the Pennsylvania -Synod. 
After some time Mr. Boehme got into trouble, and at a meeting of 
the Eev. Synod held at Eeading, Pa., in 1782, he was dismissed 
from the ministry. At the same time liberty was given to call 
another minister, and they called the Rev. JMcholas Pomp, Avho de- 
livered his first sermon on the first vSunday in September, 1783. 
At this period Jacob Coberts, Frederick Meyer, Jacob Meyer, and 
Hemy Zorah were the elders of the church ; and Philip Crusius, 
Andrew Granget, and Philip Miller the deacons." Mr. "Wallauer 
during our struggle for independence left his congregation and 
joined the British army, but in what capacity is not known. 

It was under the administration of the Eev. Mr. Pomp that the 
congregation i-esolved to build a new and larger church, and to 
locate it at the northwest corner of Baltimore and Front streets. 
The}' purchased the lot, which was 60 by 115 feet, in 1784 for £125, 
and built the church in 1785, the estimated cost of which was 
£4000. It was resolved that the thousand pounds which they had 
at interest should be taken towards erecting the new church, and 
that every member of the church should give from his private 
means to the same object, according to his ability. The sub- 
scription list was headed by Michael Diifenderffer (who appears 
to have been the leading spirit of this congregation to the close of 
a long and useful life), with the very liberal subscription of £150. 
Next are Frederick Meyers and Daniel Diffenderfter with each a 
£100 ; then follow Peter Difteuderffer, Jacob Myers and others, 
with their fifty and twenty -five pound subscriptions, and *the rear 
is brought up with a good list of names with smaller amounts, and 
the sum total of the whole is a subscription large enough to en- 
courage them to build. The number of male members who con- 
tributed to this object was one hundred, and those who con- 
tributed to the support of the pastor one hundred and twenty-five. 
But there were some, for some reason or other, who opposed the 
building of the new church, and who gave the congregation a 
great deal of trouble. Herman Sticher, Weinbert Tschudy, 
Nicholas Tschudy and others, were opposed to the new church en- 
terprise, but would support it notwithstanding ; whilst others not 
only opposed the building of the new church, but did all they 
could to hinder the enterprise from going forward. At length the 
minister, Mr. Pomp, was requested to announce from the pulpit 
that they could not go on to build in consequence of the violent 
opposition which a few persons made to the movement. But a 
little time after, the congregation, on the 26th of June, 1785, again 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMOKE. 43 

resolved to go forward with the new eluireh. On the first of Sep- 
tember, 1785, the corner-stone was laid with appropriate solem- 
nities. After the walls w-erc up the opposition created further and 
more serious difficulties. Scarcely was the church under roof in 
1786, before the gable end wall on Jones Falls was swept away by 
the flood, and damage done to the amount of more than five hun- 
dred pounds. On the 8th of May, 1787, the Consistor}" met at 
Daniel Ditfenderft'er's, and made another contract to put up the in- 
jured walls and otherwise improve the church. On the 20th of 
June, 1787, the first service was held in the church, and the Ilev. 
Mr. Troldenier of York, and Ilendel of Lancaster, Pa., were pres- 
ent on the occasion. Soon after this, in view of the difficulties and 
misfortunes of the conp-reo-ation, several of the nei<Jchl)orin<r min- 
isters brought their congregations to the church on different Sab- 
baths, and after they had ])reached, took up collections. These 
pastors were the Rev. Mr. AVest of the Episcopal ('hurch, the Ilev. 
Dr. Allison of the Presbyterian Church, and the Rev. Dr. Kurtz of 
the Lutheran Church. The collections in all amounted to sixty- 
three pounds. A year after this, in consequence of much oppo- 
sition, from only two members, chiefly growing out of the new- 
church building, Mr. Pomp resigned, and on the 15th of November, 
1789, preached his farewell discourse. The Rev, George Trol- 
denier, a native of Germany, was his successor. He was called 
from York to this place, and on the 13th of October, 1791. ho 
preached his introductorj- sermon. At this time Michael Ditfen- 
derfl'er, Conrad Smith, Nicholas Tschudy, and John Dargenbei-g 
were the elders; and Peter Diffenderfter, Peter Herr, John Hull, 
and Philip Ileisher, the deacons of the church. In 1788, the con- 
gregation petitioned the State Legislature for an Act of incorpora- 
tion, and they obtained a very liberal and most excellent charter 
in December of the same year. 

In the j-ear 1795. having become dissatisfied with their church 
property for several reasons, and among others for its proximity 
to Jones Falls, and the frequent interruptions in public worshij) 
from vehicles passing over Philpot's bridge (as our Baltimore 
street bridge was then called), the congregation resolved to sell 
the church lot and building, and Jacob Jloflnian, Peter Diilen- 
derff"er, George Decker, and others were authorised and directed 
by eighty-two male members to carry the resolutions into effect. 
After some time the coniiuittee succeeded in selling the ]>r()perty 
(oid Ciirist's Church, as it was afterwards called) to St. Paul's epis- 
copal (Miur.'h, and the sale was ratified l»y the congregation in Au- 
gust, 179t!. The ground which they afterwards selected as the site 
for tlie erection of a new church was situated on the north side of 
Second street, nearly in the bed of Ilolliday street, as now cut 
through. It was nearly 100 feet front by 200 feet dee)), and was 
])urchased from a certain William Russell as early as June, 1772, 
and held in ti-ust by Melchoir Keener, Andrew Stiger, and others, 



44 CHEONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

for the congregation. On the 29th of June, 1795, it was conve^^ed 
bj' the surviving trustees, Keener and Stiger, to Geo. Decker, 
Peter Diffenderffer. Xicliolas Tschudy, and others in trust for the 
congregation. A few months after the charter was obtained this 
and all other property vested in trustees for their use, was vested 
in the elders, deacons, and trustees of the church. The 
corner-stone of this building was laid on the 28th of April, 1796, 
with appropriate solemnities. The pastor of the congregation, 
Mr. Troldenier, delivered a brief discourse, from Eomans ix. 33. 
Rev. Mr. Otterbine followed with a short address, the Rev. Di*. 
Kurtz closed with prayer. When the money received from the 
sale of the old (Christ's) church, on Baltimore street, was all laid 
out on the new building, the congregation came together and sub- 
scribed liberally to cany on the work. On the 24th of September, 
1797, this church, which was nearly one year and a half in build- 
ing, was solemnly consecrated. The pastor, Rev. Mr. Troldenier, 
preached in the morning, the Rev. Dr. Becker, of Lancaster, Pa., in 
the afternoon, and the Rev. Mr. Otterbine at night. The dimen- 
sions of this church were fifty by eight}' feet. The architect and 
builder was Lewis Herring, an eminent architect and builder in 
his day. The steeple was erected in 1805, several years after the 
church proper was completed. It was built by George Robach, of 
Lancaster, Pa., a celebrated architect, and was nearly two hundred 
feet high. The bells, three in number, weighing forty-five hundred 
pounds, were cast in England, by Thomas Mcars, for the use of the 
congregation, at a cost of ^1800, and brought to Baltimore by 
Robert Gilmor, Esq., shipping merchant, free of charge. They 
were placed in the steeple in 1805-6. About the same time the 
large clock was put up by Mr. Eberman, of Lancaster, Pa. The 
organ was built by John Geib and Son, in New York, at a cost of 
about §3000, and was put in the church in 1809. Soon after the 
church was finished, the cong-reo-ation was called to mourn overthe 
death of their pastor, which occurred on the 12th of December, 
1800. He was succeeded in 1802 by Mr. John H. Dreyer ;. four 
years after he resigned, and was succeeded by the Rev. Dr. Chi'is- 
tian L. Becker, of Lancaster, Pa., about the 1st of Jul}', 1806. 

In February, 1818, a petition drawn up by Dr. M. Diifenderffer, 
and signed by him and thirty-five other members, Avas presented 
to the Consistory, respectfully soliciting permission to have Eng- 
lish preaching in the church on every Sabbath afternoon. This sub- 
ject seems to have caused a great deal of excitement, and gave the 
pastor no little trouble and uneasiness. On the 12th of July, 1818, 
Dr. Becker suddenl}' died, and his death, for a time, put an end to 
further proceedings about English preaching. The Synod having 
granted the petition presented by a committee consisting of Peter 
DifFenderfter and Jacob Hotfman, they invited the Rev. Lewis 
Mayer to pay them a visit, and preach in German and English. 
On Sabbath morning, Sept. 27, 1818, Dr. Mayer preached a dis- 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 45 

course in the German language to a veiy large congregation, and 
in the afternoon he preached another in the English language 
(which was the first sermon ever delivered in this church in Eng- 
h-^h) to an immense concourse of people. The excitement was in- 
tense. Some of the memlDers, regarding English preaching as an 
innovation that ought not to be tolerated, threatened violence to 
the minister, and said and did many things which they afterwards 
regretted. On the 10th of February," 1810, the Eev. Albert 
Helffenstein, Sr., then pastor of the German ilefoi-med Congrega- 
tion of Carlisle, Pa., Avas unanimouslv invited to the pastorate of 
this church, and about the 1st of Jul}- in the same year he 
preached his introductory discourse. As years rolled away, Ger- 
man preaching became less and less frequent, and in the j^ear 1827 
it was abandoned bj' the pastor altogeiher. Mr. Helffenstein ten- 
dered his resignation to the Consistor}' in April, 1835, Avhich was 
accepted, and in September following he pi-eached his valedictory 
discourse, and immediately left with his family for the Western 
country (Ohio). In November, 1835. Eev. Elias Heiner, the last 
])astor of this church, received a unanimous call, and on the first 
Sabbath in January, 1836, he delivered his introductory discourse, 
from Genesis Iv. 24, " See that ye fall not out by the way." On 
the 8th of December, 1850, Mr. Heiner delivered in the Second 
Street church, a centenary sermon on the occasion of the cen- 
tenary celebi-ation. A short time after the close of the late civil 
war the church was torn down, to open Holliday to Second street. 
From the statements we have made in the opening sketch of 
the German Reformed denomination in this city, it is reasonable 
to suppose that the Lutheran denomination was organized about 
the same time ; for we learn, as before mentioned, from the early 
records of the first Lutheran congregation in this cit}', that "up 
to the year 1758, both Ijutherans and German Eeformed worshipped 
together, and great friendship and harmony prevailed. In tliat 
year the}- resolved to erect a house of worship in common, as each 
party was too weak to build alone ; and it was at the same time 
determined that a pastor should be called by either Church, as 
might best suit." Previously to this time they were occasionally 
visited by ministers of both Churches from Pennsylvania, &C. It 
was usual in the beginning (and even now in vei-y many instances) 
for the Lutheran and Jieformcd to worship together in the same 
place, but maintaining for the most jxirt se])arate organizations. 
In 1773, Messrs. Lindt-nberger, Wershler, Ilartwig, Iloecke, Eock, 
Grasniuck, Levely and Barnetz, Dr. Wiesenthall, and others, Ger- 
man fiutherans, with the aid of a lottery, erected a new church on 
the site of the original one, which was built in 1758, in Fish (now 
Saratoga) street; the identical establishment now known as the 
African Bethel Meeting House — their pastcn* bring the Ilev. .Mr. 
Gerock, who was the resident minister oi' the Lutheian congrega- 
tion in this city. He died on the 25th of October, 1788, aged G5 



46 CHROMCLES OF BALTIMORE. 

years; being some time assisted, he was now succeeded by the Eev. 
Daniel Kurtz. In 1808, the German Lutherans disposed of the 
church in Fish street, and erected that on north Gay street, of 
which Mx\ George Eoerback was architect. On the 30th of March, 
1840, this church was nearly destroyed by fire, (see fire 1840). 
Mr. Kurtz remained pastor for over 50 years, and was succeeded 
in the pastorate by Kev. John Uhlhorn, a brilliant German orator, 
who died about 1844 in Bremen, whither he had gone on a visit. 
The next pastor was Rev. Henry Scheib, who still survives. Dur- 
ing Mr. Scheib's pastorate the pastor and congregation dissolved 
their synodical connection with the Lutheran Church, and now 
maintain an independent relation. 

Until 1824 this was the only Lutheran church in the city. 
About that time an Enirlish Lutheran coni-Tec-ation was estab- 
lished, which worshijiped in a school-house on south Howard street, 
near Pratt. The original corporators were John Eeese, David 
Bixler, George Stonebraker, Joshua Medtart, Frederick Segler, 
Philip Uhler and Andrew Hack. 

In 1826, the church recently burned (see fire 1873) was 
erected, and in February, 1828, Rev. John G. Morris assumed the 
pastoral charge. He served the congregation thirty-three years, 
during which the house of worshij) was twice enlarged, two Sun- 
day school-rooms and the parsonage were erected. When Mr. 
Morris resigned his pastorate in 1860, to take charge of the Pea- 
body Institute, over 100 members withdrew and purchased the 
Presbyterian church on Eutaw street, above Saratoga. When 
Mr. Morris retired from the Lexington street church, he was suc- 
ceeded by the Rev. Dr. J. McCron, who served them nine or ten 
years, when he resigned. Rev. J. H. Barclay was then elected, 
who is pastor at present. The congregation have purchased a lot 
on the corner of Lanvale and Fremont streets, and are now 
engaged in erecting a magnificent house of worship. 

1751. In this year a subscription was set on foot to build a 
market-house, but the object of it was not effected until ten years 
after. It was erected on the northwest corner of Gay and Balti- 
more streets, on ground leased by Messrs. William Lyon, 
Nicholas R. Gay, John Moale and Archibald Buchanan, a majority 
of the town commissioners, from Mr. Harrison, at eight pounds 
sterling per annum. It was constructed with a large room in the 
second story, where public assemblies, dances, jugglery now and 
then, and other matters of public concern were held or exhibited ; 
an early and dim type, perhaps, of greater market-houses in after- 
times. The following is a copy of the original subscription list, 
now in the possession of the Marj-land Historical Society, which 
shows how anxious the first settlers w^ere to improve the town : 

" Whereas, Several Acts of Assembly have been made for the 
Enlargement and Encouragement of Baltimore Town, and foras- 
much as the said Town Increases as well in Inhabitants as guoil 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 47 

Buildinors and Trade, and the Situation thereof i-onders it convenient 
for !Xavigation and Trade, as well with the Inhal)itantsof Baltimore 
and Ann Arundel Countys, as the Baek Settlements of this J'rovinco 
and Pennsylvania. But no Provision hath yet been made by Law or 
otherwise for Purehasin<^ aLott or Lotts, whereon to Build, a Market 
House, Town House and other Necessary' Buildings for the Benefit 
of said Town, and conveniency of sueh Persons as bring their 
Butchers Meat, and other Commodities to sell at Market in the 
said Town. 

'• Wherefore, for the further Encouragement, and Improvement 
of Baltimore Town AVe whose Names are hereunto subscribed do 
hereby Promise and Oblige ourselves our Executors and Adminis- 
trators to Pay to the Commissioners of Baltimore Town or their 
Order the Several Sum or Sums of Money to each of our Names 
atfixed to be ajtplied to the Purchasing a Lott or Lotts in said Town, 
and Building thereon a Market House and Town Hall in such 
manner as the Commissioners of said Town shall direct and 
ajtpoint Provided the said Lott or Lotts shall be Purchased, and 
the Buildiuic be<>'an within Two Years from the date hereof 

" Witness our Hands and Seals this Twenty third Day of Api-il, 
175L 

£ I £ 

T. Slieredine, ten pounds . . [seal.] 10 Wil. L3'on, 5 pounds sterling [seal.] 



W. Hamnioiul, five pounds., [seal.] 5 Tlios. Sleigh, sterling [seal.] 10 

Thomas Harrison / r -, ..p. Thos. Chase, five pounds . . [seal.] 5 

T. Fiumford J L"^^^- J ^^ Jno. Rendell, sterling [seal.] 5 

Alex. Lawson, ten pounds Ld. Buchanan, five pounds 

sterling [seal.] 10 currency [seal.] 5 



Brian Piiilpot, Jr., ten Wni. Lux, 5 pounds slerl.. . [seal.] 5 

pounds sterling [seal.] 10 N. Kuxton Gay, five pounds 

Wm. Rogers, cash [seal.] 10 : currency [seal.] 5 



1752. There hangs upon the wall of the saloon of the Mar}'- 
land Historical Society, a rude and very primitive drawing in ink, 
colored after a most juvenile fashion, purporting to be a true portrai- 
ture of J5altimore Townin theyear 1752. Itissaid to be by Mr. John 
Moale, the father of one of our oldest ami most esteemed families, and 
the son of that parliamentarian who was so successful in protecting 
his iron mines. He was then quite a youth, we should say, from 
the style of his work ; rude and unartistic as it is, it is a very 
interesting memorial. Some years ago it was engraved by the 
direction of Mr. Edward J. Coalc, with some touches of im])rove- 
ment both in the matter and manner of it thrown in by Mr. 
Bayley. Wo prefer, however, the original with .all its faults, 
because they obviously show that Mi\ Moale was not an ambitious 
or an imaginative artist, but dealt severely with facts ; nianiiVstly, 
every house is put down to the best of his knowledge and belief, 
as if he were upon oath. Jt is]>alpably a conscientious ])roduction, 
and wo would bo willing almost to certily that he counted oycry 



48 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMOEE. 

window, and drew it with a ruler upon the paper, though in a 
shocking disregard, we must say, of the laws of perspective. 
Still this picture of Baltimore Town, taken in 1752, is a most vei'- 
itablc historical document, and is a relic to be guarded — precious 
as the book of Sibyl. These houses are scattered, with abundant 
8j3ace for elbow-room, over a hillside which slopes towards the 
basin. The principal locality which we recognise is Calvert street, 
and there is a brick building laid down which is ascertained to be 
the house that stood, until a few years ago, at the corner of Cal- 
vert and Bank street (Mercer), and was at the date of the draw- 
ing, Payne's Tavern. There was a rival to this tavern at the 
northeast corner of Baltimore and Calvert streets, kept by Mr. 
Eogers. Mr. Bayley's improvement of the drawing is valuable for 
some authentic insight it gives us into the state of navigation at 
the epoch. The whole of our marine, employed in the foreign 
trade is engraved in the picture. There lies the good brig Philip 
and CJiarles, belonging to Mr. Rogers, and there the trusty sloop 
The Baltimore, belonging to Mr. Lux. This is the marine list of 
the port, comprehending all the shipping that ventured bej'ond the 
capes of the Chesapeake. These are very descriptive statistics: 
two hundred inhabitants; twenty-five houses, four of them brick, 
one of them two-storied, without a hip-roof ; one church (St. 
Paul's,) two taverns; and then, for the navigation, one brig, one 
sloop, both owned in the town. We have some other particulars 
to helj) along this view of Baltimore. Mr. James Gardner kept a 
school at the corner of South and Water (Lombard) streets; and 
still he was not sufficient for the literary need of the town, for 
we read, in an advertisement put in the MaDjland Gazette, pub- 
lished at Annapolis, of the 27th of February, 1752, that " A school- 
master of sober character, who understands teaching English, 
writing and arithmetic, will meet with good encouragement from 
the inhabitants of Baltimore Town, if well recommended." 

The population of the county of Baltimore at this time con- 
sisted of 2,692 white men, 3,115 white boys, 2,587 white women, 
2,951 white girls, 595 servant men, 126 servant boys, 200 servant 
women, 49 servant girls, 470 men convicts, 6 boy convicts, 87 
women convicts, 6 girl convicts — being 571 convicts in all, designed 
for compulsory labor in the county, and sold for certain terms ; 
while, there were 116 mulatto slaves, 196 free mulattoes, 4,027 black 
slaves, and 8 free blacks, making a total population of 17,238 ; 
whereof eleven thousand three hundred and forty-five occupied 
the position of master or mistress, and four thousand eight hun- 
dred and ninety-three the position of menials, affording a servant 
for nearly every two. Servants in Maryland at this -time may 
propei'ly be classed as the Redemptioners, provided for by Lord 
Baltimore in his originial scheme of colonization. Much of the 
earl}^ emigration to Maryland was thus eftected, the emigrant bind- 
ing himself to five years in the Province in consideration of his 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 49 

transportation thither at the cost of the co-contractor. In 1G38 
the term of service was i'eclucccl l)y Act of Assembly to four years. 
Where these a<^reement8 were made with a mercbaut, ship-owner or 
ship-captain, these indentured servants, or " Jiedemptioners," were 
sold at auction for the term of four 3'ears, and at the end of their 
term they received one whole year's provision of corn and fifty 
acres of land. These "servants" therefore are not to be confounded 
with the negro slaves or the convicts, the latter of whom were also 
sold to labor for terms. 

The following list of well-known inhabitants of Baltimore town 
in 1752, is from a paper in possession of the late Joseph Townseud, 
who had it many years before his death, from one of the early 
settlers, who was cognizant of the facts stated : " Capt. Lucas, 
Wm. liogers, Kich. llogers, Dr. Wm. Lj'on, Thomas Harrison, 
Alex. Lawson, Bryan Philpot, Nick Euxton Gray, James Cary 
(innkeeper). Parson Chase, Mr. Paine, Ciiris Carnan, Dame 
Hughes (the only midwile among English folk), Chs. Constable, 
Mr. Ferguson, Mr. Goldsmith, Mr. J no. Moore, Mr. Sheppard 
(tailor), Bill Adams (barber), Geo. Strcbeck (only wagoner, 
drove a single team), Jake Keeports (carpenter), Conrad Smith, 
Captain Dunlop, Jack Crosby (carpenter), Bob Lance (cooper), 
Philip Littig (whose wife was accoucheuse among the German 
population), John Wood, Hilt Stranwitch (laborer), Nancy Low, 
Mr. Gwinn." 

1753. On the 17th of November, the Assembly passed an Act 
empowering the commissioners of Baltimore town to make an addi- 
tion to the town of thirty-two acres of "Cole's Harbor," which 
Mr. Joshua Hill had purchased of Mr. Carroll, being part of the 
tract which lay between the town and the lines of Luun's lot at 
the south, west and north of the first town ; commencing at the 
same point on the river, and including the grounds between Me- 
Clellan's alley and Forest's lane (Charles street), and ran to the 
Falls' side, north of the church and city spring, where Mr. John 
FVazier rented a ship-yard and resided. It was enacted at the 
eanie time, that no earth, sand or dirt was to be thrown into or 
put upon the i>each or shore of the Patapsco river, or any navig- 
able branch thereof below high-water mark, unless secured by stone 
walls, dove-tailed log-pens, &c., from washing into the river, under 
a penalty of five pounds current mone3\ 

During the year a lottery is advertised in the Maryland Gazette 
(Annapolis,) for the purpose of raising 450 j)ieces of eight, or dol- 
lars, towiirds building a public wharf; of which lottery Messrs. 
Joliii Stevenson, ]{icliard Chase, John Moale, diaries Croxall, 
William Rogers, Nicholas Ilogei's, Jobn llidgely, N. II. tJay, Wil- 
liam Lux and Brian Philpot were managers. The drawing loctk 
place in Annapolis on tlie 3(lth of April, 1754. 

Mr. George N. M^'crs, a i*enn,sylvania German, moved to Palti- 
more; and another, Mr. Valentine Larsb, built an inn at the south- 
4 



50 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

west corner of Baltimore and Gay streets ; and Mr. Andrew Steiger, 
butcher, built at the southAvest corner of Baltimore and Charles 
streets. Mr. Steiger in 1756 procured the lot at the northeast 
corner of Gay and Baltimore streets; and in 1759 he purchased of 
Dr. William Taylor, the wooded marsh in the bend of the Falls, 
and then on the east side of the stream, which he drained and 
cleared for the pasturage of his cattle. 

1754. On Monda}^, February 4th, His Excellency Governor 
Horatio Sharpe, who had lately arrived in Maryland, visited Balti- 
more town, where he was received by a company of foot under 
arms, the firing of cannon, displaying of colors, and many other 
tokens of joy and respect. In the evening there were dances, fire- 
works, &c. 

Tuesday and Tuesday night, July 30th, Baltimore was visited 
with a great freshet, which did immense damage, and the like had 
never been known up to this period. Almost all the bridges were 
carried away in the county, and "the fine large bridge in Balti- 
more town was removed about sixt}^ feet," and the roads were so 
washed as to be almost impassable. There was scarcely a mill left 
either in Baltimore or Kent county. 

Mr. Moale built a brick store on the southeast corner of Calvert 
street and Lovely lane, and a dwelling near the corner of Sharp 
and German streets, in the rear of where St. Peter's Episcopal 
church lately stood. Conspicuous among the houses built this 
year, and forming quite an era in our history, is the Mount Clare 
House, erected in 1754 by Chaxles Carroll, then usually called 
Barrister Carroll. The bricks were imported for this mansion, the 
record somewhat carefully informs us, as they had been, before 
that, for other houses. This fact stands in ver^'^ striking contrast 
with the brick-yards which now engross the once beautiful grounds 
of Mount Clare. This old mansion, which yet survives, is agraphia 
monument of the past time. Its aspect is solemn and scrupulously 
aristocratic, and magnificent too, in view of the means of that day. 
One may fancj'' its amplitude and grave dignity of exterior, w4th 
the old lions carved in stone that stood rampant on the pillars of 
the gateway, and there was a fine terrace overlooking the town. 
It is but a few years since these disappeared. 

Doctors John and Henry Stevenson arrived from Ireland ; the 
former conducted an extensive trade with that and other countries, 
and the latter entered into the practice of medicine, and built his 
house on the hill near the York road, rough-cast, which is still to 
be seen there. This house, on account of its elegance, was called 
by envious townsmen of that time, " Stevenson's Folly." It was 
not too elegant nor too costly, however, to be converted by him 
into a small-pox hospital, supported at his own expense, when the 
town stood in need of it — a noble act, Avorthy of honorable com- 
memoration now, of a man whose genius was equal to his gen- 
erosity. 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 51 

Mr. Sliei\'(line dying, was .succeodotl by Lloyd Buchanan ; and 
Mr. Nicholas JJiixton Gay, who was surveyor, succeeded Col. Ham- 
mond, who had been one of the first commissioners of the town. 

ALr. John Sly came to settle in Baltimore, and erected a house 
on the north side of south Gay street, and J\lr. Conrad Smith 
another on the opposite side; and three 3'ears afterwards, Mr. Jacob 
Jveeports another one adjoining. In the meantime, Frederick and 
Peter Myers arrived. 

John Paca, Wm. Govane. Lloj-d Buchanan and Walter ToUey, 
are elected delegates; but .Mr. Buchanan being aj)pointed prosecu- 
tor, is succeeded by Wm. Smith. Beale Bordly is clerk of the 
county. 

1755. The savages, after Braddock's defeat b}^ tiic French and 
Indians in 1755, penetrated the country past Forts Frederick and 
Cumbei-lund, and pushed their plundering and murdering parties 
to within fifty miles of Baltimore. There is no doubt the growth 
of Baltimore was promoted by the continuation of the war, pre- 
venting the extension of the settlements westward, for within a 
year after peace the town became suddenly the greatest mart of 
trade in the province, if not before the war began. 

1756. On the 26th of March, an Act was passed Ity the General 
Assembly to raise large supplies for His Majest3''s service towards 
securing and protecting the frontiers of this province, and engag- 
ing the friendsliip and assistance of the southern tribes of Indians, 
and for repelling and removing His Majesty's aml)itious and i)er- 
fidious enemies I'rom their unjust encroachments on these do- 
minions. Charles Carroll, Jr., was ajipointed one of the commis- 
sioners to treat with the Indians. By this Act a dut}' was laid on 
all bachelors of twenty-five years of age and upwards, worth £100 
and under £300, five shillings ; if worth £300 or upwards, twenty 
shillings; on all freehold estates per 100 acres, one shilling; if 
belonging to Roman Catholics, two shillings. Under this Act the 
following persons, who were bacheloi's of twenty-five years and 
upwards, were taxed in Baltimore Town from 1756 to 1762 for six 
3'ears, when the French or Indian war terminated: Thomas Harri- 
son, John Moale, Andrew Jiuchanan, l>aniel C'harnier, Si'., James 
Franklin, Jonathan Plowman, John Shule, Dr. .John Stevenson, 
Edward Parish, William Haxter, Thomas Dick, John Mercer, ^lark 
Alexander. 

In tills year there is an inlliix of inbabilants, sent billicr l»y an 
event which belongs to a most melancholy page of history, the 
ex[)ulsion of the Acadian French from Nova Scotia, u])on the con- 
quest of that province by the Hi-ilish. Vou may find their story 
sung in the excpiisitely sweet and plaintive story of Longfellow's 
•' Evangeline." There is nothing in human chronicle more tender 
or more touching than the fat(^ of that, little colony, of whifh a frag- 
ment, like irightened birds driven by stoi-m, lit down, wearied and 
bruised, at our hearthstones. A nation of simple, virtuous pi-asants 



O:: CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

are driven from the homes consecrated to them b}^ aftections of 
more than a century, and are thrust almost penniless upon the 
world. Not friendless, homeless nor hopeless, however, were they in 
Baltimoi-e. Those who came hei-e were received with a ready and 
generous hospitality. They were at first lodged in private houses, 
and in that building of Mr. Fotterall's with the " free stone 
corners," to which we have alluded, which was now empty. 
Here they had quarters and established their little chapel, and it 
was not long before these frugal and industrious exiles were able 
to construct some small but comfortable houses upon South 
Charles street, near Lombard, giving to that quarter its desig- 
nation as "French Town," which it preserved for a long time. 
The names of Guttro, Blanc, Gould, Dashield and Berbine, who 
had suft'ered least perhaps, attached themselves mostly to navi- 
gation, and the infirm picked oakum. 

1757. At the general election in September, Mr. AVilliam 
Govane, Captain Thomas C. Deye, Doctor Samuel Owings and 
Captain John li. Dorsey, were chosen delegates, and again in 1758. 

1758. Mr. Jacob Myers took a lot at the southeast corner of 
Gay and Baltimore streets and built an inn. At this period there 
also arrived and settled on lots north of Baltimore street, Messrs. 
Levele}^, Conrad, and Grandchut, the last of whom erected a 
brewery on North Frederick street. 

The following items, taken from an original bill for the " funeral 
expenses of a gentleman in Baltimore Town, in this year," are 
curiously indicative of manners and expenses then : CofSn, £6 16s. ; 
41 yards crape, £7 3s. 6d. ; 32 yards black tiffany, £4 16s. ; 11 yards 
black crape, £1 18s. 6d. ; 5J yards broadcloth, £6 lis. 3d.; 7? 
yards of black shaloon, 19s. 3d. ; 65 yards linen, £1 13s. ; 3 yards 
sheeting, 7s. lOd. ; 3 dozen pairs men's black silk gloves, £5 8s. ; 2 
dozen pairs women's do., £3 12s. ; 6 pairs men's black gloves at 3s., 
18s. ; 1 pair women's do., 3s. ; then there were black silk hand- 
kerchiefs, 8| yards calamanco, mohair, buckram, 13? yards rib- 
bon; 47? pounds loaf sugar; 14 dozen eggs; 10 oz. nutmegs; 1^ 
pounds allspice; 20| gallons white wine at £4 2s. 6d. ; 12 bottles 
red wine; 10| gallons rum; while 10 shillings additional were 
paid for coffin furniture, and one pound sterling each to Dame 
Hannah Gash and Mr. Ireland for attendance ; and so it seems our 
forefathers went becomingly and jovially to their graves Anno 
Domini 1758, in Baltimore Town. 

1759. Messrs. John Smith and William Buchanan, from Car- 
lisle, the first a native of Strabaiie in Ireland, and the last from 
Lancaster county in Pennsylvania, purchased of Mr. Harrison, 
after having been refused water lots on terms which they would 
accept by Messrs. Moale and Fell, the lot fronting on Gay and 
"Water streets (now Lombard), building besides the dwelling 
houses there a short time since, two wharves of pine cord w^ood 
about one thousand feet long; each, to the channel of the river. 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 53 

^Ir. Jonatbau Plowman, an English merchant, arrivi'(l, and 
bouifht several acres of groiuul of Mr. Sligli, adjoining the last 
addition cast of the Falls, and biiilL at the northeast corner of 
York (Baltimore) and High streets. 

1760. .Mr. Phil))0l ]nircbased of Mr. Sligh most of the peninsula 
between the Falls and JIartbrd run, and built a, house at the north- 
east corner of Baltimore street bridge, which caused the bridge 
afterwards built to be known by his name. 

1761. Messrs. Wm. Smith and James Sterritt moved from Lancas- 
ter, Pa., and improved, the first in Calvert street, and the latter at the 
northwest corner of Gay and Lombard streets, where he erected a 
brewery, which was burned and rebuilt, and burned again soon 
after the Revolution. Mr. Mark Alexander, from Cecil County, 
purchases part of the original lot number one, on the north side 
of Baltimore street, and afterwards the water lot on the west side 
of Calvert street, and erects extensive buildings at both places, as 
well as a house at the southwest corner of Charles and Saratoga 
streets. 

Mr. Melcher Keener arrived from Pennsj-lvania and built in 
North Gay street, and also builds a wharf and warehouse below 
Hanover street. Mr. Steiger erected a dwelling, and Mr. Lytle 
took a lot at the corner of Baltimore and Hanover streets and 
erected an inn, and Mr. Amos Fogg rented the " White Horse 
Inn," on the southeast corner of Front and Low streets. 

Mr. William ^[oore, who came from Ireland and removed to 
Baltimore in 1762, purchased from ^tr. Edward Fell of William, 
who held a commission in the provincial army, the mill ])roperty 
(Hanson's). The next year Mr. Moore sold the uppei- mill-scat to 
Messrs. Joseph EUicott and John and Hugh Burgess, from Buck's 
County, Pa., who built the mill opposite the present jail. ^fr. 
Kllicott sold his interest to Burgess and went away, but returned 
with his brothers John and Andrew, purchased the lands and 
erected the mills on Patapsco ten years after. 

John Paea, Thomas C. Deye, John H. Dorse}', and Corbin Leo, 
Esqs., are elected delegates. 

1762. The Assembly passed an Act on the 24th of April, em- 
powering the Justices of Baltimore County Court to assess and 
levy on the taxable inhabitants of St. Paul's parish, in said county, 
£600 current money, together with the sheriff's salary of 5 pci- 
cent, for collection, at three equal annual assessments, in the same 
manner, &c., as the county charges are usually assessed anil levied ; 
and certain commissioners arc a])|)ointed and empowered to pur- 
chase in fee, in the name of the rector, vestrymen, and church 
wardens of said pai'ish, two acres of land, and thereon ei-ect a 
Chapel of Ease to the aforesaid ])arish, &c., &c. The sjiid chapel, 
when built, to be deemed a ('ha])el of Ease for the said jiarish. 
Divine service shall Ite pei'formed therein, by the incumlient for 
the time being, every third Sunday ; and the same Chajtel of Ease 



54 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

to be constant!}' kept in repair at the charge of the parish of St. 
Paul's aforesaid forever. 

1763. Messrs. Plowman and Philpot laid out some grounds be- 
tween the Falls and Harford run, into streets running northwest 
to southeast, and nearly parallel with the former stream, with 
other streets at I'ight angles with them. And Mr. Fell laid oft* 
part of the tracts of land on the east which his father had pur- 
chased of Harris, Cai'ter, and others, buying of Sligh himself part 
of Mountenay's ISTeck, and all, two years before, resurveyed and 
patented by the name of Fell's Prospect, with streets running 
north, south, east, and west, except on the extreme Point itself, 
where he was governed by the course of the river; which locations 
were confirmed and the same added to the town by Act of As- 
sembly ten years after. 

Messrs. John Brown, Benjamin Griffith, and Samuel Purviance 
settled in Baltimore, the former from Jersey, and, learning his 
trade in Wilmington, erected a pottery on the east side of Gay 
street; and the latter, who came from Donegal by wa}' of Phila- 
delphia, erected a distillery on the southeast corner of Lombard 
and Commerce street, with a wharf. Mr. Griffith came from New 
Castle, and having purchased Fell's lot adjoining the bridge, 
rebuilt it by contract, which was afterwards called by his name. 

A new tobacco inspection house was erected on Mr. Thomas 
Harrison's grounds, near what is now the southwest intersection 
of Lombard and South streets; and a powder magazine on the 
Falls' side, under the hill, at the northeast corner of Calvert and 
Lexington streets. A tobacco inspector was appointed, with a 
salar}' of nine thousand six hundred pounds of tobacco a year. 

The following law, among others, was enacted at this session 
of Assembly : " Coroner's fee for viewing the body of any person 
or persons murdered or slain, or othei'wise dead by misadventure, 
to be paid out of the goods and chattels of the party so dead, if 
there be; otherwise, to be levied by the commissioners of the 
county where such accident shall happen, 187 pounds of tobacco." 
The justices of the peace, whose jui'isdiction out of court, in re- 
lation to small debts, had been first limited to the sum of sixteen 
shillings and eightpence, was extended to fifty shillings, and some 
chancery jurisdiction was extended to the county courts. 

On the 5th of December Messrs. Henry Stephenson, William 
Smith, James Sterritt, Mark Alexander, John Brown, Benjamin 
Griffith, Eobert Purviance, John Plowman, and William Spear, 
Presbyterians, leased two lots on Fayette street, in the rear of 
Christ Church, on the corner of Gay street, where they erect a 
small log meeting-house, which two years after was sold to Mr. 
Charles Ridgely for £100 and the accrued ground-rent due on said 
lot from the date of the lease. This meeting-house was used for 
many years afterwai'ds as a carpenter-shop, and originally stood on 
the bank of a precipice overhanging Jones Falls, Avhich, strange 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 55 

as the assertion may now seem, did at one time meander, navi- 
gable for sea-vessels, in this neighborhood. In Mareh, 1705, leel- 
ini; the disadvantages of" worshipping in so poor and ineommoclions 
a building, they purchased 80 feet of ground for £60 Pennsyl- 
vania currency, at the northwest corner of Fayette and North 
streets, from Mr. Alexander Lawson. The deed from Alexandt'r 
Lawson to "William Smith and others is dated October 2Ist, 1705. 
In 1772 this was added to that portion of the lot which had been 
leased from Alexander Buchanan, and afterwards pui'chased in fee. 
The buihiing was completed in November, 1700, and all the pews 
rented except two. In 1771 this building was enlarged one-third, 
60 as to contain fifty pews. In 1789 the congregation, finding the 
house still too small for them, met together, and after some delib- 
eration resolved to erect the edifice which was lately torn down to 
give place to the new United States Court-IIouse. The new 
church was made ready for occupancy in 1791; at this time it Avas 
one of the largest and finest church edifices in this country. The 
church was elevated some twelve feet above the level of the street, 
and its large portico and towers contributed to render it one of 
the most conspicuous buildings in the city. It was continued in 
use almost seventy years, and all the other churches of the sect 
have grown out of it. In 1811 an organ was introduced into the 
chui'ch, which at first gave some dissatisfaction, but it soon passeil 
away, although several valuable families left the church. The old 
parsonage, which stood on Faj-ette street, east of the church, was 
removed for the opening of North street, which was previously an 
alley, and a new one erected on North sti-eet, in the rear of the 
church. It is also remarkable, that in one hundred and ten 
years since the foundation of the First Church, it has had but four 
pastors, viz: Eev. Patrick Allison, D.D., from May, 1703, till Aug. 
21st, 1802; Eev. James Inglis, D.D., from 1802 till Aug. 15th, 
1819 ; Eev. William Nevins,'D. D., from Oct., 1820, till 1835 ; while 
Eev. John C. Backus, D.D., the j^jresent pastor, was settled in 1636, 
and has consequently occupied the pulpit for thirty-seven years. 
The first Sabbath-School of this church was commenced in 1815 by 
the ladies of the church, and Avas held for some time in a room 
over the "Old First Baltimore Hose Cojnpany " house in McClel- 
lan's alley, and with it was connected a weekly meeting fbi" social 
prayer. The first Sabbath-School in the city was introduced hy 
Mrs. Stephen Williams, then a member of St. Peter's Protestant 
Episcopal Church, with the assistance of the ladies of that church. 
At length the time came when the venerable building itself was 
oliliged to give place to another structure. For many years the 
locality had been changing, offices and stores taking the place of 
dwellings, and most of the congregation had moved far westward. 
In October, 1853, it was detcrminc(l to erect another church and 
dispose of the old one, and gi-ound was accordingly broken on the 
new lot, corner of Madison and Park streets, in July, 1854. 



56 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

The present beautiful structure of brown-stone and of pointed 
Gotbic arcbitecture was tben erected and completed, witb tbe ex- 
ception of tbe tower, wbicb will now be completed in a year or 
two, work upon it rajiidly progressing. Tbe final service in tbe 
old cburcb was beld on tbe last Sabbatb of September, 1860, wben 
Dr. Backus preacbed a bistorical discourse of very interesting 
cbaracter. Tbe old site was purcbased by tbe United States, tbe 
cburcb was demolisbed, and in its stead tbe United States District 
Court-House, of solid granite, was erected. 

Messrs. William Lyon, Nicbolas E. Gay, Jobn Moale, and Arcbi- 
bald Bucbanan, a majority of tbe town commissioners, leased tbe 
lot on tbe nortbwest corner of Baltimore and Gay streets of Mr. 
Harrison, at £8 per annum, for a market-bouse, wbicb was built 
by tbe subscription of tbe citizens, witb tbe aid of tbe following 
lottery, wbicb is advertised in tbe Maryland Gazette : 

" Baltimore Town, July 16tb, 1763. 

" Tbe following Scbeme of Lottery is bumbl}^ proposed to tbe 
Public for Raising tbe sum of 510 Pounds Current Money, to be 
applied towards Completing tbe Market House in Baltimore- Town, 
in Baltimore County, Buying Two Fire Engines, and a Parcel of 
Leatber Bucketts, for tbe Use of tbe said Town, Enlarging tbe 
present Public Wbarf, and Building a New One." 

Tbe scbeme contained — 

1062 prizes, amounting to £2490 

1938 blanks — sum raised ..... 510 



3000 tickets at 20s. eacb . . , . . £3000 

Tbe managers were Messrs Jobn Ridgely, Brian Pbilpol, Jobn 
Smitb, Jobn Moale, Jonatban Plowman, Barnabas Hugbes, James 
Steret, William Lux, Andrew Bucbanan, William Aisquitb, Benja- 
min Rogers, Nicbolas Jones, Mark Alexander, Jobn Hartz, and 
Melcbior Keener, all of said town. 

1764. Mr. William Spear, wbo came from Lancaster, took tbe 
water lot near Gay street, and wbarfing out about 1000 feet to a small 
island, erected a bakery tbere. Mr. Robert Long, wbo, it is said, 
bad persuaded Mr. Fell to lay off tbat part of tbe town, com- 
menced some improvements at tbe corner of Ann and Tbames 
streets, but moved to tbe country and left bis improvements un- 
finisbed. Some lots were also conveyed to Mr. Jobn Bond by Mr. 
Fell, but sold out by bim. James Heatb, Esq., was elected one of 
tbe delegates in tbe place of Mr. Dorsey. 

1765. Captain Cbarles Ridgely and Mr. GrifRtb purcbased 
water lots of Mr. Fell, west of tbe public wbarf tbe latter building 
a wbarf and warobouse, wbicb was tbe first tbere ; and Mr. Ben- 
jamin Nelson, sbipwrigbt, wbo bad moved from Cbarlestown, 
Cecil county, establisbed a sbip-yard in Pbilpot street ; tbree years 



CHEONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 57 

after Mr. Isaac Griest, ul.so tVoni Cecil, took the water lot east of 
the public wharf The ensiiin<i; year George Patton, who came 
from Ireland, erecte<l the wharf on the west end of the Point, and 
three years after Mr. Jesse llollingsworth another on the east, 
the remainder of the water lots being chiefly taken and improved 
in the meantime by Messrs. Purviance, Wells, Smith, Maekie, and 
Vanbibber. The Point containing all the artisans and articles re- 
quisite for building and fitting vessels, was already a rival of the 
town. Mr. llollingsworth, from Elkton, and Mr. Vanbibber, from 
Charlestown, Cecil count}', joined by their brothers, afterwards 
moved from the Point to the town, and made other considerable 
improvements. The first settlers were at great loss to determine 
in which part to buy, as most likely to improve; and those who 
had sutficient means or enterj^rise, generally took lots both in 
town and Point. 

Mr. Cornelius Howard, from part of the tract of land called 
Lunn's lot, then lately re-surveyed by ^[r. Howard, added thirty- 
five acres of it, including the streets called Conway and Barre, after 
those successful opponents of the Stamp Act in the British Parlia- 
ment; and the dwelling-house near the southeast intersection of 
Hanover and. Pratt streets, and running between the west side of 
Charles and the east side of Liberty to Saratoga street, which ad- 
dition was confirmed by law the same year, and Messrs. Keener, 
Myers, Vanbibber and others took water lots of him. 

September 17th, instructions from the Honorable the Lower 
House of Assembly of the Province of ]Nraryland : To William 
-Murdock, Edward Tilghman, and Thomas Jiinggold, Esqs., a com- 
mittee appointed to join the several committees from the several 
colonies in America, at New York : " Gentlemen, you are to repair 
immediately to the city of New York, in the province of ]^ew 
York, and there join with the committee from the houses of rep- 
resentatives of the other colonics, in a general and united, loyal 
and humble representation to his Majesty and the British Par- 
liament, of the circumstances and condition of the British colonies 
anfl plantations, and to pray relief from the burthens and restraints 
lately laid on their trade and commerce, and especially from the 
taxes im])0sed by an act of the last session of Parliament granting 
and ap])lying certain stamp duties and other duties in the British 
colonics and plantations in America, whereby they are dc])rived in 
some instances, of that invaluable ])rivil(M|ge of Englishmen an<l 
British subjects, trials l>y juries, that you take care that such rep- 
resentation shall humbly and dec^ently, but expressly, contain and 
assertion of the rights of tlie colonies to bo exempt from all an(^ 
every taxations and im])Ositions upon their persons an<I pi-opcrties 
to which tliey do consent in a legislative way, eithci- by them- 
selves or by their rejiresentatives. by tln-ni fi'ee chosen and ap- 
jfoiiited. Signed by order of the IFoiise, llobert IJoyd, Speaker." 
This convention met, and Mr. Edward Tilghman, one of tiie dele- 



58 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

gates from Maryland, was appointed one of the committee to pre- 
pare a memorial and petition to tlie lords in Parliament. 

17G6. Daring this year a law was passed to compel Messrs. 
Harrison, Lawson, and Philpot to fill up the marsh between Fred- 
erick street and the Falls, and nine commissioners, viz : Robert 
Alexander, John Smith, William Smith, Jonathan Plowman, Wil- 
liam Spear, Andrew Steiger, Charles Pidgely, Jr., John Merrjmiian, 
and Benjamin GriflSth, or five of them, were appointed to lay it otf 
as an addition to the town. A law was also passed prescribing a 
quarantine, at the discretion of the Governor, on all passenger 
shijis infected by diseases, and another relating to the roads of the 
county. 

Within the year Mr. Edward Fell died, leaving one son, Wil- 
liam, an infant. 

On the 24th of Februar}', a large number of the principal in- 
habitants of Baltimore County, assembled in Baltimore Town, and 
organised themselves, as an association for the maintenance of 
order, and the protection of American Liberty, under the name of 
the Sons of Liberty. Thus associated, they entered into a resolu- 
tion to meet at Annapolis, on the first of March ensuing, for the 
purpose of compelling the officers there, to ojien their offices, and 
to transact business without stamped paper. This design was im- 
mediately communicated to the inhabitants of the neighboring 
counties, who were invited to co-operate in it, by the formation of 
similar associations. The officers, at whom their resolutions were 
aimed, were afterwards notified, in very polite terms, of their in- 
tended coming, and advised to be in readiness to receive them. 
True to their promise, on the fii'st of March, they assembled at 
Annapolis in considerable number ; the associators of Anne 
Arundel and Baltimore being personallj' present, and those of Kent 
appearing by deputy. Upon their organization, it was resolved, 
that a written application should be preferred, to the Chief Justice 
of the Provincial Court, the Secretary, the Commissary General, 
and the Judges of the Land Oflice, requiring them to open their 
respective offices on the 31st of March, or earlier, if a majority of 
the Supreme Courts of the northern governments should proceed 
in their business before that period ; and that in the event of their 
acceding to this request, they should receive a Avritten indemnifi- 
cation, signed by the Sons of Liberty. The replies Avhich they 
received, although not direct refusals, were not entirely satisfac- 
tory ; and the associators, after issuing invitations to the other 
counties to unite with them, by forming similar associations, ad- 
journed to meet again at Annapolis, on the day assigned to the 
officers, for the pur])ose of witnessing the issue of their application. 
On the day appointed they again assembled, and repaired in a 
body to the Provincial Court, to present and enforce their peti- 
tion. It was at first peremptorily refused by the Court, but the 
Sons of Libertv were not now to be denied. " It was again 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 59 

earnestly insisted upon, and demanded, by the Sons of Liberty, (says 
the writer of that day in giving his account of that transaction), 
\cith united hearts and voices;" and such applications, at that period, 
were too well understood to be resisted. The Court yielded, and 
])assed an order in conformity to their petition, of which an at- 
tested copy was delivered to their associators. The other officers 
immediately acceded, without further opj)Osition. Thus was con- 
summated, in Mar3'land, the nullification of the Stamp Act. 

1767. John liidgely, Thomas C. Deye, John Moale, and Eobert 
Adair, Esqs., were elected delegates. Mr. Adair, who was sheriff", 
resided at the southeast corner of Baltimore and South streets, 
which was struck during the year by lightning, and a Mr. liich- 
ardson, of Annapolis, killed. 

Mr. f]ddis, in his letters from Annapolis written about this period, 
to London, says: "Lands to a very considerable extent, are taken 
up b}' persons who, looking to security foi' greater advantages, are 
content to clear gradually some portion of their domains for im- 
mediate subsistence. Not having the means to sell, and cai'ry 
their timber away, they make a deep incision with an axe entirely 
round each trunk, at the distance of about. four feet from the 
ground, which occasions the leaves almost instantly to wither, and 
before the total decay of the tree, Indian corn may be cultivated 
to great advantage amidst the immense trunks that fill the dreary 
forest." " The habitations of the planters, in this remote district 
of the province, are in general, of a rude construction ; the timber 
with which they frame their dwellings, seldom undergoing the 
operation of an}' tool except the axe. An apartment to sleep in. 
and another for domestic purposes, with a contiguous store-house, 
and conveniences for their live-stock, at present gratity their iit- 
most ambition Their method of living, perfectly corresponds with 
their exterior appearance. Lidian corn, beaten in a mortar, and 
afterwards bake«l or boiled, forms a dish which is the pi"incii)al 
subsistence of the indigent ])lanter, and is even much liked by 
many persons of a superior class. This, when propei'ly prepared, 
is called homonij, and when salt beef, pork, or bacon, is added, no 
complaints are made respecting their fare." 

1708. Baltimore, seventy-seven years ago, was known only as 
" Baltimore Town in Baltimore County." Her poj^ulation having 
increased to about eighteen thousand, she was incorporated as a 
city in the year 1796. But she still remained a portion of the 
county It is true she had been allowed a distinct re])rescntatiun 
in the Legislature (»f the State ; but in almost every res])ect she 
was but Baltimore City in Baltimore County. The same Court of 
Oyer and T.-rminer exercised ci'iminal jwiMsdiction over both; and 
Haltinifjrc County Court at the same terms heard and decideil all 
civil causes, whether the parties were residents of the city or 
eounty. There were the same Sheriff, Clerk, and .luroi-s. Thi-re 
was the same Record Office, the same Court House, Alms House, 



60 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

and Jail. It seems to be the general impression that the first 
Court House for Baltimore County was at Joppa, upon Gunpowder 
river; but this is an eri-or. It is a singular fact that no living 
man can tell, with any degree of certainty, the place where the 
county seat of Baltimore Covtnty was first located. The county 
was established in 1659, and the Court House was not built at 
Joppa until nearly fift}^ years afterwards. The County Court held 
its first session at the dwelling of Captain Thomas Howell, in the 
year 1661. Soon afterwards a court house was built not at Joppa, 
on Gunpowder river, but at some point on Bush river, which 
empties into the Bay about four miles farther north. By reference 
to Bacon's edition of the laws of Mar^dand it will be found that the 
county seat was on Bush river as late as 1683, and that a port of 
entry was established there in that year. The court house on Bush 
river was abandoned at some period between 1683 and 1707, and a 
second one erected on Gunpowder river, at a place called " Forster's 
JSTeck." In 1707, the Provincial Assembly of Maryland passed an 
Act, directing that the court house at Forster's Neck " should be 
deserted, and in lieu thereof fifty acres of land in a tract on said 
river, belonging to Anne Felks, called ' Taylor's Choice,' should 
be erected into a town, and the Court House of the said county 
should be built there." The place designated for the county seat 
by this Act was the same afterwards known as Joppa. The com- 
missioners appointed for the purpose proceeded forthwith to build 
the court house, and had nearly finished it when, to the great dis- 
appointment of the good peo])le of the county, the news came across 
the ocean that Her Eoyal Highness Queen Anne had vetoed the 
bill! What grave reasons influenced Her Majesty to prefer that 
the court-house of Baltimore County should not be removed from 
Forster's Neck to Taylor's Choice, history hath not disclosed. At 
all events, the commissioners discovered that they had been pro- 
ceeding under a void Act ; and they found it necessary to obtain a 
subsequent law to legalise what they had done. This was passed 
in 1712, and is entitled "An Act for settling Baltimore County 
Court at the new house at Joppa." It recites the former proceed- 
ings of the commissioners, confirms them, and then declares "that 
Baltimore County Court shall be from henceforth held at the said 
court-house, now built at the town of Joppa, and not elsewhere ; 
and that the same house be to all intents, constructions and pur- 
poses, adjudged, used, reputed and taken as the proper court-house 
for Baltimore Count}^" 

It appears that the commissioners for building this court- 
house at Joppa were peculiarly unfortunate. The first blunder 
was in commencing operations before the Queen had approved the 
bill. They made another one equally serious in putting the build- 
ing upon the land of a minor, to which they had acquired no legal 
title. It was found necessary to get an Act passed in 1724 to 
remedy this latter mistake. This xVct, as published in Kilty's edi- 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 61 

tion. states in its pi-cninlilc. that a (.'Ourt-h(Hise and ])risc)n luul hvvw 
erected at Joppa at the coiuily expense, but that the right of the 
h\nd was in a minor, "who could not convey, although his father, 
Col. James Maxwell, had received full satisfaction for the same." 
It then proceeds to declare, that the two acres of land on which 
the court-house and prison were built " shall be to the use of the 
county forever." It further provides, that certain commissioners 
should, by purchase or condemnation by a jury, obtain twenty 
acres of land at Joppa, and lay it out into forty lots "to be erected 
into a town." It also directs that no house to be built in said 
town shall have any chimney unless of brick or stone, and that 
each house shall cover at least four hundred feet, or about twenty 
feet square. But the most important pi'ovision in this law, in 
reference to the commercial prosperity of Joppa, was one which 
would be regarded at this da}' as rather a curious specimen of leg- 
islation. The last section provided that every debtor who should 
bring tobacco to Joppa for the purpose of paying a debt, should be 
allowed a discount or reduction of ten per cent, on the claim. 
This was intended as an inducement to draw trade to the new 
county-seat, which was also made a port of entry. The result 
proved that the legislators of that day were tolerably good judges 
of human nature. Tobacco was brought to Joppa in vast quanti- 
ties ; and tradition informs us thao she soon became an important 
ship])ing-point, cai'rying on a considerable commerce, not only w^ith 
the West Indies, but with Europe. Her population was never 
large, but she was one of the most prosperous and important sea- 
ports of Maryland, before the first house had been erected at Bal- 
timore. The courts were held at Joppa down to this year (1708). 
Such had now been the increase of "Baltimore Town," and the 
inconvenience to Avhich the inhabitants were subjected in attend- 
ing court at Joppa, an Act was passed on the 22d of June of this 
year for the removal of the county seat to "Baltimore ToAvn." 
From this time may be dated " the decline and fall " of the 
ancient town of Jojipa. No vestige of her former glory now re- 
mains. The old court-liouse was sold, and has long since crumbled 
away; her wharves, at W'hich hundreds of the largest merchant- 
men have been laden, have disappeared ; her dwellings have fallen 
one by one, until scarcely their foundations can be traced. A soli- 
tary tenement of antiqtie style and venei-able a])])earance, stamling 
a short time since on the Harford shore of Ciun))OW(lcr river, about 
half a mile north of the i-ailroad bridge, is seen by the traveller 
])assing between lialtimore and Philadei])hia. That lonely build- 
ing is all that now remains to mark the spot where Jo]»pa once 
stood. Her history has never been wi'itten, and those who could 
have fui-nished the materials for it liave now ])assed to the tomb. 
By this time her vei'v existence would have been totally forgotten, 
except for the name olthe numerous "Jo])pa roads," which still exist, 
and remind us that the inhaliitants of every section of Baltimore an<l 



62 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

Harford counties were once accustomed to resort to that important 
county seat, to attend to courts and pay their debts in tobacco, less 
ten per cent., deducted according to law. How different a fortune 
was destined for Baltimore, the next and fourth county-seat of 
Baltimore County! Of all the chief commercial cities of the At- 
lantic coast she is the youngest, and, considering the recent period 
since she was founded, her growth has been the most rapid and 
wonderful. New York, originally called New Amsterdam, was 
founded by the Netherlands as far back as 1614 ; Boston was 
founded in 1630, and Charleston in 1680 ; Philadelphia, on th« 
arrival of Penn in 1684, contained 2500 inhabitants ; New Orleans 
was founded in 1718. 

Messrs. J. B. Bordley, John Eidgely, Jr., John Moale, Eobert 
Adair, Eobert Alexander, William Smith and Andrew Buchanan, 
were appointed under the Act of 1768 commissioners to build the 
County Court House and prison " on the uppermost part of Cal- 
vert street next to Jones Falls." The Court House was erected on 
a bluff overhanging the Falls, precisely where the " Battle Monu- 
ment " now stands. It was two stories high and built of brick, 
and tapered off in the centre of its roof with a tall lookout and 
spire, terminated with " a weather cock and the points of the com- 
pass." The jail of those days stood higher up on the hills, about 
the site of the granite Eecord Office; w^hile the Powder House was 
in the declivity east of the Court House, and near the original bed 
of the Falls, at the southeast corner of our square and Lexington 
street, with a small wharf in front of it, to which boats from the 
shipping came for powder during the war. The water was quite 
deep, and the late Mr. Eobert Gilmor in his " Eeminiscences " as- 
serts "that he learned to swim, and often dived from the banks in 
front of this edifice," about the present southeast corner of Lex- 
ington and Calvert streets. Mr. C-ilmor also says that a " man was 
drowned not far from this spot." The low swampy flat embraced 
by the horse-shoe curve of the Falls in this neighborhood was 
called " Steiger's Meadow," the name it was commonly known by 
to a very late period. The commissioners w-ere directed to sell the 
court house and prison at Joppa, the courts being accommodated 
in the meantime in the hall erected for public assemblies over the 
market, and the prisoners lodged in a log building, near Mr. Cha- 
mier the sheriff's house on the east side of South Frederick street. 
The subscription towards building the court house amounting to 
nearly 900 pounds currency, chiefly by inhabitants of the town, did 
not reconcile the people on the north and east sides of the county, 
and the removal of the records by Mi\ Alexander Lawson was at- 
tended with some violence and outrage. In the grading of Calvert 
street the bluff overhanging the "Falls" on which the court-house 
stood was to be cut away, but it was very much desired to save the 
coui't-house. Mr. Leonard Harbaugh, a zealous craftsman of Bal- 
timore, pondered over the matter, and finally persuaded himself, and 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 



63 



afterwards the Town Coiuifil, that lie eoukl ])resei"ve the favorite 
liiiilding- by leaving it twenty feet in the air, alter all the adjacent 
earth was taken away. Our towns-people thought this an in- 
credible exploit, the dream of a bold projector; but Mr. llarbaugh 
knew what he was about, and successful!}' acconi})lislied, in the iace 
of that incredulous world Avhich dwelt upon the banks of the Pa- 
tapsc-o, this daring achievement. The old court-house, with its mag- 
niticent arch below, that gave it something of the air of a house 
perched u})on a stool, the wlii])])ing-post, pillory and stocks which 
stood in front of the arch, with a most malignant aspect of adino- 
nition addressed to the loafers, rowdies and petty thieves of that 
day. But steeple and arch were both fated to follow the common 
fate of all sublunary creations, and on the 27th of January an Act 
was passed b}- the Legislature "to provide for the erection of a 
new court house," and in 1809 the present court house was finished, 
and the oUl one taken down with the buildings to which they be- 
longed, and, except in the page of the annalist, became as things 
that never had been. The following is a copy of the original sub- 
scription list for the underpinning of the old court house as before 
mentioned : 

"Baltimore, 21sf September, 1784. 
" The subsci'ibers, impressed with the manj- advantages which 
would result to Baltimore Town and the country at large from 
Calvert street in said town being opened, which street is at present 
blocked up by the court-house, to the great injury of the town and 
country, do, by this instrument of writing, engage and bind them- 
selves to pay the sum or sums annexed to tlieir names, respectively, 
for the purpose of underpinning and arching the said court-house 
in Calvert street aforesaid, so as large and convenient passages 
ma}- be had underneath the same to the end that new communica- 
tions may be o])ened with the country; provided always, that the 
said subscri|)tions shall not be paid oi- demanded unless the Hon- 
ored the General Assembly of the State of Maryland shall authorise 
the said undertaking, and api)oint fit and proper persons for the 
collecting and applying the same. 



S, B. 

Jolin McHfiiry 130 00 

Griflitli, ll.ill, and Loinmun, in 
Ciiho Calvert street is e.vlended 
figlil liunilred feel acr<js.s llieir 
meadow, luar lliu uidl, will 

pay 100 00 

J. E. Ilowarti, in ease the street 
is not e.\tended so ns to nm 
tlirou,i;li Miy i^rouiid on tiic 

wesi ut .loiKR Falls 50 00 

EngellLinl Zeisser 12") 00 

John McLure 50 00 

Joini Jioyd 50 00 

Naliri Sinilh 2r> 00 



Henry Speck 20 00 

\V. >Sniilli 20 00 

.lolm Moalo 40 00 

Peter llotl'inan 15 00 

William Neill 10 00 

(ieo. Salmon 10 00 

.lolin I'arks 10 00 

Iticliard Unrland 10 00 

Geo. l'res>man 10 00 

Tlios. E. and Sam'l Ilollings- 

worth 20 00 

Caleb Hall 1^ 00 

Adam Fonerdi n T 10 

Aaron Levering 15 00 



64 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 



Matthew P;itton 10 00 

Twinnal & Geroack 10 00 

Hansheweg 10 00 

Andrew and Alex. Robinson, 
in case the said Calvert street 
is not extended so as to inter- 
rupt the carriage road 10 00 

MichaelAllen 10 00 

Jacob Brown 11 5 

George Levely 10 00 

Erasmus Uhler 10 00 

Wm. Clemms 10 00 

Elisha Winters 7 10 



Wm. Wilson 7 10 

Wm. Baker 7 10 

6 00 

George McCandless 11 5 

Robt. Portteus G 00 

Benjamin May 10 00 

John Brown 7 10 

Edward Kelly 20 00 

Dan'l Bowly 10 00 

Clem't. Brooke 10 00 

Juo. Sterrett for Gen'l Gist 35 00 

ditto 15 00 

Henry Wilson, paid 3 00 



1769. Messrs. David Shields, James Cox, Gerard Hopkins, 
George Lindenberger, John Deaver and others, aided by a general 
subscription, procured an engine for the extinguishment of fires, 
which was called " The Mechanical Company." This was the first 
machine of the kind in Baltimore, and cost ninety-nine pounds, or 
two hundred and sixty-four dollars. This company formed in this 
city the leader in a long line of kindred associations, who devoted 
themselves to a truly benevolent object, with a gallantry amounting 
to heroism. 

November 14th, a meeting of the merchants and others, inhabi- 
tants of Baltimore Town and county, associators for non-importa- 
tion of European goods, was held at Mr. Little's, with John Smith 
chairman ; the committee of inquiry having reported that William 
Moore, Jr., had imported a cai"go of goods in the Lord Cambden, 
Captain John Johnston, from London, of the value of £900 sterling, 
which they were in doubt were not within the terms of the asso- 
ciation. The following question was put, whether William Moore, 
Jr., had imported the said cargo within the terms mentioned in the 
agreement of the 30th of March last, to which he was a signer ? 
Upon which question, the gentlemen present were unanimously of 
opinion that the said cargo was imported contrary to that agree- 
ment. Of which determination William Moore being informed, he 
alleged, as a justification of his conduct, that at the time he signed 
the agreement, he objected to Mr. John Merryman, who then had 
the carriage thereof, and who is now absent in London, that he 
would not sign unless he had liberty to send oft' his orders for fall 
goods, and to import the same. That some few days afterwards 
Mr. Merryman informed him, that the merchants of the town would 
give leave to send oft' the orders, and receive the fall goods ; and 
that in consequence of this information, he signed the agreement, 
without any such condition, written or expi'essed, in the same op- 
posite to his name. After which the question was put, whether 
Mr. Morris should have liberty to land and vend his whole cargo? 
which was determined in the affirmative by the following vote : 

For the Affirmative — Thomas E wing, Alexander MacMachen, Ben- 
jamin Eogers, Jonathan Hudson, Murdock Kennedy, Henry Brown, 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 65 

AVilliam Hammond, Andrew Buchanan, JohnDeaver, il. D. Goaii;h, 
Jonathan Plowman, ivichard Moale, Archibald Buchanan, Hercules 
Ccnirtenay, John Macnabb, Charles liogers, John A. Smith, Thomas 
Place. 

For the Negative. — John Moale, Jlenry Thompson, William Lux 
(E. R), Robert Christie, Kobert Alexander, John Smith, William 
Smith, Alexander Lawson, Ebenezer Mackie, William Lux. The 
committee of inquiry having also reported that Benjamin Howard 
had imported a cargo of goods, of the value of £1700 sterling, in 
the Lord Cambden, Captain John Johnston, from London, which 
they were in doubt were not within the terms of the association of 
the 30th March, upon which the following question was put : 
whether Benjamin Howard be permitted to land and vend the said 
cargo, he having alleged that he never signed the association of the 
30th Mai'ch, being then an inhabitant of Anne Arundel county, and 
that he apprehended he was entitled to import within the terms of 
the general association of the 22d June, to which he was a sub- 
scriber, his orders for the said cargo having been transmitted the 
1st May, resolved in the affirmative by the following vote: 

For the Affirmative. — Thomas Ewing, Alexander McMachen, Ben- 
jamin Rogers, Jonathan Hudson, Thomas Place, Henr}' Thompson, 
Henry Brown, AV^illiam Hammond, Andrew Buchanan. John Heaver, 
H. L). Gough, Jonathan Plowman, Richard Moale, Archibald Bu- 
chanan, Murdock Kennedy, John Moale, John Macnabb, Charles 
Rogers, John A. Smith, Hercules Courtenay. 

For the Negative. — John Smith, Robert Christie, William Smith, 
Ebenezer Mackie, Alexander Lawson, William Lux. 

1770. In this year a storm of wind carried awaj" a part of the 
roof of the First Presbyterian Church. 

It would doubtless be interesting to many of the Roman Catho- 
lics of the present day to know the history of their respective con- 
gregatiojis ; and it is not less due to the memory of the Christian 
men who planted the seed of their religion, than it may be prol- 
itabk; to the piety of their children in the faith, to record the 
humble beginnings, the painful labors, the generous zeal and perse- 
vering fidelity which led to those respectable establishments which 
now adoni the State by their beauty, while they improve society 
by their usefulness. With this view the writer propoijcs to furnish 
some particulars of the origin of the two oldest Catholic congre- 
gations in Baltimore, those of the Cathedral and St. Patrick's. In 
the view of '' Baltimore as it was in 1752/' which we have men- 
tioned before, a brick house with stone corners is represented. 
Its location, as well as we can determine, is on or near the lot at 
present occuj)ied by Mr. Revei'dy Johnson's mansion, oj)poHite Bar- 
num's Hotel, and wiis the dwelling oi" Mr. Edward Fottrell, a gen- 
tleman fnnn licland. This building was noldesigned or intemled 
for a church ; but the jjroprietor having returned to Ireland, where 
he died, left it in an unlinished state, and it was a waste and dc- 
5 



66 CHEONICLES OF BALTIMOEE. 

serted house when some of the " Neutral Fi-onch " or Arcadians, who 
had been cruelly expelled from Nova Scotia by the British, ar- 
riving in Baltimore in the most forlorn condition in 1756, took 
refuge in this deserted house, occupying such rooms as Avere hab- 
itable. No Catholic priest resided nearer than Daughoregan (Car- 
roll's) Manor, about fifteen miles from Baltimore. The priest who 
was stationed at the Manor occasionally visited Baltimore and cele- 
brated mass. The Eev. Mr. Ashton, who was at that pei-iod the 
residing priest of Carroll Manor, visited Baltimore once a month, 
for the purpose of giving the few Catholics of Baltimore the con- 
venience of attending divine service. On these occasions he brought 
with him the vestments and sacred vessels used in the celebration 
of mass. A room in the lower story of Fottrell's building was pre- 
pared for the purpose. A part of this preparation consisted in first 
expelling the hogs which habitually nestled there. A temporary 
altar of the rudest description was erected each time. The con- 
gregation sometimes consisted of not more than twenty, and sel- 
dom exceeded forty persons. These consisted principally of the 
"Neutral French" and some few Irish Catholics, among whom 
were Messrs. Patrick Bennet, Eobert Walsh and William Stenson. 
About the year 1770, the Catholics having increased in number, de- 
termined to build a church. A lot for the purpose, fronting on 
Saratoga and Charles streets, was obtained from Mr. Cai'roU, and on 
the northwest side of it a very plain brick building was erected of 
the modest dimensions of about twenty-five bj' thirty feet, which 
was known as St. Peter's Church. Mr. John McNabb erected or 
superintended the building until the walls and the roof were com- 
pleted. It is probable that the church was then used for the pur- 
pose of worship, although in an unfinished state. Before its com- 
pletion the superintendent failed in business, owing a debt on ac- 
count of the building of two hundred pounds in Maryland cur- 
rency, (about five hundred and forty dollars). The principal 

creditor, Mr. P , locked up the church and kept possession of 

the key until 1774 or 1775. Griffith, in his "Annals of Baltimore," 
says, " By a ludicrous suit against Ganganelli, Pope of Home, for 
want of other defendant, to recover the advances of Mr. McNabb, 
who became a bankrupt, the church was sometime closed. This was 
at the commencement of the Eevolution, and the congregation as- 
sembled in a private house in South Charles street, until possession 
was recovered." The manner of re-opening St. Peter's was some- 
what novel, and partook of the spirit of the times. A volunteer 
company, probably in 1775, which was part of a military force or- 
ganised to repel the apprehended attacks or incursions of Lord 
Dunmore, Governor of Virginia, was in Baltimore, under the com- 
mand of Captain Galbraith. The company was then employed in 
guarding some Scotch malcontents from North Carolina. On Sun- 
day morning some of the soldiers asked permission of the cajitain 
to go to church. A majority of them decided on going to the Eoman 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 67 

Catholic Ciiurob, and on Icui-uiiiii; that it Avas closed and the key in 

the possession of Mr. P , they marched in a body, with their 

ea]itain at their head, to the residence of this gentleman, and Cap- 
tain (ialhraith demanded the key of the chnrch. It so happened 

that Mr. P. had fallen nnder suspicion of being disatfected to 

the cause of American independence, and, on seeing a body of 
soldiers halted in front of his house, he apprehended they were 
about to make him prisoner; but on learning their object, he 
readily delivered the kc}' to Captain Galbraith. The company 
then moved off, opened the church, and after they had satisfied 
their devotion, the Catholics retained possession of the key and the 
church until the close of the Revolutionary war, after which period 
the sum of tAvo hundred pounds was raised by subscription and 
paid to ^Ir. P. in discharge of the debt due to him, and he re- 
linquished all claim upon the church. 

There was no resident pastor at the church before the year 
1784. The Pev. Mr. Phelan, an Irish ])rie8t, passed rapidly through 
Baltimore, celebrated mass and preached in English in 8t. Peter's 
Church, and also preached in French for the Acadians, who under- 
stood English imperfectly. In the 3'ear 1782 Count Eochambeau, 
returning with his army from Yorktown, halted in Baltimore, 
where some of his troops remained until the close of the war. The 
legion of the Duke De Lauzun encamped on the ground where the 
Cathedral now stands, which, as well as that around St. Peter's, was 
then covered with forest trees. The chaplains of the French army 
frequently celebrated mass in this place. On one occasion a grand 
mass was celebrated with great military pomp ; the celebrant was 
an Irish priest, chaplain to (xcneral Count Eochambeau. The 
bands of the French regiments accompanied the sacred service with 
solemn music, the officers and soldiers attended in full uniform, and 
a large concourse of the people of the town were present, so that 
the small church was not only crowded, but the spacious yard ia 
front was also filled. >St. Peter's remained in an unfinished state 
until 1783. In the following yearthc Eev. Charles Sewell came to 
i-eside in Baltimore, having been appointed pastor of St. Peter's, 
and was the first resident Catholic priest. The congregatiim having 
increased so much as to make a larger church necessary, an addi- 
tion to St, Peter's was built, of larger dimensions than the original 
church. The Eev. Mr. Sewell was the only pastor for two or three 
years. This respectable yjriest bad very moderate abilities as an 
orator. In the year 1780 the Eev. John Carroll was stationed at 
St. Peter's, and in conjunf-tion with Mr, Sewell, attended to the la- 
l>orious duties of the mission as parish jtriest for several years, 
lie jtreacheil his first sermon in lialtimore on the parable of tin; 
ten virgins; the classical purity of his cojnposition, the sweetness 
of his nitmner, and his earnest piety made a deep ini|»i'ession ui)on 
his audience ; and on pi'caching a second tinie, he became a decided 
favorite, Jlis .sermons were so much admired that many i'rotes- 



68 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

tants attended them with great satisfaction. Before the Eevolution 
the Catholics of America were dependent on the spiritual jurisdic- 
tion of the bishop (Vicar Apostolic) of the London district ; but 
after the Revolution there was very little communication between 
the bishop and the Catholics on this side of the Atlantic. Shortly 
after the war the clergy of Maryland and Pennsylvania, convinced 
of the Tiecessity of a superior on the spot, requested permission ol 
the Holy See to choose a superior from their own body ; which 
request having been acceded to, their unanimous suffrages centred 
in the Rev. John Carroll, whose nomination was approved by the 
Holy See, and ample power, even that of administering confirma- 
tion, was immediately conferred upon him. 

In the year 1789, the earliest general meeting of the Roman 
Catholic clergy of the United States of which we find any account, 
was held in Baltimore. At that meeting it was decided that the 
sovereign pontiff should be requested to establish an Episcopal 
See in Baltimore, and the Rev. Dr. Carroll was recommended as a 
suitable person for the oflice of chief pastor. It became necessary 
for Dr. Carroll to go to Europe to receive consecration; he accord- 
ingly repaired to England, and presented himself for that purpose 
to the Rt. Rev. Chas. Walmsley, bishop of Rama, senior vicar 
apostolic of England. By invitation of Thomas Weld, Esq., the 
consecration of the new bishop was performed during a solemn 
high mass, in the elegant chapel of Lulworth castle, on Sunday, 
the 15th August, 1790, and the munificence of that gentleman 
omitted nothing that could possibl}^ add dignity to so imposing a 
ceremony. It was during his short stay in England that Bishop 
Carroll met the Rev. Mr. Nagot, who had been sent by the superior 
general of the Sulpitians from Paris to London, to confer with him 
upon the expediency of establishing a theological seminary in 
America. The good bishop encouraged the pious design, and on 
the 10th of July, 1791, Rev. Mr. Nagot, with several priests of the 
society, arrived in Baltimore, and founded the Seminary of St. 
Mary's. During their voyage they wei^e accompanied by the cele- 
brated Chateaubriand, then a young man on a visit to America. 
It may be interesting to observe that at this time the whole thir- 
teen original States were included in Bishop Carroll's diocese. 
There were nineteen priests in Maryland and five in Pennsylvania. 

In 1791 a diocesan synod was held by Bishop Carroll in Balti- 
more, at which several decrees of discipline were enacted. This 
synod was attended by twenty priests. Some time after this 
period a very painful duty devolved upon the bishop by the mis- 
conduct of a German or Dutch priest, named John Baptist Cousy, 
who, being irregular, was suspended by him. Cousy was refrac- 
tory, and having assembled some of his countrymen, said mass in 
an old house formerly used as a theatre. Dr. Carroll at length 
resolved to excommunicate him, and on the appointed day 
preached on the occasion, taking his text from 2 Cor. iii., and 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 69 

manifestod great sensibility. Sentence of excommunication was 
formally pronounced against Cousy, whose followers immediately 
deserted him. In St. Peter's Church, in the year 1800, the Kev. 
Leonard Neale was consecrated bishop of Grortyna, and coadjutor 
to the lit. liev. John Carroll. 

For many years St. Peter's was the cathedral church of Balti- 
more, but the Catholics became so numerous that notwithstanding 
the organization of St. Patrick's and St. John's congregations, St. 
Peter's was crowded to excess on Sundays and holidays. Neces- 
sity demanded the erection of a larger church, and the good bishop 
laid the corner-stone of the present Cathedral on the 7th of July, 
180G. In 1808 Episcopal Sees were established at Boston, New 
York, Philadelphia, and Bardstown, and Baltimore was erected 
into a Metropolitan Church, by which arrangement Dr. Carroll 
was invested with the dignit}^ of ai'chbishop. On the former site 
of St. i'eter's is erected Calvert Hail, now a Catholic school for 
boys. Full of years and good works, the venerable Avchbishoj) 
Carroll surrendered his soul to his Maker on the 3d of December, 
1815, in the eightieth year of his age. 

The second Catholic church erected in Baltimore was St. Pat- 
riek'.s. The original building has disappeared from its site in 
Apple alley, near Wilks street. The congregation of St. Patrick's 
Church dates as far back as 1792. The Catholics who lived in the 
southeastern part of the city, known as Fell's Point, finding it ver}' 
inconvenient to attend worship at St. Peter's Church, which was 
at nearly two miles' distance, procured the necessary approbation 
of Bishop ('arroU for the public exercise of divine service among 
them, and fur this purpose rented an unplastered room in the third 
story of the house which was standing a few years since at the 
northeast corner of Fleet and Bond streets. They fitted up this 
room as a chapel, and the first mass was celebrated in it by the 
Rt. Rev. Bishop Carroll, assisted by the Rev. J. Tessier, afterwards 
superior for many years of St. Maiy's Seminary. The little con- 
gregation was committed to the care of the Rev. Mr. (Jarnier, who 
soon devoted himself to his charge with the punctuality and zeal 
of the true pastor. They next procured a room in the second 
story of a house in Thames street, where religious worship was 
performed for two or three years. In the year 17!)(J the number 
of Catholics on the Point was so large that they determint-d to 
build a church. A lot (iO by 100 iWt was K-ascd at a ground rent 
of fort}^ dollars per annum, and the church erected on Apple alley. 
The whole length of the elmreh was 42 feet, width 3.') feet, and 
height of ceiling 12 feet. 

1771. Mr. William Kddis, in a letter dated January 18th, from 
Annajiolisto his frii-nds in London, describes Baltimore as follows: 
"This place, which is named Baltimore, in complin»ent to the Pro- 
prietary's family, is situated on the northern branch of the river 
Patapsco, about thirty miles higher uj) the bay oi'(Miesaj>eiike than 



70 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

Annapolis, and at nearly the same distance by land. Within these 
few years some scattered cottages were only to be found on this 
spot, occupied by obscure storekeepers, merel}^ for the supply of 
the adjacent plantations. But the peculiar advantages it pos- 
sesses, with respect to the trade of the frontier counties of Vir- 
ginia, Pennsylvania, and Mar^^land, so strongly impressed the 
mind of Mr. .John Stevenson, an Irish gentleman who had settled 
in the vicinity in a medical capacity, that he first conceived the 
important project of rendering this port the grand emporium of 
Marjdand commerce. He accordingly applied himself, with as- 
siduity, to the completion of his plan. The neighboring county 
being fertile, well settled, and abounding in grain, Mr. Stevenson 
contracted for considerable quantities of wheat, he freighted ves- 
sels, and consigned them to a corresi^ondent in his native country ; 
the cargoes sold to great advantage, and returns were made 
equally beneficial. The commencement of a trade so lucrative to 
the first adventurers, soon became an object of universal attention. 
Persons of a commercial and enterprising spirit emigrated from all 
quarters to this new and promising scene of industry. Wharfs 
were constructed ; elegant and convenient habitations were rapidly 
erected ; marshes were drained ; spacious fields were occupied for 
the purposes of general utility ; and within forty years from its 
first commencement, Baltimore became not only the most wealthy 
and populous town in the Province, but inferior to few on this 
Continent, either in size, number of inhabitants, or the advantages 
arising from a well-conducted and universal and commercial con- 
nection." In a note he adds : "Soon after the appointment of 
Mr. Eden to the government of Maryland, Sir William Draper 
arrived in that Province on a tour throughout the Continent. He 
contemplated the origin of Baltimore, and its rapid progress, with 
astonishment, and when introduced by the Governor to the 
worthj^ founder, he elegantly accosted him by the appellation of 
the American Eomulus." 

Mr. Jonathan Hanson, son of the gentleman of that name who 
had erected the third, fourth and fifth mills on the Falls, was ap- 
pointed Inspector of Flour, which continued to be sold by weight 
until after the Eevolution. 

Messrs. Cumberland Dugan and Lemuel Cravath, from Boston, 
the latter the first New-England gentleman who settled here, 
traded largely hence. Mr. Dugan, who came from Ireland and 
married in Boston, took the lot on Water street near Cheapside. 
About this time Mr. William Moore built a stone house at the 
southeast corner of South and Water streets. South street, origi- 
nally an alley sixteen and a half feet broad, at the instance of N. 
Rogers' guardians was widened from Baltimore street to the water 
by the new inspection-house. 

Samuel O wings and Geoi-ge Risteau, Esqs., were elected dele- 
gates in the places of Messrs, Ridgely and Adair. 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 71 

Among those who arrived and carried on trade from Baltimore 
about this period were Messrs. Hercides Courtenay, James CUirke, 
Thos. Usher, James Mellenry, David WilHamson, David Stewart, 
Daniel Carroll, David Plunkett, James Cheston, John Ashburner, 
Matthew Ridley, William liussell, Thomas Russell, Jonathan Hud- 
son, Robert Walsh, Mark Pringle. James Somervel, Thomas Place, 
John Riddle, Charles Garts, William Neil, Johnson (lildert, John 
McKim, George Woolsey, James Calhoun, William Aisquith, Joseph 
Magothn, Henry Schaetter, George Lindenberger, Barnet Eichel- 
berger, Francis Sanderson, Richard Lemmon, Jacob Walsh, William 
Wilson, George Presstman, Richartlson Stewart, Robert Steuart, 
Englehart Yeiser, Christopher Hughes, John Cornthwait, and 
William Smith. The practising physicians in and near the town 
were Doctors Lyon, Ilultz, Stenhouse, Weisenthall, Pue, Steven- 
sou, Boyd, Craddock, Haslet, Gray, and Coulter. The members of 
the bar who resided here were Robert Alexander, Jeremiah T. 
Chase, Benjamin Nicholson, Thomas Jones, George Chalmers, 
Robert Smith of W., Robert Buchanan of W., W. Francis Curtis, 
and David McMechin, Fsqs. 

1772. In this year the first efforts were made in Baltimore to 
introduce the use of umbrellas as a defence from the sun and rain. 
They were then scouted as a ridiculous effeminacy. On the other 
hand, the physicians recommended them to keep off vertigos, 
epilepsies, sore-eyes, fevers, &c. P^inally, as the doctors were their 
chief patrons, they were generalh^ adopted. They were of oiled 
linen, very coarse and clumsy, with rattan sticks, and were imported 
from India byway of England. Before their time some doctors and 
ministers used an oiled linen cape hooked around their shoulders, 
looking not unlike the big coat-capes noAV in use, and then called a 
roquelaire. It was only used for sevei'e storms. 

1773. The importance of the trade and intercourse had already 
produced the establishment of a line of packets and stage-coaches, 
by the head of Elk, to and from Philadelphia; and a coffee-house 
or hotel was opened at the Point. 

Until this period the hills on which the Cathedral and Hospital 
are erected, and the grounds west of Greene sti'cet, where Mr. Lux 
had established a ro])e-Avalk, and the south shore of the river from 
Lee street, where Mr. Thomas Moore set up the frame of a vessel, 
tQ the Fort point, were covered with forest trees or small ])lanta- 
tions. The grounds between the town and Point, called Philj)ot'8 
Hill, remained an open common. The last fair was hehl on Mr. 
Howard's grounds, Ix-tween Liberty and Greene streets, where 
races were also run before the Jlevolution. Most of the timber 
fell a prey to the wants of necessitous inhabitants during the cold 
winters of 1779 and 1783, and improvements did not commence, 
even on Mr. Philj)()t's grounds, for some years after. 

In Ma}', Charles Hidgely, Thomas C. Deye, Aquilla Hall, and 
Walter Tolley, Esqs., were elected delegates to the General As- 



72 CHRONICLES OF BA.LTIMOEE. 

sembly, and the subversion of the colonial government taking place 
before the usual period of issuing "vrrits for an election, which was 
three years, they were the last delegates under that government. 

Messrs. Moale and Steiger were authorised, at a session in June, 
to add eighteen acres of ground lying betAveen Bridge, now Gay 
and Front streets. It was not carried into effect until eight j^ears 
after ; but about eighty acres of Plowman, Philpot, and Fells' lands 
were added to the town on the east. 

The markets were regulated by law. and the commissioners au- 
thorised to hire stalls, appoint a clerk, &c. 

At this time Gay Street bridge was rebuilt of wood, and a new 
one erected at Baltimore street, first of stone, which gave way when 
finished, and then of wood; and for the first time on Water street, 
now Lombard, another of wood. To the two last it was necessary 
to raise causeways from Frederick street across the marsh. Mr. 
Joseph Eathel issued proposals for a circulating library, but without 
success. 

Antecedent to the erection of Alms Houses in the vState of 
Maryland, the County Courts had levied tobacco for the relief of 
the sick and infirm poor, from year to year, as other county charges 
were levied. The year before Baltimore County Alms House was 
authorised to be erected, 240 persons were relieved in the county, 
then including Harford, and the amounts levied averaged 1200 lbs. 
of tobacco each — the levies per poll on 10,000 taxables being 
sometimes in the name of persons who had the poor in charge, but 
generally in the name of the persons relieved at their own houses. 
At the session of Asseinbly in N'ovember 1773, an Act was passed, 
appointing Charles Eidgely, William Lux, John Moale, William 
Smith, and Samuel Purviance, of Baltimore Town, and Andrew 
Buchanan and Harry Dorsey Gough, trustees for the poor of Bal- 
timore County, with corporate powers to fill their own vacancies, 
and to elect one new member annually in the place of the first-named 
in succession. Four thousand pounds in bills of credit, of a larger 
loan made to the county, in common with other counties, were di- 
rected to be paid the trustees, for the purpose of purchasing " in 
Fee or Quantity " of land in the said county, not exceeding 100 
acres, near and convenient to Baltimore Town, but not within a 
half a mile thereof; and to agree and contract Avith a workman or 
workmen, to undertake, erect, build, and in a workmanlike manner 
to complete and finish, on the said land, when so purchased, good, 
strong, suflScient and convenient houses, habitations, and dwellings, 
for the reception of the poor of said county, and of such vagrants, 
beggars, vagabonds, and other offenders, as shall be committed ; 
and shall appropriate one part thereof, to be called the Alms House, 
to and for the reception and lodging of the poor of said county j 
and another part or parts thereof, to be called the Work House, to 
and for the reception and lodging of all such vagrants and other 
offenders; and also to jiurchase sufficient beds, bedding, working 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 73 

tools, kitchen utensils, cows, horses, and other necessaries, of which 
vouchers were to be produced at Court. The people were taxed 
at the rate of 12 pounds of tobacco per poll annually to repay the 
loan-office commissioners, and which in 1775-6 Avas levied by the 
then sheritf, whose property on his return to England was confis- 
cated to the State ; but the loan was still standing against the 
county, and 15 pomids of tobacco per poll was autliorised to be 
levied by the Justices of the County Court, as had been provided 
for individual poor before, '' for the use, benefit and charge of main- 
taining the poor, vagrants, &c., in the purchase of provisions and 
other necessaries for use and labor; in paying a Doctor for his 
salary and medicines ; in providing men and women servants, to 
be under the management and direction of an overseer of such ahns 
and work house, hereafter to be appointed; and in purchasing 
materials for the use and employment of the poor, and all beggars 
&c., who shall be able to work and who shall be committed by 
virtue of the act." The Trustees were directed to meet "on the 
first Monday of May yearly, and at all such other times as they 
shall judge necessary, at the Alms and Work house, to appoint a 
fit person of said County to be overseer of the Alms and Work 
house aforesaid, and such other proper officers and servants as to 
them shall appear necessary, and in the first week in February, 
May, August and Xovember annually or oftener to make all such 
good and wholesome ordinances, rules and by-laws as they shall 
think convenient and necessaiy." It was made lawful for any one 
Justice, and for an}^ i)erson authorised and appointed bj'- such 
Justice, "to apprehend or cause to be apprehended any rogues, 
vagrants, vagabonds, beggars, and other idle dissolute and disor- 
derly persons found loitering or residing in the said County, City 
or Town corporate, who follows no labor, trade, occupation or busi- 
ness, and have no visible means of subsistence whereby to acquire 
an honest livelihood, thence to be kept at hard labor for an}' term 
not exceeding three months," which power was afterwards, on the 
oi-gani/.ation of a sp(!cial Court of Oyer and Terminer for Baltimore 
County, ti-ansforred with additional ])Owers to said court; but on 
the adoption of the Penitentiary in September ISll, the County 
work-house was used, as was the prison, for the detention of such 
vagrants until they wei'c duly convicted or acquitted. 

Thu elevated and beautiful site of the Alms-house was first j)ur- 
chased of Mr. William Lux for £^:}50, containing twenty acres, 
being nearly in form of a square, and situated northwest of the 
town, at the head of North llowani street, and was on the square 
formed by Eutaw, Biddle, (iarden, and Madison streets. The 
trustees erected the necessary buildings, then laid out the grounds, 
planted them with trees in the most agreealile manner, excellent 
water being j^rocured from two wells al»out seventy feet deep each, 
witli ])umps. On Wednesday, September 18th, 1776, a fire broke 
out in the garret, caused by accident with some fiax in the main 



74 CHEONIOLES OF BA.LTIMOEE. 

building. The wind blowing fresh from the westwai^d, the fire 
soon communicated to the dome atfd east wing, both of which 
were nearly consumed before the engine from town arrived. By 
the activity of the inhabitants, part of the west wing of the house 
Avas preserved and most of the furniture. The main building was 
immediately rebuilt, but the wing not until some years after. In 
1792 nearly ten acres of land was purchased of Mr. Russell, agent 
of Mr. Lux, for the sum of £1G7 13s. 5d., and added as a pasture, 
by Messrs. P. Hoffman, W. McLaughlin, Alexander McKim, David 
Brown, George Presstman, James McCannon, and Samuel Hol- 
lingsworth, the then trustees, Avho with difficulty obtained the 
acquiescence of the County Court, and to which ground the burial- 
place was removed from the south side of Howard street when 
that street was extended ten years afterwards. In pursuance of a 
law passed in 1805, commissioners were appointed to open a road 
in the extension of Howard street, to the north side of the Poor- 
house ground, converting the square into two angles, and sepa- 
rating about one-half of the garden from the other and from the 
buildings, and the trustees were authorised to lease part of the 
ground so separated from the rest. In the same year the manage- 
ment of the Poor-house and funds of the poor Avas transferred to 
the J ustices of the Levy Court, at their own request, and they 
proceeded to lay out and dispose of lots in pursuance of the 
authoritj' which had been given to the trustees, and which was 
increased in the Court, to open other streets and lots on both 
sides of the new road, by acts passed in 1807 and 1811, until 1816, 
when the same Court was authorised to sell the house and all the 
ground east of Biddle street, and to purchase land in the county 
for a new alms-house. The Court advertised for land, but none 
was tendered them which was considered sufficiently eligible and 
cheap to induce them to abandon such extensive improvements so 
conveniently placed as the present. 

After a number of modifications in the system of relieving the 
poor, the Legislature in 1799 authorised the trustees to pay a 
pension, not exceeding thirty dollars each, to not more than ten 
persons in one county, " whose peculiar circumstances may render 
a situation in the Poor House particularly unsuitable," Avhich 
number of out-pensioners was extended to thirty persons in this 
and other counties, and to forty persons, at forty dollars each, in 
some about ten years after. In the meantime the Legislature was 
importuned to special acts of relief, and this and some other coun- 
ties were compelled by laws to provide for almost as many more 
out-pensioners. 

In 1819 or 1820 the city and 'county of Baltimore jointly, for 
the sum of $44,000, purchased from the Mechanics' Bank of Balti- 
more, " Calverton," formerly the country seat of Dennis A. Smith, 
with its splendid mansion, to which the trustees added two wings 
130 by 40 feet each, and other necessary out-buildings, and thereby 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 75 

formed the large and elegant alms-house, which in point of extent, 
eonvenience, and beauty of location, was not surpassed in. its da}' 
l»y any similar establishment in the United States. The old alms-" 
house, between Eutaw and Howard streets, was demolished about 
the year 1827. It contained HOG acres, and was situated about two 
and a half miles from the court-house in a northwestern direction, 
on the Franklin road. No ])art of the del)t incurred in the pur- 
chase was paid until the 3'ear 1828, between which period and 1836 
the whole debt was cancelled. The purchase-money was paid out 
of the proceeds of the old alms-house pro])erty, and from the same 
source also a very large propoi-tion of the inijirovements, including 
additional wings. &c. The entire cost of land and improvements 
was al)0ut S04|000. 

In 1866 Ba}' View Asylum, a new institution for the paupers 
of the city which had been erected by the City of Baltimore, was 
occupied. The grounds consist of forty-six acres, which were pur- 
chased of the Canton Company, at the rate of S150 per acre. The 
building is exceedingly imposing in appearance, and situated upon 
a hill high enough to rcndei- it conspicuous for many miles. Over 
8500,000 have been expended on the premises, and every rare and 
modern ajipliance afforded to render the asylum and its grounds 
equal to the best in the world. The wings and centre building 
give an aggregate front of 714 feet, whilst it is three stories in 
height, including the l)asement. The top of the cupola rises to the 
height of 18-1 feet, whilst the base is estimated at 100 feet above 
tide-water. More than seven millions of brick have been used in 
the work of erection. The superintending architect of the build- 
ing was John W. Hogg, Esq. The principal management of titting 
it up for the occupation was performed by James McDougall, Sr., 
W. W. Maughlin, William Callow, A. W. Poulson, and James F. 
Ivoss, Esqs., trustees appointed by the Mayor, whose labors, 
iliough gratuitous, were of the utmost advantage to the city in 
])oint of economy and comj)leteness. It was under the able ad- 
ministration of these gentleman, that an asylum for the insane was 
established in the building, which proved to be a saving to the city 
of nearly S35,000 a year. 

The sale of the old "Almshouse" pro]tert_y took ]»lac(^ at the 
KiXchange Salesi-oom on Tuesday, Api'il 18lh, and drew together a 
large numlter of capitalists and property-dealers. Mr. F. W. Ben- 
nett, the auctioneer, lirst ottered lot No. 1, containing 12? acres, 
l»inding on the southwest side of the (valvcrton tui'npike road at 
the junction of the Potomac Kailroad. The first bid was SIHOO 
}»er acre, but was tinally knocked down to Thomas G. Scharf, Esq., 
at S:i<)0() per aero, he becoming the pui'chaser at that price, it bt'ing 
845.900 for the lot. Lot No. 2 was divided into three lots. The 
tirst lot, comprising within its limits the almshouse buildings and 
the stone quarry, and containing H6i acres, was sold after much 
elfort to Messrs. William S. Kaynor and James Bromell, at J|?2(!00 



76 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMOKE. 

per acre, or §94,250 for the lot. The second portion of lot No. 2, 
eontainino; 28 acres, was sold to Mr. A. S. Abell at §2610 per acre, 
or §73,0^0 for the lot. The third portion of lot Xo. 2, containing 
27\ acres, was sold to Mr. A. B. Patterson at §500 per acre, or 
§13,625 for the lot. Lot No. 3, containing 67J acres adjoining lot 
No. 2, was sold to Mr. A. S. Abell at §1700 per acre, or §114,750 
for the lot. The sale amounting in the total to §341,605. 

In the latter part of the year 1735 Mr. John Wesley and his 
brother Charles consented to leave England, and to come over to 
America as missionaries to the Indians, and on the 14th of Oc- 
tober, 1735, thej" set off. After a passage of more than three 
months, they landed on the 6th of Februar}-, 1736, at Tybee, near 
Savannah, Georgia. On the 24th of December, 1737, Mr. John 
Wesley sailed from Charleston. South Carolina, for England, and 
never returned again to America. Mr. Charles Wesley embarked 
for England in July, 1736, after a short stay of about six months 
in Geoi'gia. Mr. George Whitefield, who came to America in May, 
1740, passed through Baltimore on several visits to the members 
of the Methodist society from Europe, settled in the United States 
(then British Colonies), who were scattered about as sheep having 
neither fold nor shepherd. In the beginning of the year 1766 the 
first permanent Methodist society was formed in the city of New 
York. Not long after this society was formed in New York, Rob- 
ert Strawbridge, from Ireland, who had settled in Frederick 
count}', in the State of Maryland, began to hold meetings in public, 
and joined a soeiet}^ together near Pipe Ci-eek. Mr. Strawbridge 
was a useful man, and zealous in the cause, as he spent much of 
his time in preaching the Gospel in different places before any reg- 
ular preachers were sent over to this country by Mr. Wesley. The 
first Methodist meeting-house that was built in the United States, 
was in John Street, New York ; the second by Mr. Strawbridge 
and his society, near Pipe Creek in Fredei-ick county, Maryland, 
and was called the " Log Meeting House." On the 24th of Oc- 
tober, 1769, Mr. Boardman and Mr. Fillmore landed at Gloucester 
Point, below Philadelphia, from England, and were the first regular 
itinerant Methodist preachers that ever came to the United States. 
On the 27th of October Mr. Francis Asbury and Mr. Eichard 
Wright arrived in Philadelphia, having been sent over from Eng- 
land b}^ Mr. John Wesley to this countr}^ The}" soon began to 
extend their labors farther into the country, and in a short time 
they preached in Baltimore, with Mr. Rankin, Webb, King, Wil- 
liams, Fillmore and others. Mr. Asbury first preached in Balti- 
more at Fell's Point on Saturday, November 28th, 1772. In No- 
vember, 1773, Messrs. Jesse Hollingsworth, George Wells, Richard 
Moale, George Robinson, John Woodward, and others, formed a so- 
ciety on Fell's Point, and built the first Methodist meeting-house 
in the city of Baltimore, in Strawberry alley. 

On the 11th of February, 1774, William Moore and Philip 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 77 

Eogcrs took up a subscripton lowards building another church in 
Baltimore Town, and secured a lot in Lovely lane, which lay im- 
mediatel}' south of Baltimore f^treet, running from Calvert to South 
street. The historj^ of this tirst ]\lethodist meeting-house west of 
Jones Falls, and the second in Baltimore Town, and which has 
long since been removed and its precise site scarcely known, re- 
veals the following facts: On Monday, the eighteenth day of 
April, 1774, the foundation of the house was laid, and the first 
quarterly meeting that was ever held in the town of Baltimore 
Avas on Tuesday the third of May in this year. In October of the 
same year the building was completed, and Captain Webb, the 
British- officer, and faithful pioneer local preacher, delivered his 
Gospel message to the cojigregation assembled therein. On the 
21st of ^Fay, 1776, the first conference of Methodist preachers held 
in Baltimore, took place in this meeting-house. The first three 
conferences had been held in Philadelphia. The Methodists met 
with some particular persecutions this year. Mr, Asbury says, on 
the 20th day of June "I was fined near Baltimore five pounds for 
preaching the gospel." It was with great diflficulty the preachers 
could travel tlieir circuits, on account of the war which was 
spreading through the land ; these persecutions were due perhaps 
to the fact that the preachers were all from England, and some of 
whom were so imprudent as to speak too freely against the pro- 
ceedings of the Americans. During the Revolutionary war a num- 
ber of the Methodist preachers were brought into difficulties and 
sufferings. In April, 1778, Joseph Hartley, one of the travelling 
preachers, was api)rehended in Queen Anne's county for preaching, 
and afterwards in Talbot county was seized by the i)eople and 
shut up in jail. Freeborn Garretson, another travelling preacher, 
was severely beaten in Queen Anne's county. Mr. Asbury says, 
" On conscientious principles I was a non-juror, and could not 
preach in the state of Maryland, and therefore withdrew to the 
Delaware state, \vhere the clergy were not required to take the 
state oath, though with a clear conscience I could have taken the 
oath of the Delaware state had it been required, and would have 
done it, had I not been prevented by a tender fear of hurting the 
scrupulous consciences of others." 

On the 24th day of April, 1780, the eighth conference met in 
Baltimore, where the noi'thcrn preachers only attended. This con- 
ference took under consideration the subject of slavery, and re- 
quired all the travelling preaehei-s who belonged to the Baltimore 
Conference to promise that if they held slaves they would set them 
free. They went further, and said that they believed that keejiing 
of slaves was contrary to the laws of Gfxl, of man, and of nature, 
and that it was hurtful to society and contrary to the dictates of 
conscience and pure religion. 1 hey also said, " We pass our dis- 
approbation on all our friends who keep slaves." 

December 27tii, 1784, the thirteenth conference began in I'.al- 



78 CHEONICLES OF BALTIMOEE. 

timore, and where the most important epoch in the history of 
American Methodism occurred, which has given to the Lovely 
Lane Jleeting Mouse and to the preachers assembled on that oc- 
casion, a commanding position in the religious history of this 
country. The Methodist societies in the United States were here 
organized into the Methodist Episcopal Church in the United States 
of America, and Rex. Thomas Coke, LL. D., and Eev. Francis 
Asbury became the first bishops of the Church. The rapid growth 
of Methodism soon rendered the Lovely Lane Meeting House too 
limited to accommodate the people, and arrangements were made 
to locate the First Light Street Church on the northwest corner 
of Light street and Wine alley. The building was commenced in 
August, 1785, being 46 feet front by 70 feet deep. On May 21st, 
1786, the church was dedicated to worship b}' Bishop Asbury ; 
subject in the morning, Psalm Ixxxiv. 10; in the evening 1st 
Kings ix. 6-9. The subject of liberal education engaged the at- 
tention of Bishops Coke and Asbmy and their eav\y fellow-laborers, 
and at the close of the conference in 1785, " A plan for erecting a col- 
lege, intended to advance religion in America, to be presented to 
the principal members and friends of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church," was decided on, and signed by the two superintenden.ts. 
A site was selected in Abingdon, Harford county, Marj'land, and 
the two superintendents called the college, when finished, after their 
own names, " Cokesbury College." On the 8th, 9th and 10th days of 
December, 1787, the college was ojiened, and Mr. Asbury preached 
each day ; the dedication sermon on Sunday from 2 Kings iv. 40, 
"O thou man of God, there is death in the pot." On the 4th of 
Decembe]', 1795, the college was destro3'ed by fire. The Metho- 
dists of Baltimore rallied to the relief of the Church to repair this 
calamity. A large assembly or ball-room Avhich stood on the lot 
where the late Light Street Church stood, was purchased, and 
Cokesbury College was re-opened under favorable auspices. A sad 
trial awaited the First Light Street Church and the second 
Cokesbury College. Mr. Patrick Colvin's mortal remains were 
borne to Light Street church, December 4th, 1796. Eev. Henry 
Willis was offtciating on the occasion ; in the midst of the solemn 
service a cry of fire was heard, the flames were issuing from a 
contiguous building (see fire in the ^'■ear 1796), and in a short 
time the first Light Street Chui'ch and the second Cokesbury Col- 
lege were smouldering ruins. It was remarkable that this destruc- 
tive fire occurred precisely in one 3'ear after the loss of the first 
college by conflagration. This catastrophe awoke valuable sym- 
pathy among the citizens of Baltimore ; and the members and 
friends of the church immediately projected the l)uilding of a new^ 
and commodious edifice. A lot was secured from Mr. Daniel Grant 
on the southwest corner of Light street and Wine alley, being the 
opposite corner to the one previously occupied. The trustees, Mi'- 
James McCannon, William Hawkins, Isaac Burneston, Sauaiel 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 79 

Owino;?, John Ilagerty, Job Smith, Caleb Hewitt, Walter Simpson, 
anil Philip Kogers ])aitl for the lot £5,8G0 Maryland eiirrency. On 
October 29, 1797, bein<i; about ten months after the loss of the first 
church, Bishop Asbury dedicated the new Light Street Church. 
This church was removed upon the o})ening of (lerman street. 

In 1788 Methodism greatly increased in Baltimore, and in the 
course of the summer a plan Avas adopted of preaching on the 
common, or in the Lexington Market on llowai'd's Hill, every Sundi\y 
afternoon after the services were ended in the churches. On the 
18th of May 1800, Kichard Whatcoat was ordained a bishop at the 
third regular conference, held in Baltimore, by the laying on of 
hands by Dr. Coke, Mr. Asbury, and some of the Elders. 

In the year 1801, camp-meetings were first introduced in the 
new parts of the countr}' Avhere the people were but thinly settled, 
and no house could hold them when the people collected together. 
The first camp-meeting that was ever held in the State of Mary- 
land was in the woods, about fifteen miles from Baltimore, a little 
to the east, on the Keisterstown road. This meeting was held 
in September, 1803, and began on Saturday and ended on Moudaj'. 
That day was long remembered as *' The happ}^ Monday, the 
blessed 26th of September, 1803." 

Up to this time the newspapers of Philadelphia and Annapolis 
were the sole media of information for lialtimoreans, and the 
only means of advertising their wares or their wants. The Mary- 
land Gazette, originally published in the interest of the Provincial 
Government, by Jonas Green, at Annapolis, Avith the Pennsylvania 
Journal and the Weekly Advertiser, i\\G Pennsylvania Chronicle and 
Universal Advertiser, and the Pennsylvania Packet, or the General 
Advertiser, published at Philadelphia, seemed to have hitherto 
satisfied every requirement. There was not a practical printer to 
be found within the limits of the town ; and yet matters of the 
gravest political importance were culminating, and many of the 
leading minds in the colonies were becoming editors and pam- 
phleteers. The Pennsylvania Chronicle was publishe<l weekly in 
Philadelphia on Monday. The first number appeared January 
tith, 1707, by ^V'illiam Goddard, at ten shillings per annum. This 
Avas the fourth newsi)aper in the English language established at 
Philadelphia, and the first Avith four columns to a page in the 
colonies. The second and third j'ears it Avas printeti in c^uarto. 
and the fourth year again in folio. It Avas ably edited, having the 
celebrated Joseph GalloAvay, Esq., and Thomas Wharton, Esq., as 
secret partners. It gained great circulation. It became at last 
too Tory in it.s bias to stand tiie times. It (•()iitinu('d lill Februar}', 
1773. A short time afterwards Mr. CJoddard made a visit to Hal- 
timore, Avhere he was urged by some ]>r<)minent townsmen lo 
un<lertake the j)ublicati(>n of a [taper heri', Avilh assurances of 
hearty co-operation ami lii>eral sujiport. This I'esullcd in .Mr. (rod- 
dard's removal to Baltimore late in June, 1773. and in the gi'Ueral 



80 CHEONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

advertisement on the 15th of the month following, in the Mary- 
land Gazette, of the prospectus of The Maryland Journal and Bal- 
timore Advertiser, which was announced to appear in August, 
Meanwhile an oflRce was secured, a press erected, a handsome 
outfit of type and material obtained, several old employees brought 
hither from Philadelphia to work at the case, and every provision 
made for a successful debut. The first issue of The Maryland 
Journal and Baltimore Advertiser appeared on the morning of 
Friday, August 20th, 1773, and was distributed throughout the 
town and Fell's Point. It was in folio sheet, 18x2-1 inches, and 
contained twelve broad columns. It was printed from a new and 
beautiful Elzevir type, on heavy book paper. The press-work was 
admirable. The armorial bearings of the Province, engraved by 
Sparrow at Annapolis, formed the device with the title. Typo- 
graphically the paper compared favorably with any printed in the 
colonies. The motto selected for, the Jowrwa^ — and the papers of 
that day invariably had mottoes — was the familiar couplet from 
Horace : 

Omne tulit punctum qui miscuit utile dulci. 
Lectorum delectando, pariterque monendo. 

"Which may be thus freely translated : 

He carries every point who blends the useful with the agreeable, 
Amusing his reader while he instructs him. 

The paper was published every week from the office in Market 
street, three doors from the corner of South lane, then, as it now 
is, the business heart of the town, at ten shillings per annum. 
Late in October Mr. Goddard made a " tour to the northern 
colonies," leaving his sister, Miss Mary K. Goddard, in charge of 
the paper, a position which she most acceptably filled. The 
founder of the first newspaper in Baltimore was also the founder 
of our present national postal system, Mr. Goddard was the most 
enterprising editor of his day.. He had pledged himself to present 
the news to his readers, and he determined to do it. But the mails 
were under a systemized espionage : they were regularly tam- 
pered with. All matter considered prejudicial to the interests of 
the Eoyal Government was suppressed. And, apart from these 
considerations, the service was inelficient and the range of its 
operations narrow. Already Mr, Goddard had established a special 
post to Philadelphia in connection with his paper, the success 
of which induced him to attempt the establishment of a complete 
postal system throughout the colonies. With this end in view, he 
started northward in February, 1774, leaving his sister for the 
second time in full charge, Mr. Goddard returned July 1st, and 
on the 2d announced in his paj)er, " that his proj^osal for estab- 
lishing an American post-office on constitutional principles hath 
been warmly and generously patronized by the friends of free- 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 81 

dom in all the great commercial towns in the Eastern colo- 
nies." The same number gives at length the official plan 
for establishing a new Amei'ican post-office, signed William 
Goddard, which within a month was in full operation, from 
Maine to Georgia — ccrtainl}' a note-worthy incident in con- 
nection with the history of this paper. It may be mentioned, 
also, that Miss Mary K. Goddard was appointed the Postmistresa 
in Baltimore, which position she held for fifteen years, and that 
the mails were received and distributed at the Journal office. In 
Isovember, 1775, paper became very scarce, and Mr. Goddard 
established a paper factory near the town. In March, ^[r. God- 
dard was mobbed by the " Whig Club." [Sec mob in tbe yenv 
1797.] On the 8th of June, 1779, Colonel Eleazer Oswald, a gal- 
lant and distinguished officer, formed a business connection WMth 
his friend Goddard, at Baltimore. In the Journal for July Gth, 
1779, a])peared the article, "Queries — Political and Military," 
which caused the mob as recorded in the year 1779. On the 19th 
of February, 1783, the Journal published an extra, headed "The 
Olive," announcing, in advance of any paper in the country, the 
signing of the preliminary articles of ])eacc at Paris, the newa 
having been brought direct by a Baltimore clijiper. Miss Goddard 
having continued ostensible "Printress" and "Editress "of the 
Journal during tbe war, and until the 1st of January, 1784, when 
her brother, who had been on a long absence north, returned to 
lialtiinore and resumed his original connection with the Journal, 
the number for Januar}' 2d being published by William and .Maiy 
K. Goddard. Tliey jointly conducted it until January 2r)th, 1785, 
wben p](lward Langwortby, " a gentleman of character and abil- 
ities," becomes a partner, and it is published b}' them regularly 
until January 1st, 1787, wdien Mr. Langwortby retired, and .Mr. 
Goddard alone continued it. On the 7tb of August, 1789, ^Ir. 
James Angell, " a young man who hath embarked his all in this 
cstal)lisliment," becomes co-editor and partner. About this time a 
personal controversy was carried on through the columns of tho 
Journal, between Leonard Ilarbaugh and Christoplier Hughes, con- 
tinuing for some time, and frecpiently filling from one to two columns. 
Mr. Ilarbaugh, it seems, overwhelmed Mr. Hughes with satire and 
ridicule, as the end will show. In answer to Mr. Hughes, the fol- 
lowing appears in the Journal of Feb. 9th, 1790: "Wo iiear that 
the noted Kit Crucible, alias Kit Chartrcs, hath given his white- 
faced Nafj a Respite from his daily labor of carrying his master's 
deail weitjht through the streets of Baltimore, and ajiplies himself 
closely, at his Fonjc, Ancil, and Vire (near JfarhaiK/h's Wharf ), in 
meltinsj down, casting and hammering into solid. Ingots, his old But- 
tons, liui-liles, and hp ions, with bis Clippings and Filings, I'or tho 
encouragement of a certain Attorney Incog, who hath be(!ome Cruci- 
ble's Belloics Blower, \u the present Exigency ol' his Affairs. Bewaro 
of the Alloy." This card, it seems, was too much for Mr. Hughes, 
G 



82 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMOEE. 

for we find shortly after, the following in the same paper: "Kit 
Hughes, the Silversmith, unable, it seems, to Refute the Charges 
of the 'Sturdy Carpenter,' hath essayed to confound them b}'' clap- 
ping a Writ on the Editors, for the free promulgation of accusa- 
tions derogatory to his fair immaculate character, — they have 
only publicly to present him their Compliments and assure him 
they will do themselves the Honor cheerlull}^ to attend his polite 
and Pressing Invitation (per the High-Sheriff of the County) to the 
General Court in May next, when, they doubt not, they shall 
further illustrate a Character, already conspicuous, highly to the 
satisfaction of the lovers of real sport." From the Journal we also 
get the following: " On Monday, March 17th, 1794, in Baltimore 
County Criminal Court, an indictment against Goddard & Angell, 
as the printers of a publication of Leonard Harbaugh against 
Christopher Hughes, the Chief Justice, in a long and labored 
charge to the Petit Jury, expressed in the most dogmatical manner 
his decided opinion against the defendants, but his doctrine of the 
law of libels appearing to the jury to be utterly inconsistent with 
every principle of a free Constitution, they had pati'iotisra enough 
to scout it and to acquit the Printers. The following persons com- 
posed the Jury: Kichardson Stewart, Caleb Hewett, Caleb Smith, 
Joshua Porter, John Picket, Matthew Swain, Alexander Coulter, 
John LaypoU, John McClellan, Jacob Eichelberger, George Wiley, 
and Jacob Miller. Counsel for the Printers, James Winchester 
and Robert Smith." 

Messrs. Goddard and Angell continued in partnership until 
August 14th, 1792, when Mr. Goddard, who became involved in 
financial diflSciilties, sold his interest in the Journal to Mr. Angell. 
The following extract is taken froni the Journal of August 
14th, 1792, -'Address to the friends and patrons of the Mar^-land 
Journal and Baltimore Advertiser, and in relinquishing a business 
reared under favor of the public, to its present consequence and 
respectability, by long perseverance and incessant application, on 
a small Capital of a ^i/if/Ze solitary Guinea, after a total wreck of 
my fortune in another state. It is, however, an alleviating circum- 
stance, that by this measure, I am enabled to do justice to a worthy 
friend, who, from my too sanguine anticipation of the growth and 
imi)ortance of this really flourishing Town, spontaneously became 
my security, in an unfbrtunate speculation for upwards of twenty- 
five hundred pounds, and has actually advanced the money. From 
an anxious desire fully to indemnify this disinterested gentleman, 
who never wounded me by an unkind suspicion — an untimely im- 
portunity, or, by a word, or even the countenance of dissatisfaction, 
and from a consideration of my age (verging fast on 52 years) 
the little probability that I should, by the most unwearied in- 
dustry, be able, seasonably, to discharge this hiyJtest of all moral 
obligations, I have, after mature deliberation, disj^osed of my whole 
Pi'iuting concern (one of the most considerable in the United 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMOEE. 83 

States) for a vahiublc consideration, to my partuci' and brolher-in- 
law, Mr. James Aiii;ell." Mr. txoddard removed to near Pnnjdence, 
JL I. On the 24th of January 171>5, it is announced in the Journal 
that Mr, (roddartl had been elected to the Rhode Ishind Le>^is- 
lature. Miss tioddard remained in Baltimore, where she ke})t a 
book-store until 1802; she died on Monday the 12th of August, 
ISltJ, aged 80 years. 

On the 1st of November 1793, Mr. Paul James Sullivan ])ur- 
chased an interest in the establishment, and assisted Mr. Angeil in 
the editorial duties. On the first day of Mr. Sullivan's connection, 
the Journal became a tri-weelcly, and so continued until it became 
a daily, a 3-ear later. Mr. Sullivan retired on the 11th of June, 
and Mr. Angell alone carried on its publication until October 24th, 
1794, when j\li". Francis Bluiutield purchased and ])ubiished it until 
JaiuKiry 1st, 1795, when Mr. Philip Edwards, editor of the Jialti- 
7Hore DaUy Advertiser^ purchases an interest, and consolidates hi3 
paper with the Journal, which then begins its dail}' puldication. 
The paper was continued under the title of The Maryland Journal 
and Baltimore Universal Daily Advertiser. June 18ih, 1795, Mr. 
Francis Blunifield retired from the establishment, and Mr. John 
W. Allen took his place. Mr. Philip Edwards and Mr. J. W. 
Allen remain but a short time associated in its conduct, for on the 
18th of June, 1790, they dissolved partnership, and the Journal 
''after a contiiuation of 23 years is continued by Philip Edwards." 
On the 2d of August 1796, a partnership commenced between Mr. 
P. Eilwards, and W. C. Smyth, under the firm of Edwards & Smyth. 
The\' remained in partnership but a short time, for on the 8th of 
September, 179G, tlie Journal Avas continued b}- P. Edwards. On 
the 4th of December, 179G, the Journal office was burnt out, [seo 
tiro 179G] and the paper suspended until the 2d of January, when 
it was continued by Mr. D. Einchete Freebairn as editor and pro- 
prietor. After the fire on the 9th of Decemljer, 1790, Mr. P. 
Edwards published the following card in the Federal Gazette and 
Baltimore DaUy Advertiser: "To the Subscribers, Friends, and 
Patrons of the Maryland Journal and Baltimore Daily Advertiser — 
Citizens: The dreadful fire which ha|)pened on Sunday last, con- 
tiguous to my printing office, obliged me to remove the apparatus, 
and everything belonging to my business, so that I have not a 
single press fit to W(jrk, and a considei-able quantit}' of types 
thrown together in the utmost confusion. Being tinis untbr- 
tunately situated, I have through necessity', suspended the publi- 
cation of the Maryland Journal , ka., but h(j|)e in a lew days to bo 
enabled to commence again its publication ; and that my friends 
and customei-s, e<jnsidering lh«! gi-eat calamity which has taken 
place, and the trcjuble and dilliculties I have experienced, will 
kindly wait a few days, assuring them that the utmost diligence 
will be exerted on this occasion, and that I shall ever have u 
grateful sense of their indulgence, and will endeavour, by every 



84 CHEONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

means in my power, to make them amends hereafter, whenever 
any public matter of importance may occur. I am with great 
respect the public's most obedient, and very humble sers'ant, Philip 
Edwards." 

In the Journal of Tuesday the 28tb of Febrtiar)^, Mr. D. F. 
Freebairn " announces to the public, in particular to the patrons 
of the Maryland Journal, that its publication, by him, will ter- 
minate with this month." He also says : " Was he to judge, of the 
public opinion from the encouragement he has received, he would 
consider it as not favorable towards the continuance of its old and 
faithful Mirror. As it is certain that its suj)port has not been near 
equal to the pains and expences of its publication." In the same 
paper Mr. P. Edwards says: "The publication of the Maryland 
Journal is necessarily suspended for a short time. Arrangements 
are m.ade for its continuance, i^pon a plan which cannot fail of 
rendering it acceptable to an enlightened public. The apparatus 
are entirely new, and are daily expected to arrive. The subscriber, 
therefore, under whose immediate care it will be conducted, solicits 
the exercise of the public patience and candor, and informs the 
patrons of the Journal, that in a few days they may expect its 
appearance in a new and improved form. Timely and proper 
notice will be given." On Tuesday, March 21st, 1797, the former 
editor, Mr. Philip Edwards, "solicited b}^ some of his friends, and 
influenced by other private considerations, is determined once 
more to attempt an establishment of this truly valuable paper." 
The paper was issued npon the before-mentioned date, and named 
simply the Maryland Journal. From the Maryland Journal of Thurs- 
day, June 29th, 1797, we extract the following from a card pub- 
lished by Mr. Philip Edwards, editor, &c. : — " I am now constrained 
to inform them [the public] that such ai'e the difficulties of my 
present situation, that I find it necessary for me to decline the 
publication of my paper altogether. It is with regret, much 
regret, I relinquish a pursuit, from which I expected much satis- 
faction ; but so it is — the Maryland. Journal will be no longer con- 
tinued after the 30th June (to-morrow), the last day of the present 
month." 

The Baltimore American and Daily Advertiser was first published 
by Mr. Alexander Martin, at the time mentioned in a brief sketch 
of the early history of the paper, published under the signature of 
Mr. Martin in the American of June 9th, 1800, which is as follows: 
" On the 14th May, 1799, the American first connnenced. It had 
then no subscribers previously engaged. Like a friendless stranger, 
it threw itself upon the generosity of the public; nor were its 
hopes misplaced. Many of the hospitable doors of the citizens 
were thrown open for its reception ; and at this period, nine hun- 
dred citizens dail}' take it in." There were two offices, for we find 
in the first number the following notice: — "Subscriptions, Adver- 
tisements, and Communications for this paper received at No. 15 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 85 

Biiltiniore street, where all business connected with this cstal)lish- 
ment will be attended to with the same promptitude as at the 
Office of the publisher, No. 39 Bond street, Fell's Point." From 
that time to this — seventj'-five years, lacking but a few months — 
the regular publication of this paper, which bears the same name 
now that it did then, has not for a day been interrupted — with a 
single exception, and that was when its then patriotic editor sti-aj^ped 
on his sword, and every employee of the establishment shouldered 
his musket and met the enemy on the battle-field of North Point! 
To compensate his subscribers for the deficiency of size in his 
paper, the editor issued the Honey Comb, a dainty little literary paper 
of eight pages, beautifull}' printed, and full of interesting matter, 
beginning on the 18th of August, and it was continued until the 
1-ith of November, when the American was considerably enlarged 
and otherwise improved. The office was also removed to Second 
street, near South. On the 1st of January, 1803, Mr. Martin hav- 
ing sold out his interest to Messrs. Pochin & Fi-ailey, they became 
the proprietors of the American, and removed its office to No. 31 
South Gay street, near the Custom-house. Mr. Martin settled 
down permanently in Baltimore, opened a printing office, and on 
January 1st, 1804, began the publication of the Jlush-Li(jhf, a 
satirical, political, and literary weekly journal, which, in Sep- 
tember of the same 3'ear, began a series of papers upon Pechin, 
shar])ly criticising him. The latter gentleman answei-s him, and 
the Rash-Light goes out. On the 10th of August, 1805, Mr. Frailey, 
a most efficient coadjutor, on account of ill-health withdrew, and 
Mr. Pechin became full pruj^rietor. 

On the 1st of July, 1810, Mr, Pechin, who had associated with 
himself Messrs. Dobbin & ^lurphy, the paper on that day bears at 
its head the names of " W. Pechin, G. Dobbin & Murphy." On 
the 23d of September, Mr. Pechin is nominated by the Democratic 
Kepublicans of this city to represent them in the State Legislature, 
and after an active canvass, on October 7th he was elected by a 
large majority. On Tuesday, the 3d of December, Mr. George 
Dobbin, one of the proprietors of the American, died in his 38th 
3'ear. The name of the firm remained unchanged. The share 
owned bv Mr. J^obbin was worked for the benefit of his wiilow 
(who is still living), and when his son (the late llobert A. Dobbin) 
ari'ived at manhood, he took his father's place as a partner. Karly 
in 1812 the office of the American was removed to No. 4 Harrison 
street, and remained there lor some j'cars. On the 10th of Sep- 
tember, 1814, announcement is made in the American that for a few 
days the publication of tiie paper would be suspended. Messrs. Dob- 
bin & Murph}', the printers, and ^fajor Pechin, the editor, with every 
attache of the j)aper, are enrolled among the volunteers, and wi'ro 
imnuHJiatel}' sent forward. On account of the indisposition of the 
aged Colonel of the Sixth llegiment, the command devolved upon 
Major Pecliin, who promptly took tlie field at the head ol' GOO 



86 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

men, rendering most efficient service. On the 20th of vSeptcmber, 
the American resumed publication, since Avhich time — 59 j^ears 
ago — with the exception of iSunda^'S and two annual holidays, it 
has been published regularly every morning. The number for 
Septeml)er 2l3t, 1814, gave to the people of Amei'ica their national 
anthem, " The Star-Spangled Banner," written only a week be- 
fore — a most interesting fact in the history of this paper. In 
1815, Mr. AVni. Bose was taken into the firm, and his name first 
appears at the head of the editorial columns in the issue of the 
4th of July, 1815. The firm then was Pechin, Dobbin, Murphy & 
Bose. 

On the 17th of Januarj', 1849, the American office was removed 
from the building which it had occupied for nearl}' forty years 
(Xo. 2 South Gay street), to its present location, Kos. 126 and 128 
West Baltimore Street. On Saturday, March 9th, 1850, the first 
number of the Weekly American was issued. The old firm of 
Dobbin, Murphy & Bose. which had been in existence for nearly 
half a centur}", Avas dissolved on the 30th of June, 1853. Mr. 
Dobbin purchased the interest of Mr. Murphy, and Charles C. 
Fulton purchased the interest of Mr. Bose. For the next eleven 
yeai-s the American was owned and published by Dobbin & Fulton. 
From the time that Mr. Fulton became a member of the firm of 
publishers, there was a change in the tone and spirit of the paper; 
its scope of vision was vastly enlarged, and new life and vigor were 
infused into the " news," " local," and editorial departments. His 
experience as a jourrialist had taught him that mone}- must be 
expended in the gathering of news, if a paper would aftbrd its 
readers that which is latest and most striking, and that all outlays 
in this direction brought ample returns. Acting upon this prin- 
ciple, Mr. Fulton has succeeded in making the American one of 
the most entertaining and instructive newspapers south of Mason 
and Dixon's line, and placed it beside the great journals of Xew 
York in enterprise and far-reaching vigilance. In September. 
18G2, Mr. Dobbin died, and Mr. Fulton purchased the interest in the 
American which descended to his heirs, thereby becoming sole 
proprietor. Mr. Fulton Avas always a great believer in " special 
correspondence," and during the war the American was frequently 
in advance of all other newspapers in the countrj", in its letters 
from the great battle-fields. He was with the army of the Potomac 
himself during two of its most important campaigns, and the 
readers of the American got the benefit of his candor, his accurate 
habits of observation, and his indomitable enterprise in gathering 
and sending news while the incidents are fresh. The American 
paid more attention to our naval o])erations during the war than 
any other newspaper in the United States. Mr. Fulton's son 
(Albert K. Fulton, one of the present proprietors of the American) 
was an engineer on Admiral Farragut's flag-ship the Hartford, 
and the American published the first, the fullest, and most graphic 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 87 

descriptions of all the great naval engagements fought by that il- 
liistrii)iis oomniander. Mr. Fulton himself accompanied the first 
" iron-clad " expedition against Fort Sumter, and was on board the 
Uniteil States steamer Bibb when the attack was made. 'Con- 
sidering that the American is published in a cit}' in which for the 
last fifteen years the preponderating political sentiment has !)ccn 
against it, the wonderful success it has achieved can only be at- 
tributed to substantiaT merits which politics cannot aftect. 

The first number of Dunlap's Maryland Gazette or the Baltimore 
General Advertiser was issued on Tuesday, May 2d, 1775 — printed 
by John Dunlap once a week, at bis printing office in iMarket 
street, at 10 shillings per annum. On Tuesday, September 15th, 
1778, Mr. Dunlap sold out his interest in the i)aper to Mr. James 
Hays, Jr., who changed the name to The Maryland Gazette and 
Baltimore General Advertiser. On the 5th of January, 1779, this 
paper was discontinued for want of support. 

Another paper, called The Maryland. Gazette or the Baltimore 
General Advertiser, issued its initial number on Frida}'^, Ma}' 16th, 
1783 — published by John Hays every Friday, in Market street, op- 
])osite the dwelling of Mr. Archiltald Buchanan — terms, 15 shil- 
lings per annum. On the 27th of February, 1787, it was published 
semi-weekly, Tuesdays and Fridays. 

The initial nuniber of The Baltimore Daily Repository (the first 
daih' paper published in Baltimore) was issued on Monda}^ October 
24th, 1791, by David Graham, publisher, in Calvert street, between 
Markctstreet and the court-house. After April 29th, 1793, the paper 
was published by Messrs. D. Graham, Z. Yundt, and \V. Patton. On 
the 28th of October, 1793, Mr. Graham retired, and the paj)er was 
continued under the name of The Baltimore Daily Intelligencer, by 
^lessi-s. Yundt & Patton. at §4 per annum, or twopence for a single 
copy. On the 30th of October, 1794, Messrs. Yundt & Pat- 
ton dissolve partnership, Mr. Patton retiring, the paper being 
continued under the name of Federal Intelligencer and Baltimore 
Daily Gazette, by Messrs. Yundt & Brown. "Through conve- 
nience," the Federal Intelligencer and Baltimore Daily Gazette 
changed its name on the 1st of January, 1796, to the Federal Gazette 
and Baltijnore Daily Advertiser. Messrs. Yundt and Brown dis- 
solved partnership on the 1st of January, 1807, the paper being 
continued by John Ilewes. In 1812 Afr. lEewes retires fj-om the 
Federal Gazette, d-c, which is continued by Mr. William Gwynn, who 
])urchased his interest. Mr. William (J wynn, after having issued the 
Gazrfte twenty-one years and six months, sold all his interest on the 
21st of July, 1834, to ^[r. William (Jwynn Jones, who as "editor and 
jiiojtrielor " continued the paper from his office at the corner of St. 
Paul street and Bank lane. On the 24th of May, 1835, Air. Jones 
was detected in robbing the ])Ost office [as recorded in 18.35], and was 
convicted and sentenced to the penitentiary, from which he was 
jiardoncd out during tlie latter j)art of Pi'esident Van BurtMi's ad- 



88 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

ministration. After the arrest of Mr. Jones, Mr. "William Gwynn 
assumed conti'ol of the Gazette, which ceased publication on the 
30th of December, 1837. 

On the 2d of March, 1795, Mr. John W. Allen issued the first 
number of the FeWs Point Telegraph, at the price of $2.50 per an- 
num ; tri-weekly, Monda}^, Wednesday and Friday. 

Messrs. Clayland, Dobbin & Co., on Monday, March 23d, 1795, 
issue the first number of The Baltimore Telegraph, from their 
printing office on the northwest corner of Market and Frederick 
streets. This paper was afterwards continued by Mr. Thomas 
Dobbin, in the rear of No. 1 Light street, under the name of The 
Telegraph and Daily Advertiser. 

The Eagle of Freedom was published by Messrs. Pechin & Wil- 
mer in 1796. 

The first regular issue of the American Patriot was on Saturday, 
September 25th, 1802 — S. McCrea, printer and publisher, No. 67 
South street. In a short time the office was removed to Fell's 
Point, and the name of the paper changed to the American Patriot 
and Fell's Point Advertiser, S. Kennedy, printer and publisher. 

The first number of the Baltimore Evening Post and Mercantile 
Daily Advertiser was issued on Monday evening, March 25th, 1805, 
by J. Cook & Co., corner of South and Water streets. In a shoi't 
time Messrs. Cook & Co. sold their interests to Mr. George Bourne 
and Hezekiah Niles. On the 10th of June, 1811, Mr. Niles sold 
his interest to Mr. Thomas Wilson, who formerly edited a paper 
called The Sun. 

The first number of the North American and Mercantile Daily 
Advertiser was issued in January, 1808, and was published by Jacob 
Wagner, in an old frame building situated at the time on the 
northwest corner of Gay and Second streets. On the 3d of Oc- 
tober, 1809, it was consolidated Avith the Federal Bepvblican, and was 
issued on the 4th of October, 1809, as the Federal Bepuhlican and 
Commercial Advertiser, by Messrs. Hanson & Wagner. The Federal 
Bepnblican was very violent in its politics as a Federal paper, and 
on the 22d of June, 1812, the office in which it was printed was 
entirely destro3-ed by a mob at night (as per reference to the year 
1812). The publishers recommenced the publication in George- 
town, D. C, and forwarded the printed copies by mail to this city. 
As soon as it was known, the people gathered at the post-office, 
then at the corner of St. Paul's and Bank lanes (Chas. Barrall, 
post-master), and demanded the copies for the purpose of destroy- 
ing them. Soon after this the publishers recommenced the publi- 
cation in Baltimore in a house on South Charles, near Pratt street. 
As soon as this was noised abroad, a crowd gathered, and a terrible 
outbreak ensued, with the result as stated (in 1812). This was 
the last of the Federal Bepnblican, whose violent strictures against 
President Madison, the war, and the soldiers who went forth to 
the Canada borders, had caused this terrible riot, Avhich for many 



CHKONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 89 

years after left a stigma upon tlie fiiir name of our city, ■which 
bore the sobriquet of " mob town." 

On Friday, February 1st, 1802, the first number of The Repub- 
lican or Anti-Democrat was published by Messrs. Prentiss and 
Cole, No. 14 South Charles street, Monday, Wednesday and 
Friday. This paper ceased December 30th, 1803. 

Tlie first number of the Mechanics^ Gazette and Merchants' Daily 
Advertiser was issued in March, 1815, from jSTo. 28 South Gay 
Btreet. by Thomas Wilson & Co, 

]Viles' Register, which had a character and circulation in every 
part of the civilized world : was read in the palaces of kings, in 
the haunts of commerce, and in the cabin of the pioneer; is referred 
to as an authority in courts of justice and in legislative assemblies ; 
and at this day constitutes the best and truest foundation extant 
of the history of our country for the period over which it extends 
— issued its first number in Baltimore, on Saturday, September 
7th, 1811, printed and published weekly by llezekiah Niles, late 
editor of the Baltimore Evening Post, at §5 per annum. On the 
3d of September, 1836, after the lapse of twenty-five years, II. Niles 
gave up his business to his eldest son Willianx Ogden Niles, who 
continued to publish the Register in an enlarged form and new dress. 
On the 2d of September, 1837, Mr. Niles removed his printing- 
office to Washington, D. C, and published the Register there, under 
the name of Xites' National Register, llezekiah Niles, the founder 
of the Register, died at Wilmington, Del., on the 2d of April, 
1839, in the 63d year of his age. On the 4th of May, 1839, the 
oflice was removed again to Baltimore, and the R''gister was pub- 
lished there until it ceased to exist. On the 19th of October, 
1839, Mrs. Sally Ann Niles, who was administratrix of her hus- 
band's estate, disposed of the Register to Jei-emiah Hughes, form- 
erly editor of a paper at Annapolis, who continued to publish the 
Register until the 26th of February, 1848, Avhen it ceased to exist. 

In the year 1811 the Baltimore Whig, then edited by liaptist 
Irvine and Samuel Barnes, was the leading Democratic ])aper in 
Baltimoi-e. When the Presidential election was about to come off, 
the Whig was induced by the malcontents of the Demoerutic 
party to declare for Mr. De Witt Clinton against Mv. ^ladison, 
much against the wishes of Mr. Barnes, who soon after sold the 
paper and retired to Frederick, where he established a Democratic 
paper in full faith with the parly, which is still in existence, the 
Political Examiner. Messrs. Cone and Xorvell took charge of the 
Whig, and endeavored to bring it again into the fold ol' the party 
to which it originally belonged, but it was too lute — the blow it 
experienced by its desertion at an imminent period of the war was so 
stunning that it soon had to succumb, and its subscription list and 
several of the apprentices were united with the American. Norvell 
was an able editor, and was afterwards elected one of the first 
Congressmen from the State of Michigan, when that State wu.s 



90 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

admitted into the Union. His associate. Mr. Spencer IT. Cone, 
whose sister Norvell married, had been on the theatrical boards 
before becoming an editor, but after his retirement from the hitter 
position, he took orders in the Baptist Church, and for a great 
man}' years, to the da_y of his death, was the pastor of one of the 
largest churches in New Yorlc of that denomination, and was one 
of its most eloquent and respected ministers. Mr. Samuel Sands,' 
who is now editor and proprietor of the American Farmer, was one 
of the apprentices in the Whig office, and after that paper sus- 
pended went to the American office, and continued with that paper 
until about the year 1820 or '21, and was in the office at the time 
of the attack on Baltimoi*e by the British, and had the honor of 
being the tirst man who set in t^'pe our national song, the 
" Star Spangled Banner." After the Whig abandoned Mr, 
Madison, the influential members of the administration pa.rty 
induced Isaac Monroe and Mr. Ebenezer French, then connected 
with the Boston Patriot, to come to Baltimore and establish a new 
paper in support of Mr. Madison's administraiion, and hence the 
origin of the Baltimore Patriot, which commenced on the 28th of 
September, 1812, and continued till after the breaking out of the late 
war with the South, when it ceased to exist. In 1814 the name 
was changed to the Baltimore Patriot and Evening Advertiser, pub- 
lished by Monroe & French. At certain periods the Patriot was 
published and edited b}^ Messrs. J. Fand, J. N. McJilton, and 
Messrs. John AYills and William II. Carpenter. 

About the year 1821 Mr. Samuel Sands published the Saturday 
Herald, which had been started by Richard Matchett and edited 
by Paul Allen. It was a weekly literary paper, and Mr. Allen used 
it during the remarkable contest in our courts and in the Pres- 
byterian Church, in defence of Eev. .lohn M, Duncan. After Mr. 
Allen's death, the Herald was discontinued, and Mr. Sands com- 
menced the publication of a paper with Dr. Patrick Maccauley as 
editor, intended to be of a similar character to the Albion published 
in New York, with this exception that the latter was devoted to 
British interests, whilst Mr. Sands' was to be of American. This 
paper liad but a short existence. About the time it was published 
the great contest for the presidency commenced between J. Q. 
Adams and Jackson, and the friends of the former established the 
Marijlander to support him for re-election. The tirst number was 
issued on Wednesday, December 3d, 1827, and continued every 
Wednesday and Saturday — Edward P. Roberts, publisher, Edward 
C. Pinckney, editor, and Samuel Sands, printer. Mr. Pincknej' 
was the son of Hon. William Pinckney, the celebrated lawyer and 
Btatesman,and was an elegant poet, some of his lyrics being among 
the choicest in the language. When the election was over, and 
Mr, Adams was defeated, the paper was discontinued; but Mr. 
Sands purchased the interest of Mr. Frank Davidge in the Com- 
mercial Chronicle, which had been in existence since April, 1810, 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 91 

bcin<2: fiist started by Schaeffor and Miiund, afterwai'ds by Thomas 
Maiind, William Pechin, and then by Gen. S. C. Leakin and Mr. 
Davi(lii;e. At this time it was a neutral ]iaper, devoted to eommcr- 
oial matters. The JLirijlander's subscription list was united to that 
of the Chronicle, and it was afterwards published by Leakin and 
Sands under the title of the Commercial Chronicle and Dailij 2Iary- 
lander, as a political journal, and the organ of the "Whig party. 
For sevei-al years it was thus published, Avhen Mr. S. Barnes, from 
Frederick, bought out the interest of the junior partner. Mr. 
Nelson Poe afterward published it, but it finally shared the fate of 
many of its predecessors in this city, and ceased to exist. 

About the year 1818, .John S. Skinner, Esq., published a pe- 
riodical political in its character, called the Censor. About a year 
afterwards the paper was discontinued, and the first number of 
the first agricultural journal ever published in this, and pei'haps 
any other country (the American Farmer), was sent forth, without 
a single bona fide subscriber to it in advance. The paper took 
"with the public for Avhose interests it was commenced, and in a 
few days had obtained a large subscription list ; it Avas published 
weekly, in quarto form, at 85.00 per annum. 3Ir. Skinnrr after a 
few A'ears sold a half interest in the paper to Mr. J. Hitchcock at 
a largo price, and not a very long time thereafter Mr. Hitchcock 
purchased the other half Mr. Hitchcock published the Farmer 
but a short time after he had control of it, and it w-as discontinued 
for about a year. He shortly' after this commenced the issue of a 
new journal of a similar character under the name of The Farmer 
and Gardener, but before the end of the year sold out to Mr. Moore, 
of the firm of Lindan and ]\Ioore. He published it for a while, 
and then sold out to Mr. E. P. Pobei'ts, who had been editoi-. J\Ir. 
Roberts subsequently sold his interest to Mr. Samuel Sands, who 
commenced its publication with Mr. John S. Skinner, tlie original 
founder, as the editor. From this time to the end of }\y. Sands' 
connection with it, the paper flourished, and again oI)tained a 
high position among the agricullui-ists of the land. Mr. Skinner 
having received the a])p(nntment of Assistant Postmaster General, 
be removed to Washington, and ceased his conne'-tinn -with the 
Farmer. Mr. E. P. Jiobei-ts again assumed the editorship, and con- 
tinued to the end of his life; Mr. Sands being proprietor and ])ub- 
lishcr iiearl}' all the time. An interest, however, in the meantime 
was sold in the paper to Mr. X. B. Worthington, and ahi'ut three 
years afterwards Mr. Sands sold him tiie other half and ntired 
therefrom. Mr, Sands, the ensuing year, commenced a new 
paper eaiied the Rural Ilcfji.^ter, which was jjublished foui- yeai's, 
but the civil war in the South, where the most of his sujijtort was 
obtained, interfered Avith it to such an extent that after the second 
year f)f the war the Rural RtijisU'r ceased to exist. The Farmer 
had stopped in about six mf)nths after the war commenced. When 
the war was over, the propi'ieU^rs (d" the Farmer, Messrs. \Vurlli- 



92 CHRONICLES OF -BALTIMOilE. 

ington and Lewis, resumed publication, but in a few years it was 
permitted to go out of existence after having changed hands once 
or twice since its renewal. After remaining suspended for fifteen 
or eighteen months, the old publisher, Mr. Sands, in connection 
with his son, recommenced its publication on the 1st of January, 
1872, under the name of the American Farmer and Rural Register^ 
and it has in less than two years attained again to the high char- 
acter it formerly enjoyed under Mr. Skinner and its other proprie- 
tor, Mr. Sands, and is now about entering on its third year, under 
its present proprietors, editors and publishers, under the most aus- 
picious circumstances. 

In September, 1829, Mr. John S. Skinner commenced to publish 
the American Turf Register and Sporting Magazine. In August, 
1835, he disposed of his interest, and Mr. Gideon B. Smith became 
editor; shortly afterwards it was published in New York. 

The first one-cent paper published in Baltimore was the Balti- 
more Daily Transcript ; the first number was issued in the afternoon 
of Thursday, the 10th of March, 1836 — Messrs. S. P. Kenny and 
A. Ct. Tenney, editors and proprietors. 

Messrs. Cloud & Wilman, in Februaiy, 1832, issued the first 
number of the Saturday Visitor, which was afterwards sold to Dr. 
Snodgrass. Messrs. ChaT'les F. and E. M. Cloud, in 1840, issued the 
first number of the Argus ; in 1841 they purchased the Republican, 
and consolidating the two papers, gave it the name of the Re- 
publican and Argus. 

The Metropolitan, a monthly magazine devoted to the Eoman 
Catholic religion, education, literature and general information, 
was founded in February, 1853 — Mr. John Murphy & Co., pub- 
lishers. 

The first number of The United States Catholic Magazine and 
Alonthly Review was issued in January, 1841, Mr. John Murphy, 
printer and publisher, edited by Eev. Charles J. White. The Very 
Eev. M. J. Spalding, I). D., for three years was assistant editor. In 
December, 1848, the last number was issued. 

The first number of the Companion and Weekly Miscellany was 
issued, November 3d, 1804, by Edward Easy, Esq. — Messrs. Cole 
& Hewes, printers and publishers. 

The Red Book was published anonymously, October 23, 1819, 
by Messrs. John P. Kennedy, Peter Cruse, and Josiah Pennington. 
It was a spirited publication, much esteemed at the time, and is 
now very rare. 

The first number of the Spirit of Democj-acy ^vas published by 
Mr. E. M. Cloud, on the 1st of August, 1840. Issued tri-weeklj' — 
Mr. T. L. Murphy, editor. 

The Itinerant or Wesley an Methodist Visitor ^\ix^ first published 
on Wednesday, November 12th, 1828. Issued every two weeks — 
Melville B. Cox, editor. 

The Enterprise was first published in 1847 by W. Taylor and 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 93 

N. Sardo. This paper republished the Baltimore letters, taken 
from a newspaper published in New York in 1847, by AVm. Chaso 
liarney, called Tlie Aristocratic Monitor, which created much ex- 
citement. These letters were on "Mushroom Hill" and its en- 
virons, of " My Lady Fashionable," " The Prince of Morocco," " My 
Lords of the Yard Stick and other distinguished Aristocrats " in 
l^altimore. A writer speaking of this paper says : " I find the 
Monitor, 'The Aristocratic Monitor,' is everywhere. If I go into 
a fa^ihionable drawing-room, there is the Monitor; if I go into 
bank to have a check cashed, there is the Monitor; if I go into a 
store, there lies the Monitor ; the people go thi-ough the streets 
reading — what ? Why, ' The Aristocratic ]\Ionitor.' " It was how- 
ever a scurrilous publication, and was ere long discontinued. 

In 1836 Messrs. Cloud & Pouder published the Daily Intel- 
ligeiicer. 

There have been numerous papers and magazines of every 
shape and character issued in this city, some of which were suc- 
cessful for a time, many unprofitable, and a few, bj' dint of capital, 
perseverance, and success in meeting popular demands, have be- 
come permanently established. Among the new daily and Aveekly 
newspapers and magazines started in Baltimore, and long since 
disapj)<.'ared, we find the toUowing: 

In August, 1804. The Porcupine was established. In November, 
18.31, Mrs. Mary Barney issued the first number of her political 
and literary monthly, called the National Magazine or Lady's Com- 
panion. In 1834, Messrs. J. F. Weishampel, Sr., and T. J. Beach 
jiublished The Experiment. In 1827, The Emerald' was established, 
Avhich was afterwards merged in the Minerva. Then there was 
the Portico, a weekly published by a bookseller, Mr. Edward J. 
Coale, an amiable and popular gentleman ; many able pens con- 
tributed to this work, among them those of Edward C. Pinckney, 
the poet, and Francis S. Key, the author of the " Star-Spangled 
Banner." The first Sunday paper published in Baltimore was 
called the Enterprise, by Wm. Taylor, in January, 1848. About 
this time the Wreath, another weekly, was commenced. In 182i), 
there were published the Mutual Rights and Christian Intelligencer, 
the Itinerant Weekly, and the Saturday Evening Post. Then wc 
had the Jefferson Reformer, the Genius of Universal Emancipation, 
the Ilipublican, the Huntress, the Amethyst, the Athenaeum, the 
Young Men's Paper, the American Museum, the Disjutich, the 
Bfdtimore Times, the Saturday Herald, the Freeman's Banner, the 
American Whig, the Temperance Herald, the Odd Fellows' Magazine, 
the fjog Cabin; in 1848, the liuena Vista; in 184(), the Wentern 
Continent, Park Benjamin and Carpenter & Thomjison, editors and 
pulilish<'rs; the Monument, a weekly journal, edited by J. N. McJil- 
ton and D. Creamer, first number Octol)er 8th, 183G ; the liitltiniorc 
Literary and Religious Magazine, Rev. Kobert J. Brecken ridge and 
liev. Andrew B. Cross, ministers of the Presbyterian Church, 



94 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

editors, &g.; the Family Magazine, published in 1836, by T. A. Rich- 
ards & Brother; the People's Friend, first number May 25th, 1816 ; 
the Columbian Democrat; the Federal Republican and Baltimore Tele- 
graph, \)\ Paul Allen & Co.; the Baltimore Intelligencer, which ceased 
January 5th, 1835 ; the Wanderer, by R. J. Matchett ; the Merchant, 
in 1801, by General Duff Green ; the Kaleidoscope, the Baltimore 
Visitor, the Literary Visitor, by Edward J. Cole ; the Maryland Col- 
onization Journal, the Baltimore Iris; in 1839, the Penny Magazine, 
the Journal of the American Silk Society, Gideon B. Smith, editor; 
the Baltimore Literary Monument, the Baltimore Post, ceased 
Wednesday, April 22d, 1840; the Athenaeum and Visitor; the 
Chronicle's subscription list was transferred to the American 
January 1st, 1839. In 1810, we have the Daily Evening Gazette, a 
Whig penny sheet, first number issued in August, Wm. Ogden 
Niles, Esq., editor; in January, IS^^l, Juvenile Mirror, by Geo. H. 
Hickman ; the Independent Press, a tri-weekly, first number i-ssued 
in April; in August, the Clayite, an evening penny paper; the Bal- 
timore Counterfeit Detector, by II. Wigman ; in November, the Chris- 
tian Family Magazine, Rev. Dr. Newell, editor ; in November, the 
Baltimore Privateer, the Baltimore Phoenix and Budget, published by 
Messrs. Snodgra'ss, Sherwood & Co. In July, 1842, we have the 
Baltimore Whig, by Mesrs. Sperrj', Gallup and Rogers; in 1844, the 
American Whig, heretofore published Aveekly, was changed in July 
to a penny daily paper, Samuel Sands, editor ; the Democratic Sen- 
tinel, first number issued the 6th of April, 1844; in January, 1846, 
the first number of The Flag of our Union was issued by Mr. W. 
Bennet, publisher; The Bankers' Magazine and State Financial Beg- 
ister, published and edited by J. Smith liomands, Esq.; the Tem- 
perance Herald; in June, the Baltimore Daily News; in January, 
1849, Mr. N. Sardo published a paper called the Paul Pry; in 
January, Mr. H. M. Garland published The Young America; in 
Ma}', by Mr. James Young, the Temperance Banner ; on the first of 
October, by II. M. Garland, the Parlor Gazette and Ladies' Advertiser; 
on the 30th of October, by Messrs. Martin & Co., The Daily City 
Item; by Mr. John S. Skinner, The Plough, the Loom, and the Aninl; 
the Baltimore Bank Note Reporter; in November, Mr. Beale H. Liich- 
ardson purchased the interest of Mr. Charles F. Cloud in the 
Republican and Daily Argus. 

In January, 1850, Messrs. W. C. Peters k Co., publishers, issue 
the first number of the monthly, Baltimore Olio and American 
Musical Gazette. In December the Monumental Fountain, a tempe- 
rance paper, by the Grand Division of the Sons of Temjjcrance, 
suspended. 

On the 16th of September, 1851, The Flag of Liberty, a Aveekly 
Whig paper, was commenced. Qn the 25th of September the 
first number of The Daily Morning News, a Whig paper, by 
Messrs. Peake, Walker & Co., was issued; it ceased May 10th, 1852. 

In 1852 The Evening Porcupine was published by an association 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 95 

of journeymen printers. It was afterwards ehanged to a morning 
Democrat paper, and tlio name changetl to the Daili/ Advertiser. 
In the same year was comnienccd The American Whig Review. 
The first number of The Daily Times, by Messrs. F, K. Lipp & Co., 
was issueil on Monday, April 2Gth. The Farthenian, or Young 
Ladies' Magazine, was conducted the same year by the pupils of 
the Jialtimore Female Colleg-e. The Old Defender, a weekly Whig 
paper, was first issued Saturday, August 21st, Mills, Troxall & Co., 
publishers. 

Messrs. Hoffman & Co., on Sunday morning, February Gth, 
1853, issued the first number of the Sundat/ Morning Atlas. In 
the same year the DaiUj Republic is issued, also American Daily 
Times, Daily Globe, Literary Bulletin, and the Monumental Literary 
Gazette, in December, by Messrs. Finley, Johnson & Co. 

In January, 185-1, Messrs. Charles F. and R. M. Cloud issued 
the first number of the Sunday Dispatch, which they sold in No- 
vember to Messrs. William 11. Gobright and J. Cloud Norris, In 
the same year The True Union was published, also The True 
American. 

In February, 1855, the first number of The Presbyterial Critic 
and Monthly Review was issued ; also in the sftme 3-ear The Balti- 
more Flag, and The American Democrat, September lOth. 

In April, 185G, the first number of The Bible Times was issued; 
also in the same year The Evangelical Lutheran and The Elevator. 

On the 17th of Api-il, 1S57, the first number of The City Agent 
was issued, and in the same year the Baltimore Stethescope, The 
Traveller ; and on the 15th of August Our Opinion was published 
by John T. Ford, and edited by Clifton W. Tayleure, who was at 
this time connected with the Museum and theatre in the capacity 
of dramatist. The Baltimore Illustrated Times and Local Gazette, 
by Messrs J. C. Gobright and J. W. Torsch, was published the 
same year. 

The first number of the Baltimore Christian Advocate appeared 
in M:.y, lc58. 

In 1851) the first number of the Real Estate Register was issued 
by Mr. Samuel Sands. In the same year there also appeared the 
Weekly Bulletin, the Weekly Freeman, and Our Newspaper. On the 
2d of April the first number of the Evening Star was issued; in 
the same year The Lily of the Valley, and The American Nautical 
Gazette. 

In May, 1864, Messrs. Simjison K. Donavin an<l Cliai-lcs W. 
Kimberiy published the first number of the Bidtimore Advertiser. 

The first number of The Monitor was issued on Friday, Juno 
2d, 1857. Pul)lished by Joseph Ilobinson weekly, and edited by 
Hugh Davey Evans. 

"On tiio 29th of February, 183G, Messrs. AVilliam .M. Swain, 
Arunah S. Abel), and Azariah II. Simmons, then in the city of 
New York, entered into partnership as e<pial i)artners, both in law 



96 CHEONICLES OF BALTIMOKE. 

and equity, imderthc firm of Swain, Abell & Simmons, for the pur- 
pose of publishing, and in the publication of a daily penny paper, 
(neutral in polities,) to be entitled " The Times, in the city of 
Philadelphia, State of Pennsylvania." Such was the beginning of 
the memorable association of Swain, Abell & Simmons, which 
lasted for nearly a quarter of a century, until dissolved by death, 
and which resulted in the establishment of two of the most suc- 
cessful, widely circulated and influential journals in the United 
States, published in two of its largest cities, the Public Ledger in 
Philadelphia, and The Sun in Baltimore. On Friday, March 25th, 
1836, within less than a month after the partnership had been 
formed, the first number of the Public Ledger made its appearance, 
"price one cent, or six cents a week." It was at first coldly re- 
ceived, and two of the parties became so much discouraged as to 
jjropose a discontinuance of publication. Mr. Abell, however, 
urged so strenuously the policy of holding on, at least until their 
funds wei'e exhausted, that the confidence felt by his copartners 
in the soundness of his judgment led them to defer to his wishes, 
and they did "hold on," with what splendid results need not now be 
told. The business of the paper having been established upon a 
sound and pajnng basis, and having no further misgivings about 
the future success of the Ledger, it occurred to Mr. Abell, in the 
spring of the following year, to visit Baltimore for the purpose of 
determining the feasibility of establishing a penny paper in that 
city. A suggestion from him to that eff"ect meeting with the 
hearty approval of his partners, Mr. Abell, in April, 1837, visited 
the Monumental City for the first time. There were then pub- 
lished in Baltimore a number of respectable and well-conducted 
journals, but not a single penny paper. They were all " six pennies." 
To the editors of these journals Mr. Abell brought letters of intro- 
duction, and he then formed the acquaintance, among others, of 
Messrs. Dobbin, Murphy & Bose of the American, Mr. Gwynu of 
the Federal Gazette, Mr. liarker of the Pepublican, Mr. Poe of the 
Chronicle, Mr. Monroe of the Patriot, and Messrs. Streeter & Skin- 
ner of the Transcript. It cannot be said, however, that any of 
these gentlemen with whom Mr. Abell conferred in regard to his 
plans, held out much encouragement as to the success of a new 
paper, in fact the times seemed singularl}' inauspicious for any 
enterprise of the kind. The 3'ear 1837 was one of unprecedented 
disaster and gloom in all commercial and business circles, and all 
classes shared the general depression. Mr. Abell, however, felt 
persuaded that a penny paper would make its way where other en- 
terprises might fail. He returned to Philadelphia impressed with 
this idea, and obtained the approval of his partners to hazard the 
experiment, upon condition that he should assume the immediate 
responsil)ility and personal control. This, although he had just 
passed through a similar trial of patience and faith incident to 
the first establishment of the Ledger, he consented to do. With 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 97 

tlie same rapidity that had cdiaractcrisod their procoedini!;s in 
regard to that paper, when once their minds were made up, type 
and materials were ordered, one of the best sin<rlc cylinder presses 
of that day worked by hand was purchased from the Messrs. Hoc, 
an office taUen at Xo. 21 Light street, and on the 17th of May, 
1837, the first copy of The S>oi was left at the door of nearly every 
house in Baltimore. The Siai was well received. In less than 
three months it had a larger circulation than the Ledger had at- 
tained at the end of nine months. Within a ja^ar it circulated 
more than twice as many copies as the oldest established journal 
in Baltimore. It is believed that its success was more immediate 
and more rapid than has attended the advent of any similar en- 
terprise in the United States. It was soon discovered that the 
original quarters in Light street were entirely too contracted for 
the growing business of the paper. Mr. Abell accordingly pur- 
chased the property at the southeast corner of Baltimore and Gay 
streets, long familiarly known as the '-Old .Sun Building," made 
such alterations as were necessary to adapt it to its new use, and 
in 1839 removed the whole establishment to that location. Soon, 
however, the same want of increased accommodation to meet the 
requirements of an increasing business, was again felt, and it was 
deemed desirable, that before making another change, a site should 
be purchased and a building erected wiiich should be expressly 
designed for the purpose of the paper, and at the same time be an 
ornament to the city which bad so generously fostered and re- 
warded the enterprise of the proprietors of The Sun. To Mr. 
Abell was confided the task of selecting such a site. After mature 
considei-ation, the lot at the corner of Baltimore and South streets, 
in the very business heart of the cit}', was determined upon, and 
Mr. Abell effected the purchase of this valuable property, then oc- 
cupied by six old brick buildings, four on Jialtimore and two on 
South street, for a fraction less than $50,000. It happened that 
just about this time Mr. James Bogardus, of New York city, a 
man of undoubted genius as well as mechanical skill, w^as seeking 
for an opportunity to test in practice his invention for the con- 
struction of iron buildings. His proposal had been but coMly re- 
ceived in New York, and he was almost in despair of finding a 
man intelligent enough to comprehend his plans, and liberal 
enough to aid him in their realization, when fortunately he sub- 
mitted his views to the proprietors of The Hun. They gave to the 
plans of Mr. Bogardus the most serious and careful consideration, 
and were soon convinced of their entire feasibility. Mr. Abell ac- 
cordingly detei-mined that the new building should be of iron, and 
erected accoi-ding to the plan of Messrs. Bogardus it IIo]»jun, of 
New York, who were the contractors for the work, and whose in- 
ventive genius, enterprise and ])erseverance gave the first casl-ii'on 
edifice to tlie world. The architect whose taste conceived and 
executed the original design, was Mr. Hatfield, of New York. The 
7 



98 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

Cfii'pentcr work and general superintendence of the building were 
confided to Messrs. H. E. & J. Eeynolds. The iron work was done by 
Messrs. Adam Denmead & Brother and Mr. Benjamin S. Benson, 
of this city. When The Sun was first started, and fi^r some time 
afterwards, Mr. Abell had the personal assistance of Mr. Simmons, 
who at that time resided in Baltimore. Subsequently Mr. Sim- 
mons returned to Philadelphia, leaving The Sun in sole charge of 
Mr. Abell, the two other partners devoting their attention to the 
Ledger. This ai*rangement continued until the death of Mr. Sim- 
mons, which occurred December 9th, 1855, and which dissolved 
the original copartnei'ship of Swain, Abell & Simmons. The two 
surviving partners immediately formed a new association, under 
the style of Swain & Abell, and continued as before the publication 
of their two papers, and the business of the printing offices con- 
nected with them. Although equally interested in each paper, it 
naturally happened that as Mr. Swain lived in Philadelphia, and 
Mr. Abell in Baltimore, the management of the Ledger and its 
concerns fell to the charge of the former, and that of The Sun con- 
tinued in the hands of the latter, an arrangement which was found 
productive of entire harmony, and which removed all occasion for 
interference or collision. Gradually, however, Mr. Swain's health 
began to decline, until he was unable to give to the Ledger his 
active personal supervision. The war too broke out, and Mr. 
Abell 's duties in Baltimore became exceedingly difficult and on- 
erous. His own position and that of The Sim were not free from 
danger, when public journals were suppressed and their editors in- 
carcerated at the mere will of a military commander ; and to add 
to his other perplexities, his partner in Philadelphia took the ex- 
treme Northern view in the conflict between the sections. Under 
these cii-cumstances, Mr. Abell notified Mr. Swain of his willingness 
to dispose of his interest in the Ledger, and finally, after consid- 
erable negotiations and many delays, on the 3d of December, 1864, 
the Ledger was sold to Mr. George W. Childs, the publisher, and 
the Messrs. Drexel & Co., bankers, of Philadelphia. After the sale 
of the Ledger, The Sim was conducted by Mr. Abell alone, as agreed 
upon between his partner and himself, until February 16th, 1868, 
w^hen Mr. Swain departed this life in the sixtieth year of his age. 
Since the death of Mr. Swain, Mr. Abell has sold his interest in the 
Ledger Building and other real estate in the city of Philadelphin, 
w^hich he held in common with his late partner, to Mrs. Swain and 
her two sons, and they in turn have sold to Mr. Abell all their in- 
terest in the Sun Iron Building and other real and personal estate 
in the city of Baltimore, thus completely severing the interests 
w^hich were formerly joint. In 1852 the founders and in-oprietors 
commenced using two Hoe type revolving cylinder presses, each 
rated at 10,000 copies per hour, and Avhich were the first type-re- 
volving presses successfully used in the world. Their use has 
since spread throughout the world and into all great printing of- 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 99 

ficcs of this coniUry and Kuropc. Prioi* to the introihiction of the 
magnetic telegraph, in a spirit of sagacious entei-prise Mr. Abell or- 
ganized, in connection with Mr. Craig, afterwards agent of the As- 
sociated Press of New York, a carrier pigeon express for the trans- 
mission of news between the cities of New York, Phihidelphia, Bal- 
timore and Washington. The pigeons for this service, ahoiit four or 
live hundi-ed in nunilier, were kept in a house on Ilanipstead Jlill, 
near the .Maryland llospital for the Insane, and were careiuUy 
trained. Foreign steanter news was frequently obtained in this wa}"", 
and oil more than one occasion a synopsis of the President's message 
was brought by the pigeons to Baltimore immediate!}' after the de- 
livery to Congress, and published in extras to the great surprise of 
the public. This Avas the first pigeon express organized in this 
country, and was regularly continued until superseded h}' tho 
telegraph. The first (President's) message of any considerable 
length which was ever transmitted by the electric telegraph, 
at once demonstrating and illustrating the success and the utility 
of Morse's great invention, was sent across the wires, then newly 
laid from Washington to Baltimore, adtlresscd to The Bdltimore ,Sun, 
and published in an extra Sun. It may be stated thatMr. Abell was 
the first to introduce into Baltimore the " carrier system" for the 
distribution of newspapers, which has since been found so convenient 
both to publishers and subscribers, as avcU as remunerative to the 
carriers themselves, who own their own routes and make their own 
collections, that it has been adopted by all the papers of the city. 
There are few subjects, too, of vital concern to the commun- 
ity in which The Sun has not led the way, and it may now 
be said to have acquired an individual character of its own ; 
it has traditions from which it never departs, grooves which it 
rarcl}'' leaves, a certain tone by which it is almost invai"iably dis- 
tinguished. Here it may be remarked, and it is an illustration of 
what has just been said, that many of the persons em]>lo3-ed about 
The Sun oltice liave been there for 3'ears. For a long period the chief 
editor was the late Thomas J. Beach, a writer of much foi-ce. Mr. 
John T. C)"ow, who was an associate with Mr. Beach, and who form- 
erly edited and ])ublished a paper in Georgetown, J). C, where his 
youth was s])ent,is editor-in-chief and t he editoi'i a Is are distinguished 
for clearness and directness. Jle is evidently a close oliserver and 
thinker, and does not pci-mit the superficial ti'catment of any. suiject 
of moment. The Sun continues to increase in busines.s and prospt'r- 
ity, and Mr. Abell has brought to his aid in its conduct latterly Mr. 
George W. Abell and one or two others of his sons, who, having 
the a<Jvantage of his teachings and example and association with 
others long connected with the conduct of the journal, it niay be 
confidently assumed that the paper will be kept in the judicious 
path it has always pursued so advantageously to the community. 
The first number of the Ihdtiniorc Clipjicr was issued on Satur- 
day morning, September 7th, 1S3!», from Xo. 10 North (Jay street, 



100 CHEONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

John 11. Hewitt & Co., editors and proprietors. Tuesday, May 
19th, 1840, Mr. Hewitt retired from the paper, having disposed of 
his interest to Messrs. Bull & Tuttle. On the 10th of June, 1840, 
the Clipper announced that " the daily circulation is five times 
greater than that of any other daily paper of Baltimore." On 
Saturday, June 27th, 1840, the Clipper issued their first weekly 
number, called the Oct an. On Monday, Nov. 11th, 1844, the name 
was changed from the Baltimore C/^j^p^r to that of the American Ee- 
publican. On Friday, January 1st, 1847, the paper resumed its former 
name of the Baltimore Clipper. Mr, Tuttle died Friday, June 17th, 
1864, and on Monday, July 11th, 1864, Mr. Edmund Bull, surviv- 
ing partner of Messrs. Bull & Tuttle, disposed of the Baltimore 
Clipper to Mr. William Wales, who continued it until it ceased, 
Saturday, September 30th, 1865. 

Mr. Wales having entered into partnership with Mr. Wm. R. 
Coale, issued on the following Monda}^, October 2d, the first num- 
ber of the Baltimore Daily Commercial. In 1867, the Daily Com- 
mercial was changed to an afternoon paper by the original pro- 
prietors, until 1869, w'hen Mr. Wales withdrew, returning to Min- 
neapolis. The title was changed to Evening Bulletin, and on Sun- 
day a Sunday Bulletin was issued. In 1870, the paper was pur- 
chased by Dr. William H. Cole, a talented gentleman, formerly 
connected with some of the leading papers of the country, and 
who had been connected since 1867 w'th the Commercial and the 
Bulletin, and who is now connected with the Baltimore Gazette; and 
he, in company with Colonel E. M. Yerger, of Mississippi, started 
the Evening Journal, under the firm name of E. M. Yerger & Co. 
In 1871, Dr. Cole withdrew from the firm, and the paper was con- 
tinued until July, 1871, by Col. Yerger, who discontinued it. 

At the time of the purchase by JDr. Cole of the Bulletin, Mr. W. 
E. Coale, its formerproprietor, together with Mr. W. M. Laftan, 
a gentleman of marked literary attainments, who was assistant 
editor, made the Sunday Bulletin a separate establishment. The 
first number had been issued August 14th, 1870, on Sunday morn- 
ing, and attained from the first a large circulation. The name was 
changed on the 11th of May, 1871, to Baltimore Bulletin, its present 
title, Mr. Latfan being opposed to the word Sunday in the title, it 
being in nowise a Sunday papei'. At the same time it took up 
Real Estate, and gave it close attention, besides publishing a record 
of all transactions in the city and county. On the 3d of Sep- 
tember, 1873, Mr. Coale retired from the firm, and his interest Avas 
purchased by Mr. LaflPan and Mr. Samuel S. Early, the latter a 
gentleman well known in business circles, who had come to Balti- 
more from Terre Haute, Indiana, to settle with his family. Mr. 
Early's wealth and position, and the healthier management that 
was immcdiatel}' apparent in the conduct of the paper, gave new 
life to it, and it became exceedingly prosperous and valuable. It 
is independent in politics, expresses radical opinions without re- 



CHEONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 101 

gard to porpons or prejiulices, and is a strong advocate of local and 
general progress. W^itli the exception of real estate, it is muiidy 
devoted to literature. Among its numerous contributors may be 
mentioned S. Teaclcle AVallis, Dr. Wm. Hand Browne, Edward 
Spencer, Professor Gildersleeve, Mrs. Bellonoy, Mrs. Margaret J. 
Preston, Dr. J. Williamson Palmer, Dr. George lleuling, Dr. Kd- 
ward Warren, Miss Mary Latt'an, of London, England, Miss Mar- 
garet Fitz Gibbord, and others. 

The proprietors, Messrs. E. V. Ilcrmangc & Co., of The Evenimj 
News, a merry, pungent, spicy and sprightly evening paper, issued 
their initial number on the 4th of November, 1872. The News, 
from the first, has been a success; every day there are three edi- 
tions published, and frequently four and five, when important 
events occur to justify it. Mr. Ilermange, before engaging in the 
newspaper business on his own account, was connected with the 
Baltimore Sun for sixteen years as clerk, night editor, and latterly 
manager and general superintendent of The Sun book and job 
printing office, one of the largest in the country. The fact of Mr. 
Ilermange being with his first and only employer for so many 
years, — the knowledge he necessarily acquired whilst serving 
him during that time, induced a few gentlemen who knew well 
his character and abilities, to furnish the additional capital that he 
required to establish a successful evening newspaper, and it is they 
who compose the company of E. V. II. & Co. The Neivs is inde- 
pendent on all subjects, and its editorials are noted for their 
sprightliness and vim. On the 9th day of February, 1874, Mr. 
James II. Brewer, a gentleman of fine scholastic attainments, and 
in every way fitted for a live journalist, purchased a half interest 
in the Evening Neics and assumed control of its editorial depart- 
ment. 

The first number of The Sunday Telegram was issued on Sun- 
day, the IGth of October, 1862, by Messrs. J. Cloud Norris and 
AVilliam R. Coale as publishers and proprietors. After publishing 
the Telegram about three months, Mr. Norris purchased the in- 
tei'est of Mr. Coale, and has continued sole owner and proprietor 
from that time to the present. Mr. iSJ orris was formerl}'^ con- 
nected with ^Ir. Charles F. Cloud and William H. Gobright in the 
publication of a paper called the Sunday Dispatch, and latterly the 
Weekly Dispatch. Tlie Sunday Telegram is the first successful 
weekly published in Baltimore, and has the largest circulation. 
The paper was formerly edited by Mr. AVilliam II. Gobright, 
but for the last eight years Mr. James II. Brewer ably fills 
that responsible position. While the progress of The Sunday 
Telegrarn has been steady and its success uniform, it must 
not be inferred that that progress has been unattended with 
difficulties, or that that success has not been achieved over ob- 
stacles. In the firm and conscientious discharge of his duties as a 
public journalist, the proprietor of the Telegram has frecpiently in- 



102 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE, 

curred, during the dark hours of the last war, the hostility of the 
violent and lawless elements of society which it was his business 
to rebuke. He has been threatened with mob violence, but the 
paper never swerved from its course in consequence of such 
threats. After the war ceased the Telegram advocated the prin- 
ciples of the Democratic party, from which it has never departed. 

The Southern Magazine, a monthly periodical, was founded in 
January, 1868; its proprietors, Messrs. TurnbuU and Murdoch, 
having purchased the Richmond Eclectic, published by Drs. Hoge 
and Brown, in Eichmond, Virginia. They gave the new journal 
the title of The New Eclectic; and as at that time it was impos- 
sible to secure a sufficient number of original contributors, its con- 
tents were almost entirely composed of selections or translations 
from the leading English, French and German journals. It is 
worth while mentioning that at the commencement of their enter- 
prise the publishers wrote to each of these foreign papers — 
although the absence of international copyright made the obliga- 
tion only one of courtesy — requesting permission to use their 
materials, which was very obligingly granted. In March, 1869, 
an arrangement was made with Gen. D. H. Hill, publisher of The 
Land we Love, a monthly magazine, issued at Charlotte, N. C, by 
which that journal was combined with the New Eclectic. At the 
close of 1870 Mr. TurnbuU retired, and the magazine became the 
property of Mr. Murdoch, Mr. Wm. Hand BroAvne, a highly edu- 
cated and talented gentleman (who had for some time ably filled 
the editorial chair), and Mr. W. S. Hill, formerly its general 
agent. By this time the magazine had drawn around it a suffi- 
cient staff of contributors to assume the rank of an original 
journal, so the title was changed to that of The Southern 3Iagazine. 
In 1873 the house of TurnbuU Brothers became the publishers, 
Mr. Wm. Hand Browne remaining the editor. The Southern Maga- 
zine is the only first-class literary monthly published south of 
Philadelphia. As its title denotes, it is devoted to the interests 
and development of the South, and the oi'gan of the higher 
thought and culture of the Southern people, most of whose lead- 
ing thinkers, poets and scholars are numbered among its contribu- 
tors. For its efforts to promote the well-being and intellectual 
advance of the South, and to do justice to her historj', the 
Magazine was recently complimented by a public vote of thanks 
of the Southern Historical Society, and a resolution that it be 
adopted as the official organ of that body. 

Lyford's Baltimore Price Current, published weekly by Wm. G. 
Lyford, editor and proprietor, commenced Saturday', March 3d, 
1838, printed by Bull & Tuttle, northwest corner of Baltimore and 
Gay streets. Mn Lyford continued his publication until January 
5th, 1850. 

On the 29th of June, 1850, the Baltimore Price Current and 
Weekly Journal of Commerce made its first appearance, published 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 103 

and edited by George U. Porter and Thomas W. Tobin, and 
printed by James Young. In the early part of the war Mr. Tobin 
died, and the Price Current has over since been published by George 
U. Porter. In July, 1862, Mr. Porter was arrested whilst at work 
in his private office, and hurried off to Fort McIIenry, for no al- 
legetl cause, denied an examination, and prevented from engaging 
an attorno}' — Gen. Morr/s, who was in command at the time, 
calling particular attention to a printed order forbidding prisoners 
from engaging counsel to defend them. After being confined for 
fifteen days, he was taken to Fort Lafayette, in New York harbor, 
and there detained tor three months longer. There was no in- 
terruption in the regular issue of the Price Current, nor has there 
been since the date of its first issue. Mr. Porter has been con- 
nected with the Merchants' Exchange since the 14th of August, 
1841, and for the last twenty 3'ear8 has been the commercial re- 
porter for the daily and weekly Sun, and for about five years also 
filled the same position with the Baltimore Gazette; retiring from 
the latter when it passed from the haiuls of Mr. W. W. Glenn. 

The German Correspondent was founded February 1st, 1841, by 
Mr. Frederick Eaine, its present proprietor. The place of publi- 
cation was then at the northeast corner of Baltimore and IIol- 
liday streets, in a building since demolished for the purpose of 
widening the latter street. The establishment was moved in 1842 
to Second street, opposite the Post-Office, thence to No. 75 Balti- 
more street, below Tripolet's Alley (now Post-Office Avenue), 
thence to Baltimore street opposite the Museum, thence to Gay 
street opposite Christ Church, afterwards the " Old Sun Building," 
corner of Baltimore and Gay streets, until lastly (1869) it found 
a permanent resting-place in the magnificent marble building, 
corner of Baltimore street and Post-Office Avenue, erected at a cost 
of more than 8200.000, b}' Mr. F. Raine for the purposes of his paper. 
From 1811 to 1842 the paj)er was published as a weekly, of rather 
small dimensions, the original list of subscribers embracing only 
some 80 names. It is also a remai'kable fact that JNIr. Raine at 
that time composed, set-up the ty]ic, ))rinted and carried the paper, 
which to-day as a frernian public jinirnal has no superior in the 
country. In 1843 Mr. liaine ventured first upon a bi-weekly, then 
upon a tri-weckl}', and in 1844 upon a daily puldication. Not 
meeting the support he expecte<l, the tri-weekl}' was resumed, 
until 1848, when the daily became a fixed fact, and has as such re- 
mained until the present date, being at ]iresetit the largest two- 
penny paper published in the State of Maryland. The German 
population, comparatively small in 1841, has increased since to 60 
or 70,000, and the Correspondent has been closely identified with 
the progress of that class of our citizens and their development as 
manufacturers, merchants, mechanics, agriculturists, &c. In its 
early struggles to maiiltain itself, the Correspondent and its indus- 
trious, energetic and enterprising tbunder, showed the same pluck 



104 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

and perseverance that characterize those of his competitors who 
from 1841 until to-day have devoted themselves to journalistic en- 
terprises in our city. Sag-acity and enterprise are exhibited iu 
its management, and the editorial columns are marked hy ability 
and sound sense. Mr. E. F. Leyh, a talented gentleman and a 
writer of some renown, fills the editorial chair. 

The first number of The Catholic Mirror, a first-class weekly 
religious paper, was issued on the 5th of January, 1850, Eev. C J. 
White, D. D., editor. Present proprietors, Messrs. Kelly, Piet & 
Company. 

The Baltimore Wecker, a daily paper published in the Gorman 
language, was founded by Charles Henry Schnauffer in the fall of 
1851. Its founder was before that time one of the editors of the 
Journal in the city of Mannheim, Baden (Germany), but by taking 
part in the German revolution of 1848—49, was compelled to leave 
his country. In September, 1854, C. H. Schnauifer, the original 
founder, and a very popular German, died, when his widow, a tal- 
ented lady, continued the publication without interruption. In 
1856, the Wecker was the only paper in Marj'land which advocated 
the principles of the Eepublican party. Shortly after the presi- 
dential election in 1856, the office was attacked at night by a crowd 
of lawless politicians, but were prevented by the police from doing 
serious harm. About this time the Wecker came into the hands 
of Mr. Wm. Schnauffer, who added a weekly edition to the paper, 
which soon commanded a large circulation in the counties. The 
paper continued on its course until the ever-memorable 19th of 
April, 1861, when, soon after the attack by the mob on the mili- 
tary, the office of the Wrecker (then on Frederick street) was visited 
by the same, and completely wrecked, and the building seriously 
injured. The paper was suspended, and the publisher, Mr. Wm. 
Schnauffer, and the editors, whose lives were threatened, were 
compelled to quit the city, leaving the establishment at the mercy 
of the infuriated people. As soon as Gen. Butler took possession 
of the city by the armed militaiy, Mr. Schnauffer returned and 
resumed the publication of his paper. The Wecker continued 
throughout the war a firm supporter of the Union cause. In 1865, 
Gen. F. Sigel entered into partnership with Mr. Schnauffer, which 
continued for two yeai"S, when the former gentleman went to New 
York. Mr. Eapp becoming his successor. In the spring of 1873, 
Mr. Wm. Schnauffer, after nineteen j'eai's' service in the establish- 
ment, retired, leaving the paper in a flourishing condition in the 
hands of Blumenthal & Co., who are continuing it on the same pro- 
gressive principles inspired by its founder. 

The tSouth, a veiy able afternoon papei', " devoted to the South, 
Southern Eights and Secession," issued the first number on Monday, 
April 22d, 1861— -Thomas W. Hall, Jr., Editor. From the first it 
became exceedingly popular, and was eagerly sought after by all 
classes of our citizens. The South flourished until Friday, Sep- 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 105 

tembcr 13th, 1801, wlicn the printer jinnonnced in the afternoon 
edition on a half sheet, under a flaming head of the " Freedom of 
the Press," that the " usual hour for the arrival of the editor, 
Thomas W. Hall, Jr., Esq., having passed this morning, an effort 
Avas made to gain admittance to his editorial room. This was 
easily accomplished, for on trjMug the door, it was found that the 
lock had been forced, and that all his papers and documents of 
value had been abstracted. The locks of Mr. Hall's desk and 
private drawers had been picked with an expertness that would 
do no discredit to the most accomplished convict, and all the letters 
and scraps of pajiers contained in theni carried off, as were also the 
full tiles of the Exchange and South, the files of the American, Clipper 
and Sun being left. Whilst looking on with wonder and amaze- 
ment, the astounding intelligence was brought in that Thomas AV. 
Hall, Jr., P]sq., had been arrested ***** and it is only reason- 
able to suppose that he is now an inmate of the American Bastile, 
formei-ly known as Fort McHenry. As all communication between 
the editor and the printer of the South is forcibly cut off, the latter 
is constrained to announce to its numerous readers that its publi- 
cation, for the present, must necessarily cease with the current 
number." This was certainly, for the times, bold language of the 
printer. On Thursday, the 19th of September, The South, after a 
suspension of six days, was continued by Messrs. John M. Mills & 
Co., on a half sheet. On Thursday, the 13th of February, 1862, the 
paper was issued on a full sheet by Messrs. S. S. Mills & Bro., who 
continued to publish it until Monday, the 17th of February, 18G2, 
when it was suppressed by the military authorities. 

The first number of The Daily Times was issued on Thursday, 
September 19th, 1861; Edward F. Carter and AVm. H. Neilson, 
editors and proprietors. 

After the war a weekly paper was started in Baltimore, called 
The Southern Society, which was afterwards changed to the name of 
The Leader, and was finally merged into The Statesman, Avhich soon 
ceased to exist. 

The Episcopal Methodist was established in Richmond, Virginia, 
Jul}', 1865 ; publishers and editors, Rev. 1). S. Doggett, D.D., (now 
Jiishop of the M. E. Church South) and fjev. J. E. Edwards, D.D., 
a leading member of the Virginia Annual Conference, The office 
was transfei'red to Baltimore, and the first number issued the first 
Saturday of July, 1866, under the title of Baltimore Episcopal 
Methodist. It was owned and ])ui)lished by Rev. John Poisal, D.D., 
and edited b}- Rev. Thomas E. Jiond, M. D., D.D. In November, 
1869, Dr. Bond resigned his position as editor, and the editorial 
as well as the business de])artment was managed by Dr. Poisal. 
On the 1st of May, 1872, J)r. Poisal sold out half his interest 
to Rev. Wm. S. Jiaird, A.M. (a minister of thirty years' stand- 
ing in the Hallimore Conference of the M. E. (Miurch South), 
ijy virtue of which sale Mr. Baird became joint pi-ojirietor 



106 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

and editor with Dr. Poisal. On the let of October, 1872, Dr. 
Poisal sold his remaining interest in the paper to J. Everett 
Martin, Esq., a graduate of Columbia College, D. C, and a lawyer 
by profession. From that date until the present the Baltimore 
Episcopal 3Iethodist has been issued under the stj'le of William S. 
Baird and J. Everett Martin, proprietors and publishers, and Eev. 
Wm. S. Baird, A. M., editor. The Baltimore Episcopal Methodist 
is published in the interest of the M. E. Church South, and circu- 
lates extensively throughout the whole South, and is the organ of 
the Baltimore Conference. 

The Baltimore Saturday Night was first issued January 9th, 
1869, by James H. Wood, publisher, and has continued in the same 
ownership until now. Mr. John Wills was its first editor, and 
subsequently it numbered among its conductors Dr. Palmer, Mr. 
A. J. Bowen, and D. Preston Parr, Jr. The latter gentleman, late 
editor of the Dispatch, a poet as well as a general newspaper 
wn'iter, fills its editorial chair. The Saturday Night is independent 
in politics, and literary, semi-social and artistic in tone. In 1871-2 
a series of valuable articles on the connection of Baltimore with 
the civil war, by Osmond Tiff'any, a talented and much respected 
gentleman, were published in the Saturday Night. They were 
graphic in character, and considered very impartial and accurate 
records by all parties. 

The Baltimore Dispatch was first published by James E. Ander- 
son, its initial number appearing March 30th, 1872. It was an 
eight-page weekl}^, devoted to literature, art, and the reform of 
municipal governmental abuses. From its second issue to its last, 
which was on November 9th, 1872, it was edited by D. Preston 
Parr, Jr., who fearlessly and independently opposed fraud and cor- 
ruption, whether practised in high or humble position. Mr. Parr 
first purchased a half interest, and afterwards the whole paper. 
It was sharp, spicy and determined, and died only for lack of 
means. 

The first number of the Baltimore Underwriter was issued in 
July, 1865, Dr. C. C. Bombaugh editor and proprietor — a class 
paper, published monthly — devoted to the interests of insurance. 
Continued as a monthly to Jan. 1st, 1873, since which it is pub- 
lished weekly — present publishers, Bombaugh & Eansom. 

Die Maryland Staats Zeitung, a Cferman daily paper, formerly 
Der Neue Corresponde7it, was founded by three compositors of the 
German Correspondent. On the 1st of April, 1869, it was pur- 
chased and published by A. Douglas, who afterwards sold it to 
Fred. Polmyer, August 15th, 1870, who conducted it as an evening 
paper till the 1st of August, 1871, when it was discontinued. 

The following German papers were started in Baltimore : In 
1838, the Geschaftige Martha; in 1840, the Wahrheits Verbreiter, 
published by Samuel Ludwig ; in 1844, the Democratic Whig, by 
William Eaine; in March, 1853, the Novellen Zeitung, illustrated 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 107 

Sunday paper, by F. Eaine of the Gorman Correspondent ; in April, 
1856, the Leit-Stern, iUustratod paper, published by Messrs. L. 
Wuiidernian & Co. ; in Oct., 1859, Bie Turn Zeitung, by Mr. Eapp 
of the Wtcker ; in the same year, the Zwi7i Zeitung ; in 1866, Der 
Leuchtthurn ; in 1867. Die Belletristischen Blaetter, Messrs. W. 
Minckler and Joseph Leueht, publishei-s ; in January, 1873, Die 
Biene von Baltimore, by Messrs. Juenger k Mueller, 

Die Katholische Volks-Zeitung is the most successful Roman 
Catholic paper published in the United States. The fii'st number 
was issued on Saturday, May 8th, 1S60, by the publishers, Messrs. 
Krcuzer Brothers, Mr. John Schmidt, editor. By energy, industry, 
and perseverance, the paper has now a weekly circulation of over 
24,000 numbers, circulating in all parts of the United States and 
Canada. 

The first number of The Baltimorean, a first-class weekly paper, 
was issued on the 8th of June, 1872. The proprietors are Messrs. 
Crutchfield & Haas, practical printers and journalists. As a family 
paper, The Baltimorean has no superior in the State, and we arc 
pleased to know that, within the comparatively brief space of two 
years, it is permancntl}' established. The proprietors have been 
unremitting in their entleavors to please the public, and we hope 
they will meet with a liberal and just reward, which they really 
deserve. 

The Enquirer, a first-class weekly newspaper, established prin- 
cipally for the discussion of questions relating to and affecting in- 
surance interests; for the examination of the condition of Com- 
panies, and the advisement of polic3'-holders and persons seeking 
insurance, whether that of life, fire, marine, or accident, issued the 
initial number on Saturday, December 14th, 1872. Mr. Nat Tyler, 
formerly of the llichmond Enquirer, and Mr. Frank Markoc, editoi-s 
and proprietors. 

The People's Appeal, devoted to literature and independent poli- 
tics, issued the first number Thursday, July 17th, 1873. 

The Young Idea, a monthly literary journal, issued first nujubcr 
in August, 1872. Edited and published by boys. 

The Amateur Journal, devoted to literature, gossip, and general 
amusement, issued first number in January, 1872. Pui)Iished 
monthly, by \l. Emory Warfield, C. Taylor Jenkins, and John F. 
Nichols; on the 1st of Januar}', 1873, continued by Warfield & 
Jerdvins. This paper was edited by boys. On Saturda}', the 5th 
of July, 1873, the name was changed to The Monumental Journal, 
the following young men being the editors and business man- 
agers: II. F. Powell, W. Landstreet, Jos. II. Kieman, Jr., and 
Geo. U. Porter, Jr. 

Our Church Work. — The initial number of this weekly news- 
])aper was issued on Saturday, December 3d, 1870, Rev. Hugh Roy 
Scott, editor. 

Tlie first number of The Baltimore Herald was issueil in March, 
1873, Mr. Tom Wash Smith, publisher. 



108 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

The Southern Star was first issued January, 1873. Published 
monthly, by Messrs. James S. Calwell and Geo. D. Fawcett. 

The Railway World and National Economist, a weekly review of 
manufactures, transportation, and the iron, metal, and railway 
supply markets, was established in 1872. 

The Monthly Argus, conducted by schoolboys, was established in 
January, 1873. 

There are also published in Baltimore, the Lutheran Observer, 
the Baltimore Market Journal, the Good News, The Baltimore 3fatri- 
monial Journal, The Ejnscopal Register, and several others, of which 
we cannot now remember the nanres. 

The first paper published by, and devoted exclusively to, the 
colored race in Baltimore, was the " Lyceum Observer, a compendium 
of litei'ature, romance, poetry, and general intelligence." It Avas 
published by J. Willis Menard, in the year 18G-4, but was short- 
lived. The next one that made its appearance was the Communi- 
cator. It was jiublished semi-weekly in 1865 and 'QQ, by James 
Thomson. There was another called the Daily Evening Chronotype, 
which was published in 1867, by Mansfield, Bobbs & Co. 

On the 22d of February, 1858, (Washington's Birthday) ap- 
peared the first number of The Daily Gazette. Its projectors and 
proprietors wei-e Messrs. Charles J. Kerr and Thomas M. Hall, 
two talented 3"oung members of the Baltimore bar. A week or 
two subsequently Mr. Wm. H. Carpenter became connected with 
the paper, and at a little later period bought an interest in it. The 
need of a paper boldly and fearlessly conducted was never greater 
than at that time. Baltimore had long sulfered under the reproach 
of rufiianism. Even at an earlier day the stigma of " mob town " 
had been applied to it. At no period of its history was " mob 
rule " more predominant than in 1858. The police were insiiflicient, 
and the municipal authorities were in accord with the worst 
elements of the population. Brute force was in the ascendant; 
clubs of desperate and reckless men banded together as " Plug 
Uglies," " Blood Tubs," " Kip Eaps," " Pough Skins," and by other 
names equally significant of their character and evil qualities, held 
possession of the city. Politically in affiliation with the faction in 
jjower and controlling the municipal elections by terrorism, they 
were too useful to be put down by those whom they served, and 
too strong to be overawed by individual ettbrt. Day after day, 
night after night, brawls and riotous demonstrations, and san- 
guinary conflicts in which blood was shed and lives were lost, were 
common occurrences. It was against these desperadoes and those 
who upheld them, that The Daily Exchange opened a vigorous as- 
sault. For more than two years it maintained the dangerous con- 
test. Its office was mobbed in open day, the screen on the counter 
torn down, the clock smashed with brick-bats, and a pistol pointed 
at the head of its business manager. Its editors were dogged in 
the day-time by ruffians, and at night they gathered about the 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 109 

editorial rooms waitiiiij an opportunity to -wreak their vengeance. 
But at every intimation of a probable attack, citizens, well-armed, 
assembled at the rooms and constituted a formidable gai'rison of 
defence. At length, one Paul Placide, whilst in a passenirer railway 
car, fearing to assault, commenced to violenth' abuse Mr. Ilenr}- M. 
Fitzhugh, who hati become one of the proprietors of the Exchange 
by purchase from Mr. Kerr. Fitzhugh drawing a pistol, made a 
dash for Placide, who rushing from the car, Avas caught on the 
sidewalk, and would have been shot but for the interposition of others 
passing along at the time. Placide soon afterwards commenced 
suit against Fitzhugh for assault with intent to kill. The case was 
removed to Baltimore County Court, where Fitzhugh was defended 
by S. Teackle Wallis and promptly acquitted by the jury. After 
this the otHee of the JS'.icAa/if/d and its editors suffei'ed less moles- 
tation. The unremitting etforts had ultimately aroused a spirit of 
indignation in the community, to which many brilliant editorials 
from the pen of Mr. S. Teackle Wallis largely contributed. A " Re- 
form " part}^ was organized, the banded ruffianism which had so 
long disgraced the city was overthrown, and peace and good order 
restored and maintained by a law which took from the city the 
control of the police and vested it in a Board of Commissioners. 
Of this new police force Col. Geo. P. Kane was appointed marshal. 
In the second year of the Exchange Mr. Frank K. Howard became 
a partner by purchase, and when Mr. Hall retired, took his jdace 
on tlie editorial staff. Of his contributions to the columns of the 
Eixhange, up to the time of his arrest and imprisonment in Fort 
AVarren, and also to the Gazette after the close of the war, we can- 
not better speak than in the language of the noble tril)ule ])aid to his 
memory in the Daily Gazette, from the brilliant pen of Mi-. 8. Teackle 
Wallis, after his death in London in June. 1872. "Connected as wo 
were with Mr. Howard in the labors and responsibilities of jour- 
nalism, amid dangers and trials such as rarely beset its path, we 
are entitled to speak of his character and qualities, as oidy men can 
speak of each other Avho have gone side by side through such an 
experience. Testifying thus, and from our very hearts and 
knowledge, it is our |»ride to say of him, that no manlier soul than 
his, no steadier intellect or nobler purpose was ever consecrated to 
the discharge of public dut\'. Even in these times, when forget- 
fulncss of the past seems to be regarded as almost the only hope of 
the future, there arc hosts of Maryland men who remember with 
gratitude and honor how bravely he fought the fight of public lib- 
erty through the press ; how vigorously he upheld what he be- 
lieved to be the right, and how he suffered all that oppression and 
brutality could inflict, rather than abate one jot or tittle of his 
hatred and defiance of the wrong. Time will be when the saying.s 
and doings of those days will have their true place in the historj' 
of the fretMlom f)f thought and s]>ecch. There will be no j)roiider 
name then on the list of the chainpioiiS of both, than tlial of our 



110 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

departed associate and friend. It is needless to say anything to 
our readers of Mr. Howard's ability as a writer. He had the com- 
mand of a vigorous and lucid style, to which culture had given 
grace without diminishing its strength. His power of statement 
Avas remarkable; his logic was eminently clear and cogent, and 
there was a manly independence, an earnest directness and candor 
in every line, which commanded the confidence of all who read, 
and the respect of enemies as well as friends. Of the petty arts of 
journalism he knew nothing. He was incapable of imposture, and 
despised it, as he despised clap-trap and dcmagogism in every form. 
His humor was genial and effective, and he was a master of de- 
nunciation, as it is used by gentlemen who know the dignity as 
well as the force of the English tongue. Of the literature of that 
tongue he was a loving, enthusiastic student; and if circumstances 
had permitted him to dedicate his life to it, he might have at- 
tained a high rank in poetrj" as well as prose. Of Mr. Howard's 
personal qualities we cannot yet trust ourselves to speak. The re- 
membrances which the moment of his death recalls cannot now be 
written. There were none of those who knew him well who 
did not love him; there are none who will not mourn the gifts and 
the hopes which are thus early ended with him now." Scarcely 
had the Keforni party attained to power in Baltimore before that 
intense agitation of the slavery question was begun, which after the 
election of Mr. Lincoln to the presidency brought on civil war. 
During the Presidential canvass, the Exchange supported the 
candidacy of Mr. Breckenridge, and the vote of Marjdand 
was cast for him. But neither then nor subsequently did 
the Exchange countenance secession as a remedy for the injuries 
inflicted on the South, believing that the true policy of that section 
was to fight its battles under tlie Constitution in Congress, and not 
in the field of arms. But when all overtures for peace were at an 
end, and no adjustment was possible but b}' the blood}' arbitra- 
ment of the sword, the Exchange, reflecting the sympathies and 
opinions of nine-tenths of the people of Maryland, opposed what 
Mr. Lincoln subsequently and truthfully declared to be a "most 
cruel and unnecessary war." Soon after Mr. Lincoln's election, 
Mr. Fitzhugh differing with his associates in res]iect to the policy 
of the ])aper, sold out his interest to Mr. W. W. Crlenn, so that 
when the crash of war came, the proprietors of the Exchange were 
Messrs. Glenn, Howard and Carpenter. Then followed a period of 
wild turmoil, in the midst of which all the evil passions, with such 
difficulty subdued b}^ the strong arm of the Eeform party, were all 
loose again in Baltimore. The city was included in a military de- 
partment. The Exchange was harassed on all sides. It was 
denied the use of the mails. This failing, its proprietors were ar- 
rested and imprisoned. First Mr. Frank K. Howard, then Mr. W. 
W. Glenn, and his arrest was followed by the suppression of the 
paper. The office and all its printing material were forthwith trans- 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. Ill 

fcrred to other hands, jind the paper re-issued as The Miinjland 
JS'eu'S Sheet, its editor, Mr. Carpenter, being the only remaining 
partner of the suppressed Exchiuuje then at Hberty. Presently 
The News *S7)^<^Mvas denied the use of the mails, and Mr. Carpenter 
cited to appear before the commanding General. A strong protest 
being made against the denial of mail facilities, and tlie late Henry 
May interesting himself in the matter, the order was reversed. 
Alter a little while the vindicti%"eness of its enemies again mani- 
fested itself. The privilege of the mails was again refiiseil ; Mr. 
Carpenter was arrested at midnight, taken to Fort McIIenry 
(where he nearly died from ill treatment and exposure), and 
thence to Fort Delaware. After an imprisonment of several 
months he returned and resumed his editorial duties, but subse- 
quently was compelled to seek refuge in the country, until by grace 
of the General then in command he was allowed to return. Thus 
suppressed several times, and restricted in its circulation south- 
Avardly, harassed in every possible Avay, the News Sheet was pub- 
lished until the close of the war, when under the new name of the 
Gazette, the former owners of the Exchange resumed possession of 
their projierty, and recommenced their editorial labors. In 1870 
Mr. Frank Iv. Howard sold out his interest to Mr. W. W. Glenn, 
who in turn sold out in 1872 to Messrs. AVelsh, Ta}lor & Carpenter; 
!Mr. Taylor subsequently transferring his interest to ]\[r. Charles J. 
Baker. The style of the firm at the present writing is Welsh, 
Baker and Carpenter, and the power and influence of the paper 
are felt throughout all points of the State ; whilst the frequent 
notices of the press, not less than the large circulation it has ac- 
quired, bear testimony to the great ability with which it is edited 
and conducted. 

The history of the American Theatre is a subject of importance 
as connected with the histoiy of our literature and manners. 
Dramatic poetry is one of the first of the fine arts. The histrionic 
art. not complete in itself, because dependent on the poet, is still so 
imijortant as the handmaid of poetry, that its histoiy. as a part of 
the histoiy of any countrj', is positively necessary to the under- 
standing of its literature and its manners. The rise, progress, ami 
cultivation of the Di-ama mark the i)rogress of refinement and the 
state of manners at any given period in any country. Without 
the aid of the actor there are thousands who would never have 
heard the name of Shukspearc; but who, by his aid, are familiar 
Avith the most sublime, moral, and beautiful sentiments that ever 
adorned a language. That there are evils and perversions and 
abuses attendant upon tlieatrical exhibitions, as on all suiilunary 
things, no one is more ready to admit than the writer; but he firndy 
believes that the theatre is in itself a poweiful engine well adapteil 
to the imjirovement of man, and that it only wants the directing 
hand of ;in enlightened society to make it the ])ure soui'ce of civil- 
ization ami virtue. In -May, 17r)2, Mr. TiCwis llallam's compariy, 



112 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

under the appellation of the " American Company," embarked in 
London on board the " Charming Sally," Captain Lee, and after a 
voyage of six weeks, a short passage in those da^'s, the first com- 
pany of players that crossed the Atlantic arrived safely at York- 
town, Virginia. Williamsburg was then the cajiital of Virginia, 
and thither the players proceeded from Yorktown. Upon applica- 
tion made to Governor Dinwiddle, permission was granted to erect 
or fit up a building for a theatre. Hallam found a building which 
he judged to be sufficient for his purpose, and proceeded to meta- 
morphose it into pit, box, gallery, and stage. This was the first 
theatre opened in America by a company of regular comedians, 
and on the fifth of September, 1752, at Williamsburg, the capital 
of Virginia, the first play performed in America by a regular com- 
pany of comedians was represented to a delighted audience. The 
piece was " The Merchant of Venice," and it was followed by the 
farce of " Lethe." 

The first theatre, in point of time, erected in the United States 
was in Annapolis. It was a neat brick building, tastefully ar- 
ranged, and competent to contain between five and six hundred 
persons. It was built upon ground which had been leased from St. 
Ann's Protestant Episcopal Church, which lease expired about the 
3^ear 1820, and the church took possession of the theatre. It w^as sold 
and pulled down merely to procure the materials of Avhich it was built. 
From the Maryland Gazette we find: — "By permission of his Honor 
the President. At the new theatre in Annapolis, by the company 
of comedians, on Monday next, being the 13th of this instant, July 
1752, will be performed a comedy called the Beaux' Stratagem. 
Likewise a farce called the Virgin Unmasked, to begin at J3recisely 
7 o'clock. Tickets to be had at the printing oflSce. Box 10 shil- 
lings, pit 7 and 6 pence, gallei-y 5 shillings." Wynell and Herbert, 
who were the principal performers at the Annapolis theatre, came 
over with Hallam's company, who arrived at Yorktown in June. 
As the regular company did nOt play at Williamsport until the 5th 
of September, ample time was left for Wj-nell and Herbert to have 
gone to Annapolis for the purpose of performing plays, for we find 
them playing at Williamsport in September in their subordinate 
stations. It was the earliest temple reared in our country to the 
dramatic muse, and perhaps the first sjDot upon which the char- 
acters of Shakspeare were exhibited to the western world. 

Theatrical j^erformances have an early date in Baltimore. In 
the year 1773 a large warehouse, which stood at the corner of Bal- 
timore and Frederick streets, was occasionally converted into a 
theatre, on the boards of w^hich the company of Messrs. Douglas 
and Hallam performed plays from time to time for the edification 
of the colonists. The theatre-going spirit appears to have been 
active in those early daj'S when Baltimore was but a small village, 
for we are told that the encouragement received by the company 
was sufficient to induce them to erect a small theatre at the inter- 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 113 

section of AVatcr and Albemarle streets, where tliej' perfornied 
until the Jievoliition commenced, when all amiisoments of the kind 
being pi-ohibited, they removed to the British West India Islands. 
In 1781, however, the first theatre built of brick in Baltimore was 
erected in East Baltimore street, nearly opposite the " Second 
Presbyterian" church. The announcement of its completion was 
pulilished .during Christmas week, and on the 15th of January, 
1782, it was formally opened, with the following play-bill as pub- 
lished in the papers of the day, and from which we give a fac- 
simile : 

(By Permission) 
THE NEW THEATRE IN BALTIMORE. 

"Will Open, This Evening, beinj^ tlie 15th of Januarj', 1782, 
With an Histokical Tkagedy, called 

KING RICHARD III. 

Coutaiuiiig —The Distressis and doatli of King Henry VI. in the Tower; 
The inhuman Murder of the young Priuces; Tlie Usurpation of tiie Throne 
by Richard ; The Fall of the Duke of Buckingham ; The landing of liiclnnond 
at Milt(jrds Haven ; The Battle of Bosworth Field, and Death of Richard, 
which put an end to the Contention between the Houses of York and Laa- 
caster ; with many other Historical Passages. 

King Richard, by Mr. Wall. 

Earl of liichmoud 
And 'fressel, 

King Henry, by Mr. Tillyard ; Duke of Buckingham, by Mr. Shak speare; 
Prince Edward, by a young Gentleman ; Duke of York, by Miss Wall; Lord 
Stanley, Mr. Lindsay ; Catesby, by Mr. Killgour; Ralclitf, by Mr. Atherton; 
Lady Anne, by Mr. Bartholomew ; Queen Elizabeth, by Mrs. Wall. 

An Occasional Pkologde by Mr. Wall, to which will be added 
a Fauce, called 

MISS IN HER TEENS ; 

Or the Medley of Lovers. 

Boxes one Dollar; Pit Five Shillings; Galleries 9d. 
Tlie Doors to be open at Halfpasi Four, and will begin at Six o'Clock, 
No persons can be admitted without Tickets, which may be had at the 
Cotfee Hou^e in Baltimore, and at Lindlay's Ccjti'ee House on Fells-Point. 
%*No Peis(m will on any pretence be admitted behind the Scenes. 

At diftereiit periods there were added to the play-bills the fol- 
lowijig notices, viz: " Any Gentlemen possessed of g<jod Farces, 
and will lend or dispose of then\ to the Managers, Avill greatly 
oblige them." " Some Tunes having been called for by Persons in 
the Gallery which liave given (Jtfence to others, the Managers 
have resolved, that no Music will be jilayed, but such as the}' shall 
order the iJay bel'ore the Kepresentation." '• Children in Laps 
will not be admitted." Wo give the annexed list of plays whiih 
were perlbrmed here during the season, for the amusement of the 
curious as wpll as for the gratification of the lovers of the drama: 
8 



[ By Gentlemen for their Amusement. 



114 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

Tragedy. Farce. 

Orphan ; or the Unhappy Marriage. The King and the Miller of Mansfield. 

Gamester. The Citizen. 

Venice Preserved; or a Plot Dis- Beaux' Stratagem, 

covered. The Contrivances. 

The Revenge. The Busy-Body. 

Tamerlane ihe Great. Tliomas and Sally. 

Gustavus Yasa. The Ghost. 

Mahomet the Impostor. The Mayor of Garratt. 

Jane Shore. The Devil Upon Two Sticks. 

Hamlet, Prince of Denmark. The Wapping Landlady. 
Romeo and Juliet. 

After the Eevolutionaiy War terminated Messrs. Hallam and 
Henry returned to Philadelphia ; but the jDeopIe received the run- 
aways with frowns, and many would have willingly continued the 
prohibition of stage-plays, which the caution of the tirst Conti- 
nental Congress had so etfectually recommended. After a short 
Btaj' in Philadelphia the company removed to New York, and 
while there the managers caused a theatre to be erected in Ealti- 
more, between the town and Point, near Pratt and Albemarle 
streets, on the lot where the old Trinity Church now stands. On 
the 17th of August, 1786, the theatre was opened. This was a 
new soil for the players to cultivate, and their harvest was propor- 
tionabh' great. Their Southern friends received them with smiles, 
and they continued their etlorts in the new theatre until the begin- 
ning of October, when they proceeded to Eichmond, Ya. The 
Maryland Gazette of Tuesday, August 22, 178G, says: "On Thurs- 
day last was opened the new Theatre on Philpot's Hill, belonging 
to Messrs. Hallam and Henry, where the Old American. Company 
performed that celebrated Comedy, The School for Scandal. The 
principal characters were so admirably well-sustained as to give 
entire satisfaction to the audience, and, indeed, the exertions of 
the whole company were such, that we have never before seen any 
Theati'ical Exhibition in this town nearly equal to it. The new 
Theatre is very commodiously built ; the scenery and other deco- 
rations truly elegant, and well-designed, expressive of the just 
taste of the managers, who have been at a great expense in for- 
warding the completion of their plan for the entertainment of the 
public, whose indulgence and approbation we are persuaded will 
adequately reward them for their labor and ingenuity. As their 
Btay will be short, they continue to perform four times a week." 

John Henry joined Hallam soon after the return of the latter 
to America, in 1785, and became his partner in business. Dunlap 
says, "Henry was full six feet in height, and had been an uncom- 
monly handsonie man." His wife was a very meritorious actress. 
He was greatly atilicted with gout sometimes, and was compelled 
to keep a carriage to move about in. It was small, yet large 
enough to carry himself and wife to the theatre. He was the only 
actor in America then who kept a coach. Aware of the rather 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 115 

hostile feeling of the public toward players, and anticipating the 
inevitable sneer about an actor keeping a carriage, he had painted 
on the doors, in the manner of the cout-of-arms of the European 
aristocracy, two crutches, in heraldic position, with the motto, 
" This or these." '' I put this marked motto and device on my 
carriage," Henry said, " to prevent any impertinent i-emarks on an 
actor keeping his coach." The wits would have taken care to forget 
that the actor could not walk. 

In 1792 an important division took place in the old American 
Company of llallam & Henry. Mr. "Wignell, the most important 
member of the compan}-, resigned his situation and entered into 
partnership with Mr. Reiiuigle, a professor of music in Philadel- 
phia. Their friends furnishing the means, and with the assistance 
of a man by the name of Anderson, who associated himself with 
them, and afterwards acted as their treasurer, they commenced to 
liuild an elegant theatre in Philadelphia. Whilst the theatre was 
being constructed, Mr. Wignell went to England to secure a com- 
pany, and upon his return. Death, in the loathsome form of yellow 
fever, had established himself in the beautiful city of Philadelphia, 
in the citadel which had been prepared for the reception of Mirth 
and her attendants. All the usual occupations of life had ceased, 
and the streets were deserted. AYignell and Heinagle distributed 
their forces, and in the meantime opened the old theatre in An- 
napolis, and caused to be erected the old theatre on the site of the 
present llollida}' street. Before it was finished the}^ returned to 
Philadelj)hia and opened the splendid theatre prepared for them 
on the 17th of February, 1794, and thence they came here to open 
the "new theatre," of which wc have the first mention in the 
following advertisement : 

" Xew Theatre. — Persons desirous of becoming subscribers to 
the New Theatre of Messrs. Wignell & Peinagle, are respectfully 
informed that there are five shares unappropriated of One Hun- 
dred Dollars each. Subscribers to draw interest at six per cent, 
till the money is repaid, and to be entitled to a free ticket for the 
first season for each share. Application to be speedily made to 
Thorowgood Smith and Jtobert Gilmore, Esqs. 

" B.\LTi.M0RE, Awjust VM/i, 1794," 

Wignell tt Peinagle's company consisted of the following named 
actors and actresses, viz : Fennel, Chalmers. Moreton, Marshall, 
Harwood, Whitlock, (Jreen, Dai'ley ct Son, Francis, Bates, JJlisset, 
Warrell, .Mrs. Whitlock, daughter of Koger Kemble, Mrs. Old- 
mix(Mi, Mrs, Francis, Mrs. Marsiiall, Mrs. Broadhurst, Mrs. War- 
rt'll, Mis« Willeins (aftc-i- wards Mrs. Greenj, Miss Oldfield, and 
Mr. and Mrs. Morris, composing a tbrce that defied opposition. 
Of tills " Xew Theatre" the editor of the Maryland Journid says: 
" The inhabitants of Baltimore and its vicinity will soon have the 



116 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

opportunity of being gratified with the most refined and rational 
amusement which a liberal mind is capable of enjoying. The ani- 
mated sentiments of immortal authors, when clothed in the smooth 
robe of pathetic eloquence, cannot fail to awaken the most dormant 
of the human faculties, and, by exciting a laudable emulation, 
rouse the noblest principles of the soul in imitation of the virtues 
and glorious achievements of the heroes of the drama. In all 
ages, since the first invention of dramatic entertainments, the 
stage has been justly celebrated for its tendency to reform the 
manners, and give an elegant polish to society ; its facility in ex- 
posing the baser part of mankind cannot be too warmly admired, 
and the beautiful representations of the rewards of virtue, which 
ever}^ well written phiy exhibits, must cause the honest, generous 
"breast to glow with the strongest consciousness of rectitude and 
additional self-satisfaction. The public may anticipate the full 
enjoyment of all the ravishing sensations which the superior tal- 
ents of able theatrical performers, assisted by the attractive 
charms of melodious music, are capable of conveying to the soul. 
The ingenious conduct of Messrs. Wignell & Keinagle, the peculiar 
taste displayed in their selections, and the shining abilities of 
their company, have already merited and received the loudest ap- 
plauses of a distinguished part of our country ; and from the con- 
venient situation and accommodations of our New Theatre, but 
particularly from the address of its managers, the public have 
everything that is pleasing to expect." From the Marylatid 
Journal we also copy the following card, published by Wignell & 
Eeinagle : 

NEW THEATRE. 

The Public are respectfully acquaicted that the Entertainment for the 
Season commences on Wednesday, the 24th instant [August], with the Comic 
Opera of 

LOVE IN" A VILLAGE, 

And a Comedy in two Acts, called 

WHO IS THE DUPE? 

dt^* Places for the Boxes to be taken on Tuesday, at the office in the front 
of the Theatre from the Hour of 10 till 3, and on the Day of Performance — 
Boxes 73. 6d.— Pit 5s. 7id. 

Floreat Respublica. 

From the Maryland Journal of Wednesday, September 24tb, 
1794, we also get the following : 

The Public are respectfully acquainted that the opening of the 

NEW THEATRE 

Is unavoidably postponed until Thursday, the 25th instant, when a favorite 
Comedy will be performed (for the first time here) called 

EVERY ONE HAS HIS FAULT, 

With an occasional Overture, composed by Mr. Reiaagle. 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 117 

End of the Comedy, 
A SCOTS PASTORAL DANCE, 

In which will be introduced a New Highland Reel composed by Mr. Francis 

called 

THE CALEDONIAN FROLIC. 

To which will be added A Comic Opera in two Acts called 

THE FLITCH OF BACON; 

Or, DuNMORE Priory. 

t^Love in a Village is obliged to be postponed on account of the indis- 
position of Mrs. Warrell, &c. 

Subscribers to the New Tlieatre are requested to send for their tickets of 
admission to the store of Mr. Clarke, bookseller in Market Street, on Thurs- 
day morning. 

t^Plncts for the Boxes to be taken on Tuesday at the office in front of 
the Theatre, &c., &c. 

Floreat Respuhlka. 

Of which the editor of the Journal, of the 26th of September, 
says: — "AVe have the pleasure of announcing to the public that 
the opening of the ]^ew Theatre, last night, was attended by a 
numerous and brilliant audience, who deservedly bestowed their 
reiterated plaudits on the very skilful performance of the com- 
pany." From the play-bills we get the following information : 
" The scenery was designed and executed by Mr. Milbourne." 
" Doors were opened at a quarter past five and performances com- 
menced at a quarter past six." " The manager requests gentlemen 
and ladies who procure tickets at the office of the Theatre, would 
in future, always bring the exact change, as no change can 
be given, owing to the confusion it occasions in the hurry of 
business." " The ladies and gentlemen are requested to send their 
servants to keep places by a quarter before five o'clock, and to 
direct them to withdraw as soon as the company are seated, as 
they cannot on any account be permitted to remain." "We add the 
following reminiscences, extracted from an old old newspaper which 
was published by the Hon. John P. Kennedy anonymously : 
" This playhouse stood in Ilolliday street, just where the present 
' Theatre ' now stands. What a superb thing it was! — speaking 
now as my fancy imagined it then. It had something of the 
splendor of a great barn, weather-boarded, milk-white, Avith many 
windows ; and to my conception, looked with a hospitable, pat- 
ronising, tragi-comic greeting down upon the street. It never oc- 
curred to me to think of it as a piece of architecture. It was 
something above that — a huge, mystical Aladdin lamp that had a 
magic to repel criticism, and filled with wonderful histories. 
There Blue Beard strangled his wives and hnng them on pegs in 
the blue chamber; and the glorious Valentine overcame his 
brother Orson by the clever trick of showing him his own imago 



118 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

in a wonderful shield of looking-glass, which, of course, we believed 
to be pure burnished silver ; and there Babes in the Wood went to 
sleep under the coverlet provided for them by the charitable robins 
that swung down upon wires, which we thought was even su- 
perior to the ordinary manner of flying ; and the ghost of Gaifer 
Thumb came up through the floor, as white as a dredge-box of 
flour could make him — much more natural than any common ghost 
we had seen. Alas ! what has become of Orcobrand's Cave and 
the Wood Demon and the Castle Spectre, and all the rest of those 
delightful old horrors which used to make our hair stand on end 
in delicious ecstasy in those days ? This reflection gives me rather 
a poor opinion of the modern drama, and so I do not look much 
after it. In fact, I suspect this age to be greatly behind ours in 
these terrible fascinations. Young America is evidently not so 
easily scared as old America was. It has a sad propensity towards 
fast trotters, and to that wretched business of driving buggies 
which has sjioiled the whole generation of young gentlemen, and 
made a good cavalry officer, just now, an impossibility, or at least 
a virtuous exception in one half of the country. The age is too 
fast for the old illusions, andthe theatre now deals in respectable 
swindlers, burglars, and improper young ladies, as more consonant 
with public favor than our old devils, ghosts and assassins, which 
were alwaj^s shown in their true colors, and were sure to be 
severely punished when they persecuted innocence. The players 
were part and parcel of the playhouse, and therefore shared in the 
juvenile admiration with which it was regarded. In fact, there 
was a misty confusion of the two which destroyed the separate 
identity of either. The playhouse was a compound idea of a 
house filled with mountains, old castles and cities, and elderly gen- 
tlemen in wigs, brigands, fairies and demons, the whole making 
a little cosmos that was only connected with the world by certain 
rows of benches symmetrically arranged into boxes, pit and gallery, 
where mankind were drawn by certain irresistible affinities to 
laugh and weep and clap their hands, just as the magicians within 
should choose to have them do. Of course there was but one 
playhouse and one company of actors. Two or more would have 
destroyed that impression of the supernatural, or rather the extra- 
natural, which gives to the show its indescribable charm. A cheap 
and common illusion soon grows stale. Christy's Minstrels may 
be repeated every night, and people will only get tired of the bad 
jokes and cease to laugh ; but Cinderella and her glass slipper would 
never endure it. The fairy bubbles would burst, and there would 
be no more sparkling of the eyes of the young folks with the de- 
light of wonder. Even Lady Macbeth, I believe, would become an 
ordinary sort of person in 'a run ' — such as is common now. The 
players undei-stood this, and therefore did not allow themselves to 
grow too familiar. One company served Baltimore and Philadel- 
phia, and they had their appointed seasons — a few months or even 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 119 

■weeks at a time — and they ]ilayed only three times a week. 'The 
actors are eoininir hither, my lord,' would seem to intimate that 
this was the eondition of thini!;s at KIsinore — one company and a 
periodical visit. There was a universal gladness in this old Balti- 
more when the word was passed round — 'The players are come.' 
It instantly became everybody's business to give them a good ro- 
ce))tion. They were strange creatures in our schoolbo}^ reckoning, 
quite out of the common order of humanity. We ran after them 
in the streets as something very notable to be looked at. It was 
odd to see them dressed like gentlemen and ladies — almost incon- 
gruous, we sometimes thought, as if we expected to see them in 
slashed doublet and hose, with embroidered mantles and a feather 
in their caps. ' There goes Old Francis ! ' was our phrase ; not that 
lie was old, for he was far from it, but because we loved him. It 
was a term of endearment. And as to Jeiferson ! Is there any- 
body now who remi'mbers that imp of ancient fame? I cannot 
even now think detinitely of him as a man, except in one particular, 
that he had a prominent and rather arching nose. In regard to 
ever3-thing else he was a Proteus — the nose always being the 
same. IIo played everj-thing that was comic, and always made 
people liiugh till tears came to their eyes. Laugh! wh}', I don't 
believe he ever saw the world doing anything else. Whomsoever 
he looked at laughed. Before he came through the side scenes, . 
when he was about to enter O. P. or P. S., he would pronounce the 
first words of his part to herald his appearance, and instantly the" 
whole audience set up a shout. It was only the sound of his voice. 
He had a patent right to shake the world's diaphragm which 
seemed to be infallil)le. No player comes to that perfection now. 
Actors are too cheap, and all the hallucination is gone. When 
our players came, with their short seasons, their three nights in 
the week, and their single companj^ they were i-eceived as public 
benefactors, and their stay was a ])criod of carnival. The boxes 
were engaged for every night. Families all went together, young 
and old. Smiles were on evcrj- face : the town was happy. The 
elders did not frown on the drama, the clergy levelled no canon 
against it, the critics were amiable. The chief actors were invited 
into the best company, and I believe their personal merits entitled 
them to all the esteem that was felt for them. But, among the 
3'oung folks, the appreciation was far above all this. With them 
it was a kind of hero-worship, ]n-omptcd by a conviction that the 
plaj'cr was tliat manifold creature which every night assumed a 
new shape, and onl\' accidentally fell into the category of a common 
mortal. And, therefore, it seemed so interesting to us to catcki one 
of them sauntering on the street looking like other peo]ile. That 
was his exce|)t)onal chai'acter, and we were cui-ious to see how he 
behaved in it — a?id, indeed, thought him a little awkward an<l not 
quite at his ease in that guise. Jlow could oh/ Francis be expected 
to walk comfortably in .Suwarow boots and a stovt'-pipi' liat — ho 



120 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMOEE. 

who had, last night, been pursuing Columbine in his light suit of 
triangular patchwork, with his wooden sword, and who so deftly 
dodged the police by making a somersault through the face of a 
clock, and disappearing in a chest of drawers, or who, the night 
before that, was a French dancing-master, and ran away with a 
pretty ward of a cross old gentleman who wanted to marry her 
himself! " 

Finally, this old wooden theatre, which had become too small 
for the rapidly increasing population of the city, was to be replaced 
by a new one. In the Baltimore American of Wednesday, Septem- 
ber 4th, 1811, we find the following advertisement: 

" New Theatre. — The subscribers, managers and proprietors 
of the New Theatre of Baltimore, propose to build a new edifice on 
the site of the present theatre, on an elegant, improved and en- 
larged plan. To effect this object, equally desirable to themselves 
and the public, it is proposed to raise a sum of money, on the se- 
curity of the property, by subscription. Those who feel disposed 
to assist and patronize the undertaking, are invited to examine the 
proposed terms of the subscription, which are left at the office of 
William Gwj^nn, Esq., in Chatham street, and will be found to be 
highly advantageous to subscribers. Warren & Wood." 

On the 10th of May, 1813, the "New Theatre" (now called 
Holliday street) was opened with the following ceremonies, as taken 
from the programme of the day, published in the Baltimore American 
of May 8th : 

BALTIMORE THEATRE. 

On Monday, the 10th of May, 
The Theatre will open with an occasional Patriotic Address, commemora- 
tive of the late brilliant Naval victories, to be spoken by Mr. Wood. 

After which, Cumberland's Comedy of 
THE WEST INDIAN. 

Belcour Mr. Wood. 

Captain Dudley Mr. Doyle. 

His first appearance here. 

To which will be added, a new farce, never acted here, called 

THE SLEEP WALKER, OR, WHICH IS THE LADY ? 

Somno, (the Sleep Walker) Mr. Jefferson. 

Doors will be opened at half past 6, and performance commence at 7 

o'clock 

The theatre was built by Col. Mosher, after a design of Hobert 
Carey Long, architect. The managers were William Warren, 
father of the present well-known comedian of the same name, and 
William Wood, author of " Personal Recollections of the Stage." 
The theatre not being finished, it was closed for the season Thurs- 
(iay, June 10th, 1813. 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 121 

A short time nfter the retreat of the British forces from their 
unsuccessful attempt upon Baltimore, " The Star-Span<i;led Banner," 
written b^' Francis S. Key, on the nij^ht of the 13th of September, 
during the bombardment of Fort McIIenry, was set to music and 
sung bj" the Durang brothers (two of these volunteer actors) 
on the stage of the llolliday street theatre, creating immense en- 
thusiasm. So popular did it at once become that its repetition 
was demanded every night for several weeks. This fact gave the 
theatre a national reputation ; and after the war, all the leading 
American, and every foi-eign actor who visited this country, ap- 
peared on its boards. Here John Howard Payne, the author of 
"Home, Sweet Home," won the name of ''The Young Roscius ; " 
here the great George Frederick Cooke, then at the zenith of his 
power, gained fresh laurels; here Edmund Kean drew the largest 
audiences which had ever been seen in a Baltimore theatre ; here 
the classical and scholarly Macready enchanted the most cultivated 
citizens by his delineations of Shakspeare's most celebrated heroes; 
here the elder Booth displayed that amazing genius which made 
him the acknowledged head of the American stage ; here Forrest, 
Ellen Tree, Fanny Keml)le, Cooper, the elder Vandenhoflf, Mur- 
doch, Burton, Charles Kean, the elder Wallack, the elder JeflPerson, 
Madame Celeste, Fanny Prissier, Hackett, and other famous actors, 
appeared from time to time. Later came Mr. Joseph Jefferson, 
the younger Booths, Owens, Clarke, Boucicault, the Williamscs 
and Floreyces, Davenport, Holland, the younger Warren, Jjaura 
Keene, Maggie Mitchell, Ristori, Charlotte Cushman, Matilda 
Heron, and a host of others, including many of tlie prominent and 
first singers of the world, including Bosio, Mario, Grisi, Sontag, 
Piccolomini, Patti, Madame Bishop. 

On Thursday evening, Sept. 10th, 1846, the theatre was closed 
by an injunction gi'anted by the Chancellor of the State, on appli- 
cation of Mendes I. Cohen, one of the original stockholders. It 
appears that the theatre was built originally by subscription, 126 
shares having been sold at $200 each, but which were not sufficient 
to complete the building, and consequently liens were held against 
it for work done. Two several times it was offered for sale to 
satisfy these liens, and at the last time offered in 1846, was pur- 
chased by Jas. V. Wagner, Es(i., for 813,000, it being the oid}^ bid 
offered. .Mr. Cohen immediately took excei)tion to the sale, on 
the grounds of there being but one bid for the building, and of the 
Bale having taken place on Saturday, which, being a .lew, and his 
Sabbath, ho could not attend the sale. Mr. Cohen held fifty shares 
of the stock, and formerly each share of stock was entitled to a 
ticket of admission, and after tlie sale Mr. C. sold all his stock- 
holiler's tickets, which were refused admission, and hence the suit. 
The court dismissed the injunction and confirmed the sale. 

For 3'ear9 it remained closed entirely — unthought of, or un- 
carcd for, by responsible managers. Latterly efforts were at dif- 



122 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

fercnt periods made by managers of more repute than tact to con- 
tinue it regularly, but their attempts invariably resulted disas- 
trouslj". In the fall of 1854 it was purchased by an association of 
liberal and wealthy gentlemen, who refitted and magnificently re- 
furnished it at an actual expenditure of $12,000, and determined 
upon leaving no effort iintested for the establishment of the drama 
in our city. They engaged, at enormous salaries, a full and for 
the most part a talented dramatic corps, which they placed under 
the absolute control of an experienced actor; but through misman- 
agement, the season closed with an actual cash loss of $15,000. It 
remained for Mr. John T. Ford and his confrei'es in management 
to determine that our citizens would support a properly conducted 
theatre. He assumed entire control of the theatre on the 12th of 
August, 1855, and purchased the same fifteen j^ears later, in 1870, 
for'$100,000. It was sold on Monday, April 21st, 1866, at the Ex- 
change, at public sale, for the sum of $32,000, Mr. John Grayson 
becoming the purchaser. Under Mr. Ford's efficient management 
th^ establishment attained a degree of popularity and prestige 
never before known in the theatrical annals of Baltimore. The 
season of 1873-74, which was doomed to so sudden and disastrous 
a termination, opened on Monday, August 11th, with the spec- 
tacular drama of "The Ice Witch," and promised to be the most 
brilliant and profitable it had ever experienced. On 'Monday, Sep- 
tember 8th, "After Dark" w^as placed on the boards, and on Tues- 
day night was again performed. That evening the curtain fell for 
the last time on the stage of our " Old Drury," for in Ipss than five 
hours afterwards the fire broke out, which in a short time leveled 
it with the ground. It may appear as a singular coincidence that 
the last words spoken in the play of "After Dark " are, "After dark 
the light has come." At this period (1874) Mr. John T. Ford has 
associated with him his eldest son, Mr. Charles E. Ford, a gentle- 
man well adapted to aid him in the management of his extensive 
theatrical business, and is re-building the "Old Drury" on an en- 
larged and more modern plan. 

The following celebrated actors and actresses made their first 
appearance at the Holliday Street Theatre: Mr. John "W. 
Albauich commenced his first regular season here Auy-ust 22d, 
1855 ; Mr. Greorge Boniface in 1851, as Capt. Bleinheira, in " Rough 
Diamond ;" Thomas Authorpe Cooper in 1796 ; Mr. W. C. Drum- 
mond made his American debut here in 1810, in "Cinderella"; 
Rosalie Durand in 1854 ; Mr. Gallagher made his debut as a call- 
boy ; Miss Effie Germon, in the season of 1857-58, as Sally Scraggs, 
in " Sketches in India "; Mr. Charles Matthews, Sr., made his first 
appearance on the American stage at the Holliday, on September 
2d, 1822, in "The Trip to Paris," his receipts being $752; Mr. Mil- 
liken in 1835; Mr. Mills made his first appearance in America at 
the Holliday, October 4th, 1806, as " Bob Tyke "; Mrs. Joseph E. 
Nagle made her debut at the same place, September 4th, 1847 ; 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 123 

!Mr. James A. Oatos made hi.s first appearance here in 1859; ^Sfariii 
Pritchard was brou<rht out us a star at the llolliday by John T. 
Ford and Mr. Joseph Jefterson ; in 1843, Peter Piohin<^H was man- 
ager; Henry J. Riley made, his American debut here October 5th, 
1830; Edward Sinclair Tarr, in Nov. 1861; Clifton AV. Tayleure, 
the dramatic author and actor, took his farewell of the stage at 
the llolliday, ^fay 3d, 1856. From 1854 to 1859 he was business 
manager. In May, 1859, he was admitted to the Baltimore bar, 
and practised law until 1861, uniting in the latter year the profes- 
sion of journalism with that of the bar. From 1861 to 1864 he 
was connected with the press of Baltimore and Richmond. In 
August, 1864, he became business manager for Mr. John E. Owens, 
and accompanied him to England in 1865. At present he resides 
in New York. Mr. Henry AVallack made his first appearance in 
America at the Holliday in 1819. His average receipts were §441 
per night. Mrs. Chester, in September, 1857 ; on the 2d of Novem- 
ber, 1821, the elder Booth made his first a]:)pearance in Baltimore at 
the Holliday, and created an unusual sensation in Richard the 
Third. His receipts averaged about 8350 per night. During this 
season Booth appeard as Lear, Edgar, Charles Kemble, and Ed- 
mund, Macready. The last night the receipts were not sufficient 
to pay the expenses, and they were obliged to make up the de- 
ficiency by paying S80 — which nearly absorbed all the earnings 
of their former nights. Charles Kean played here in 1826, but 
owing to the partisan feeling against him in relation to the Bos- 
ton riot, he did not fill his engagement of eight nights, but re- 
moved to Philadelphia. On the 15th of December, 1848, Forrest 
was apnounced to act "Macbeth" at the Holliday Street Theatre, 
and at the same time Macready was announced for the same part 
at the Front Street Theatre, Avhich created great excitement, 
both theatres being crowded with the friends and admirers of 
each. 

1773. In this year Messrs. Griffith, Shields, Lemmon, Presstman, 
McKim, Cox, and others purchased a lot and erected a church on 
the corner of Front and Fayette streets, where the Shot Tower 
now stands, for the Baptist society. The Rev. John Davis, from 
Harford, officiated occasionally; but on the 15th of January, 1785, 
Mr. Lewis Richards (who had been elected the ])residing minister 
the year previous), togetlicr with Mr. David Shields, (Jeorge 
Presstman, Francis Presstman, Jean Shit'lds, Racheal Coal, Thomas 
Coal, Jiieliard Lemmon, Alexander McKini, William l[()l>by, and 
Eleanor Thomas were constituted in a regular Baptist Chui'ch by 
the Rev. John Davis, pastor of the liaptist church in Ilarlord 
County. There were attached to the chui'ch at the time a jiar- 
sonagc and graveyard. Tiiis church since its organization has had 
only five pastors, including the present incumbent. Rev. Lewis 
Richards was pastor for thirty-three years, from its organization 
in 1785 to 1818; Rev. Edward J. Reis was associate pastor iVoiu 



124 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

1815 to 1818, and full pastor from 1818 to 1821, in all six years ; 
Eev. John Finlay from 1821 to 1834, thirteen years ; Eev. Stephen 
P. Hill from 1834 to 1850, sixteen years ; Eev. John W. M. Wil- 
liams, CD., the present pastor, from January 1st, 1851, nearly 
twenty-three years ; Eev. II. O. Wyer was elected pastor in 1834, 
and accepted, but declined before entering upon his duties because 
of ill-health. During the pastorate of Eev. Mr. Eichards 293 per- 
sons were received into the church hy baptism and 115 by letter; 
under the Eev. Mr. Eeis 30 were received by baptism and six by 
letter ; under the ministration of Eev. Mr. Finlay, 140 by baptism 
and six by letter ; under Eev. Mr. Hill, 410 were added by baptism 
and 159 by letter; and under the Eev, Mr. Williams, the present 
pastor, 865 have been added by baptism and 302 by letter 
and restoration. In the spring of 1834 the church held a 
protracted meeting, conducted principally by Eev. W. F. Broad- 
dus of Virginia, w^hich was a great success, as were also those held 
in October, 1839, by the Eev. Jacob Knapp, assisted by the pastor, 
Mr. Hill. 

In 1817 the original society erected their commodious circular 
church on the corner of Sharp and Lombard streets, at a cost of 
over $50,000. The debt incurred by the building of such a large and 
costly house proved a serious hindrance to the prosperity of the 
church for many years. In 1823 a resolution was passed to close 
the house and give the keys up to the creditor, and but for his 
generous spirit it would have been lost to the denomination. It 
was not until 1852, during the pastorate of the present minister, 
that the whole debt was paid and the ground-rent greatly reduced. 
The property is now held in fee-simple. On the removal to Sharp 
street the church and grounds on Front street were sold, and the 
remains of the interred there removed to the cemetery southwest 
of the city ; but soon after the old church is let to a third Baptist 
congregation, the Eev. James Osborne officiating there. Several 
colonies have gone out from the first church, which have become 
large and influential bodies. Among thein is the Seventh Bap- 
tist Church, constituted in 1845 with ninety-two members. Its 
meeting-house, on the northwest corner of Paca and Saratoga 
streets, cost between thirt}^ and forty thousand dollars. Eev. E. 
Fuller, D. D., was pastor for twenty-three years; Eev. AV. T. 
Brantley, D. D., has been pastor for more than two years past. It 
now numbers 556 members, a large number having left with the 
former pastor to form the Eutaw Place church in 1871. This 
church reports now 370 members. It has a beautiful white marble 
edifice, costing with the ground $125,000. 

The Lee Street Baptist church is also a colony of the old 
First, constituted in 1854. It has 231 members ; Eev. John Pol- 
lard pastor. Its house of worship was dedicated in June, 1864 ; 
cost, $16,000. 

Besides these there are in Baltimore the Second Baptist Church, 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 125 

Broadway, near Pratt, fouiuled in 1797. The venerable John llealcy 
was pastor for more than fifty years ; Kev. E. N. Harris is the 
present pastor. In 1854 they lel't their old meeting-house on Fleet 
street, and entered their present handsome one on Broadway; 
cost, §15,000. The High IStreet Church was constituted in 1835. 
It tirst met in Calvert, near Saratoga street, but in 1844 moved to 
High stx-eet. Rev. Franklin Wilson, D. D., was pastor for several 
years, and saved the house from being sacrificed for debt. It cost 
about S15,000. The Franklin Square Church was organized Octo- 
ber, 1854, with thirty members. It now has 330 ; pastor, Rev. 
G. W. Sunderlin. Its meeting-house cost about §20,000. Besides 
these there is one German Baptist church and three colored 
churches in the city. One of these, on Leadenhall street, has a 
house, dedicated in 1873, which cost §20,000, and is one of the 
tinest houses for colored people in Baltimore. 

1774. Mr. Isaac Griest, Benjamin Griffith, Jesse Ilollingsworth, 
and thirteen gentlemen in the county, were appointed comnjissioners 
under an Act of the Provincial Legislature, to direct the expendi- 
ture of a sum of nearly §11,000 to make the three great roads 
leading to the town. 

In consequence of the passage by the British Parliament 
of the Boston Port Bill — a bill intended to shut out the people of 
Boston from commercial intercourse with every part of the 
world — the people of Boston assembled in town-meeting at 
Fanueil Plall on the 13th day of May, 1774, and voted " that if the 
other colonies would come into a joint resolution to stop all im- 
portations from Great Britain, and every part of the West Indies, 
till the act blocking up the harbor be repealed, the same will 
prove the salvation of North America and her liberties." This 
resolve was transmitted to the people of Baltimore, in a letter 
written by Mr. Samuel Adams to Mr. Wm. Lux, of Baltimore. 
Mr. Adams said: '"The people receive this edict with indigna- 
tion. It is expected by their enemies, and feared by some of their 
friends, that this town singly, will not be able to support the 
cause under so sevei-e a trial. As the very being of every colony, 
considered as a free people, depends upon the event, a thought so 
dishonorable to our brethren cannot be entertained, as that this 
town will now be left to struggle alone. The town of Boston is 
now suticring the stroke of vengeance, in the common cause of 
America. I hope they will sustain the blow with a becoming 
fortitude, and that the effects of this cruel act, intended to in- 
timidate and sulxlue the spirits of all America, will by the joint 
efforts of all, be frustrated." In the Maryland Journal of the 28lh 
of May, 1774, a notice a])])eared, of which the following is a coj^y : 
'• On TuL'silay last, a lew hours after the ai'rival of an express 
frcjm l'hiladel|)hia relative to the situation of aflairs at Boston, a 
numbe-r of merchants and resj>c'Ctal)le mechanics of this Idwii met 
at the Court-house, and appointed a committee to corres])ond with 



126 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

the neighboring colonies, as the exigency of affairs may make it 
occasionally necessary." This committee was Robert Alexander, 
Robert Christie, Sr., Isaac VanBibber, Thomas Harrison, John 
Boj'd, Samuel Purviance, Jr., Andrew Buchanan, Wm. Buchanan, 
John Moale, AVm. Smith, Wm. Lux, and John Smith. They met 
at the Court-house on Tuesday, May 31st, 1774, Captain Charles 
Ridgely acting as chairman. There were eight resolutions adopted. 
The three first were dissented from bj^ very inferior minorities ; 
the remaining five wei'e unanimously adopted. The first resolu- 
tion expresses it as the duty of every colony in America to unite 
in the most efl'ectual means to obtain a repeal of the late act 
of Parliament for blockading the harbor of Boston ; three 
dissenters. The second concurred in the sentiment expressed by 
the Boston resolve, that if the colonies came into a joint resolu- 
tion to stop importations from, and exports to. Great Britain and 
the West Indies, the same would be the means of preserving 
North America and her liberties ; three dissentients. The 3d, 
the inhabitants of the county will join in an association to etop 
the intercourse at given days; nine dissentients. The 4th pro- 
vides for the appointment of delegates to attend a general congress 
from each county in the State, to be held at Annapolis, and dele- 
gates to attend a general congress from the other colonies ; unan- 
imously assented to. The 5th provides for breaking off all trade 
and dealing with that colony, province or town, which refuses to 
come into similar resolutions ; unanimously assented to. The 
6th appoints Capt. Charles Ridgely, Charles Ridgely, son of John, 
Walter Tolly, Jr., Thomas Cockey Dye, William Lux, Robert 
Alexander, Samuel Pui-viance, Jr., John Moale, Andrew Buchanan, 
and George Risteau, as a committee to attend a general meeting at 
Annapolis, and that the same gentlemen together with John Smith, 
Thomas Harrison, William Buchanan, Benjamin Nicholson, Thomas 
Sollers, William Smith, James Gittings, Richard Moale, Jonathan 
Plowman, and William Spear, be a committee of correspondence 
to receive and answer all letters, and on any emergency to call a 
general meeting, and that any six of the number have power to 
act; unanimously assented to. The 8th is a vote of thanks. That 
all these resolves did not meet with the unanimity which was ex- 
pected at the time, may be accounted for from this fact, that as 
some of them looked to a complete prohibition of all intercourse 
with Great Britain and her West India possessions, it was a ruinous 
interference with the most profitable branch of trade at that time 
carried on from Baltimore, 

On the 4th of June, 1774, the Baltimore committee transmitted 
to the Boston committee the resolutions which had been adopted, 
when the people of Baltimore were first made acquainted with the 
distresses of Boston, accompanied with the following letter: 

^^ Gentlemen — On the 25th ultimo, we received, (by express) from 
Philadelphia, a copy of your letter of the 13th to the gentlemen of 



CHEONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 127 

that city, and a copy of their reply thereto, together with the 
votes of your town meeting, on the truly ahirmiug situtilion of 
your affairs hy the Uite act of Parliament, for blocking up the 
harbor of Boston. 

" Could we remain a moment indifferent to your sufferings, the 
result of your noble and virtuous struggles in defence of American 
liberties, we should be unworthy to share in those blessings, which 
(under God) we owe, in a great measure, to your perseverance and 
zeal in support of our common rights, that- they have not ere now, 
been wrested from us, by the rai)acious hand of power. 

'• Permit us therefore as brethren, fellow-citizens and Americans, 
embarked in one common interest, most affectionately to sympa- 
thize with you, now sutferiug and persecuted in the common cause 
of our country, and to assure you of our readiness to concur in 
every reasonable measure that can be devised for obtaining the most 
effectual and sjicedy relief to our distressed friends. 

"Actuated "by these sentiments, we immediately, on receipt of 
the letters aforesaid, called a meeting of the princijDal inhabitants, 
and appointed a committee of twelve persons to correspond with 
you, the neighboring colonies, and particularly vvith the towns of 
this province, to collect the public sense of this important concern. 

" We procured a general meeting of the freeholders and gentle- 
men of this county, the 31st ult., when the enclosed resolutions were 
agreed on, with a spirit and harmony, which we flatter ourselves, 
prevails very generally through all parts of this province. The 
resolve of a genei-al congress of deputies, in order to unite the 
sense of the whole colony on this interesting occasion, will, we 
have reason to hope, be attended with success. 

'• Having addressed every county for that purpose, and the 
gentlemen of Annapolis concurring in the same design, as soon 
as the result of this congress is determined, we shall make you 
acquainted therewith. 

"In order to inspire the same zeal in others with which we arc 
actuated for your cause, we have transmitted copies of the papers 
we received to the gentlemen of Alexandria, ISIorfolk and Ports- 
mouth, in Virginia, and have taken the liberty of recomniending 
to our friends in Philadelphia the necessity of setting a goo<l 
example, as their influence would greatly preponderate in your 
favor. Although the gentlemen of Pliiladelpliia have recom- 
mended a general congress for proceeding by petition or remon- 
strance, we cannot see the least grounds of exjjccting relief by it. 
The contempt with which a similar petition was treated in ITtJf), 
and many others since that period, convince us that policy or 
reasons of state, instead of Jusliee and equity, are to prescribe the 
rule of (Mir future conduct, anrl tliut something more sensible than 
supplications will best serve our pui-pose. The idea ol" a general 
congress, held forth by our resolves, as merely to unite such colo- 
nies as will associate in a general system of non-exportation and 



128 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

non-importation, both to be regulated in such degree and manner as 
most suitable to the circumstances of each colony, and as to enable 
us (if necessary) to hold out longer without aggrieving one more 
than another. 

" Permit us, as friends, truly anxious for the preservation of 
your and our common liberties, to recommend firmness and mode- 
ration under this severe trial of your patience, trusting tliat the 
Supreme Disposer of all events will terminate the same in a happy 
confirmation of American freedom. 

" We are, with much sincerity, 

" Your truly sympathizing friends, 

"Samuel Purviance, Chairman. 
*' William Buchanan, 

" in behalf of the Committee." 

We have already observed that the celebrated vote of the town 
of Boston, which took place on the 13th of May, 1774, together 
with a letter from the town of Boston of said date, was forwarded 
by express from Philadelphia to Baltimore, and received here on 
the 23d of May, and that immediate action was taken upon it by 
the people of Baltimore County. They addressed a letter on the 
4th of June to the committee of Philadelphia, responding in the 
most enthusiastic manner to the vote which had been transmitted 
to them; and from the language it makes use of respecting the pro- 
priety of holding a general congTess of deputies from all the 
colonies, we infer that the honor of first suggesting such an as- 
sembly to meet the gi'eat crisis wdiich was then approaching, be- 
longs as much to the people of Baltimore, as it has heretofore been 
considered as in the exclusive possession of Virginia. Although 
the resolutions of Virginia which recommended it were dated 
the 27th of Ma}^, yet the communication which announced it to 
the other colonies was not dated until the Slst of May ; and on 
that day, the people of Baltimore, at their deferred meeting, made 
an equal recommendation of such a measure, and in conveying to 
the other colonies their sense of its propriety they certainly speak 
as if they were the first to present this great measui'e for their 
approbation. They remark in this celebrated letter to the com- 
mittee of Philadelphia : "The idea we have formed of a general 
congress, as expressed in our fourth resolve, is by no means formed 
upon the opinion, or the necessity of such a congress, for the pur- 
pose of petitioning or x'emonstrating to the crown, or any other 
branch of the legislature of Great Britain. The indignity oftered 
by the ministry to every petition from America ; the affected 
contempt with which they treated those transmitted in 1765, and 
every other since that time, leave us not the least ray of hope that 
any aj)plication in that mode %vould be productive of relief to the 
sufferings of Boston, whom we consider as a victim to ministerial 
vengeance, for wisely and justly oj^posing them in their arbitrary 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 129 

attacks upon American liberty. We have proposed the congress 
to settle and establish a general plan of conduct for such colonies 
that may think tit to send deputies. Their local circumstances 
and particular situation ma}' render some little diversity necessar}', 
especially should the same influence that has unhappily guided the 
councils of Great Britain continue to prevail." 

A copy of these resolutions was transmitted also to the com- 
mittee of Annapolis. The committee on receiving them, assented 
to the proposition they contained of calling a general congress, 
and immediately thereafter addressed a communication to the 
committee of correspondence for Virginia on the subject of these 
resolutions. They say in their letter, " It is our most fervent wish 
and sanguine hope that your colony has the same disposition and 
spirit, and that by a general congress such a plan may be struck 
out as may ett'ectually accomplish the grand object in view." The 
committee of correspondence of Virginia reply to this suggestion 
of the Baltimore committee on the 4th of August in the follow- 
ing language : " The expediency and necessity, however, of a 
general congress of deputies from the different colonies was so 
obvious, that the meeting have already come to the resolutions re- 
specting it." If there be merit in being among the first to sug- 
gest a great and leading measure, which from its peculiar fitness 
to produce the end contemplated by its creation, the recommenda- 
tion of the general congress as suggested by the Baltimore com- 
mittee pre-eminently entitles them to its claim. That congress, 
according to these suggestions, did assemble, and from their de- 
liberations resulted the declaration, that the thirteen colonies were 
free and independent States, and as such were entitled to do all 
those acts which of right may be adopted by independent nations 
— a congress, as described by Lord Chatham, "for solidity of 
reasoning, force of sagacity, and wisdom of conclusion, under such 
a complication of difficult circumstances, no nation or body of 
men can stand in preference to the general congress of Philadel- 
phia." The Baltimore committee appear to have lost no occasion 
to keep alive the spirit of patriotism which had burned Avith in- 
tensity in their bosoms from the moment they were made ac- 
quainted with the arbitrary legislation of Great Britain towards 
the town of Boston. Wherever their voice could reach they were 
not backward in sending it forth ; nor did they conceal their re- 
grets whenever any response was made by any of the colonies to 
their communications, which they thought fell short of their 
ardor. 

The committees api)ointed hy the several counties met al An- 
napolis on the 22d of June, in Aviiich Jialtimorc County and Town 
were represented by Captain Charles Ividgcl}-, Thomas C. I>ye, 
Walter Tolley, Jr., Koljert Alexander, William Lux, Samuel I*iir- 
viancc, Jr., and George Risteau, FIsqs. By them non-importafon 
resolves were entered into; collections were to be made for the 
9 



130 



CHEONICLES OF BALTIMOKE. 



relief of the Bostonians, and congressmen were appointed. The 
Congress which met at Philadelphia on the 5th of September, 
having adopted similar measures, recommended the ap2:tointment 
of town and county committees throughout the colonies; and on 
the 12th of November, a meeting of the freeholders and other in- 
habitants of Baltimore County and Town, entitled to vote, was 
held at the Court-house, and the following gentlemen were chosen 
to compose the committee for Baltimore Town, viz : — 



Messrs. Andrew Buchanfin, 
Robert Alexauder, 
William Lux, 
John Moale, 
John Merryman, 
Richard Moale, 
Jeremiah T. Chase, 
Thomas Harrison, 
Archibald Buchanan, 
William Buchanan, 
William Smith, 
James Calhoun, 
Benjamin Griffith, 
Gerard Hopkins, 
John Deaver, 



Messrs. John Smith, 

Baruet Eichelberger, 
George Woolsey, 
Hercules Courlenay, 
Isaac Griest, 
Mark Alexander, 
Samuel Purviaiice, Jr., 
Francis Simderson, 
Dr. John Boyd, 
George Liuteuberger, 
Philip Rogers, 
David McMechen, 
Mordecai Gist, 
William Spear. 



In all twenty-nine, and thirty-eight other gentlemen for 
county, of whom — 



the 



Messrs. Thomas C. Deye, 

Samuel Worthiugton, 
Walter Tolly, Jr., 
Benjamin Nicholson, 



Messrs. Johu Moale, 

Capt. Charles Ridgely, 
Dr. John Boyd, 
William Buchanan, 



or any three of them, were a committee to attend the committee 
meetings at Annapolis, and — 



Messrs. Robert Alexander, 
John Moale, 
Andrew Buchanan, 
Dr. John Boyd, 



Messrs. Samuel Purviance, Jr., 
Jeremiah T. Chase, 
William Buchanan, 
William Lux, 



or any four of them, a committee of correspondence for Baltimore 
Town. Of the Baltimore committee, Mr, Samuel Purviance, Jr., 
was elected chairman, and possessing much ardor in the cause 
which his excellent talents enabled him to promote in an eminent 
manner, so continued until the new government was formed. Mr. 
Purviance was the writer of the greater part of the correspond- 
ence which emanated from the committee, of which he was chair- 
man. His fate was an untimely one. In the year 1788 he was 
descending the Ohio, in company with several others, when the 
boat on boai-d of which he was, was captured by a band of Indians ; 
some of the party made their escape ; it was his misfortune to 
have been secured by his captors, and led by them into the inte- 
rior of their vast wilderness. From this moment, to him, his 



OHROKICLES OF BALTIMORE. 131 

country, bis familj- and friends were lost forever. Mr. Jeremiah 
T. Cliase was the first secretary, but as other duties were confided 
to him, he was succeeded by Mr. George Lux. 

In December Messrs. Kiehard Moale, Wm. Spear, Isaac Van 
Bibber, and Isaac Griest were appointed a committee to report and 
observe the arrival of all vessels into port. 

The following letter was written by a gentleman of Baltimore 
to his friend : 

" Baltimore, July 16th, 1774. 

"A vessel has sailed from the Eastern Shore of this Province 
with a cargo of provisions as a free gift to our besieged brethren 
at Boston. The inhabitants of all the counties of Virginia and 
Maryland are subscribing with great liberality for the relief of the 
distressed towns of Boston and Charlestown. The inhabitants of 
Alexandria, we hear, in a few hours, subscribed three hundred and 
fifty pounds for that noble purpose. Subscriptions are o])ened in 
this town for the support and animation of the inhabitants of Bos- 
ton under their present great conflict for the common freedom of 
us all, which have already been so successful that a vessel is now 
loading with provisions for that place,, as a testimony of the alfec- 
tion otthis people towards their persecuted brethren, now bravely 
contending against fraud, power, and the most odious oppression, 
which God grant may never rise triumphant over right, justice, 
social happiness and freedom." 

We find from a Boston paper, under date of August 29th, 
1774 — " Yesterday arrived at Marblehead, Captain Perkins, from. 
Baltimore, with three thousand bushels of Indian corn, twenty 
barrels of rye. and twenty-one barrels of bread, sent by the inhabi- 
tants of that place for the benefit of the poor of Boston, together 
with one thousand bushels of corn from Annapolis, sent in the saiBua 
vessel, and for the same benevolent })urpose." 

The Committee of Boston, writing to the Committee of Balti- 
more, under date of July 16th, said: " Tlie part taken by the 
Province of Maryland must henceforth stop the mouths of those 
blasphemers of humanity who have afl'ected to question the exis- 
tence of public virtue. So bright an example as you have set can- 
not fail to animate and cncoui-age even the lukewarm and indif- 
ferent ; more especially such honest men as wish to be assured of 
support before they engage in so weighty an entei'prise. The 
noble sacrifice you stand ready to make of the staple commodity 
of your Pi-ovince, so materially affecting the revenue of Great 
Britain, and your generous interposition in oiir favor, have our 
warmest acknowledgments." 

In the coui'se of this year, Ibe (jlfice of dvputy postmaster-gen- 
eral was taken from J)o(lor Fi'anklin by tlie ministry, and the 
communications by mail (;.\j)osed to the control of Hnglish agt-nts. 
Mr. William (ioddard, editor and proprietor of the Maryland 



132 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMOEE. 

Journal, in this town, devised and succeeded in establishing an in- 
dependent line from Massachusetts, first to Virginia, and after- 
"vvards to Georgia, and he was appointed surveyor of the post-roads 
by Congress ; but they having restored his office to Dr. Franklin 
the ensuing j'ear, Mr. Goddard was disappointed, and, retiring 
himself, made his sister the ostensible editor of the newspaper. 

1775. May 5th, the Hon. Peyton Randolph, Edmund Pendleton, 
George Washington, Benjamin Harrison, and Richard Henry Lee, 
Esqs., delegates from Virginia, and Richard Caswell and Joseph 
Hewes, Esqs., delegates from North Carolina, arrived in town on 
their way to Philadelphia. They were met by three companies 
of militia, and escorted to the Fountain Inn, where the companies 
saluted the delegates with a triple discharge of their musketry. 
On the following day four companies of the town militia were 
drawn upon the Common, where they were reviewed by Col. 
AVashington, afterwards President, accompanied by the other dele- 
gates, who were pleased to express their satisfaction in the ap- 
jDearance and behavior of the officers and men. In the afternoon 
the delegates, accompanied by the Rev. Clergy and principal gen- 
tlemen of the town, preceded by Capt. Gist's independent com- 
pany, and the officers of the other companies, walked from the 
Fountain Inn to the new Court-house, where an entertainment was 
provided. Among other toasts, the delegates were pleased to give 
the following: "May the Town of Baltimore flourish, and the 
noble spirits of the inhabitants continue till ministerial despotism 
be at an end." The day was spent with great festivity ; joy beamed 
in the countenances of the townsmen, who were happy in the 
honor of the company of the delegates, and pleased with the op- 
portunity of showing them that respect which their conduct de- 
servedly merited from all British America. 

Messrs. Robert Buchanan, Robert Alexander, and David 
McMechen were appointed a committee to establish a watch for the 
security of the town. 

Extracts from the proceedings of the Baltimore Committee of 
Observation : 

" Committee Chamber, April M, 1775. 
" Information being made to the Committee that a few indi- 
viduals, inhabitants of this town, have of late worn pistols or pri- 
vate arms, alleging in justification of their conduct, ' That a motion 
had been made in the Committee to sacrifice some of the persons 
in this town who differed from them, or were averse to the public 
measures now carrying on in this Province, and that they wore 
arms against any such attempts.' The Committee, to remove any 
prejudice that may be taken by the public against them, and to 
prevent the ill effects of such false and injurious reports, if circu- 
lated without contradiction, do solemnly declare that no such mo- 
tion was ever made, or any entry relative to the same minuted 
in their proceedings. A few members of the Committee were of 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 133 

opinion that the names of such persons wlio, upon application, 
had refused to contribute for the purchase of arms and umniuni- 
tion, should be published, but even this measure was overruled in 
the Committee as improper at that time. Our meetings have been 
held public, nor has any person who thought fit to attend ever 
been excluded. Our records arc free and open for inspection. 
From the public we receive our authority, not by personal solicita- 
tion, but a free and voluntary choice : to that tribunal we submit 
our actions. Although we have uniformly persevered, and are 
determined to persevere into caiuying into execution the associa- 
tion and measures of Congress, yet in no instance have we ex- 
ceeded the line pointed out by that Assenibly and our Provincial 
Assembly; and abhorring every idea of proscription, the Com- 
mittee call upon the persons who have circulated the aforesaid 
report to disclose the author. 

"A true extract from the minutes. 

"E. Alexander, Secretary y 

"April 15f/i, 1775. 
" The Committee of Observation for Baltimore County, reflect- 
ing on the many mischiefs and disorders usually attending the 
fairs held at Baltimore Town, and willing in all things strictly to 
observe the regulations of the Continental Congress, who, in the 
eighth resolution, have advised to discountenance and discourage 
eveiy species of extravagance and dissipation, especially horse- 
racing, cock-fighting, &c., have unanimously resolved to recom- 
mend it to the good people of this county, and do hereby earnestly 
request that they will not themselves, nor will suffer any of their 
families to attend, or in an}^ wise encourage the approaching fair 
at Baltimore Town; and all persons are desired not to erect 
booths, or in any manner prepare for holding the said fiiir. We 
are persuaded the inhabitants of the town in particular will see 
the propriety of this measure, and the necessity of enforcing it, as 
the fairs have been a nuisance long before complained of b}^ them, 
as serving no other purpose tban debauching the morals of their 
children and servants, aft'ording an opportunity for perpetrating 
thefts, encouraging riots, drunkenness, gaming, and the vilest im- 
moralities. Sam. Purviance, Jr., Chairman^ 

On the 17th of June, the British attacked the Provincials, and 
the memorable battle of Bunker's Hill was fought. Then hesita- 
tion ceased, and doubt everywhere gave place to certainty. Con- 
gress determined to carry on an offensive Avar; Boston was ordered 
to be invested; General Wasbington, nominated l)efore that body 
by Thomas Johnson, of ^Maryland, on the 15th of June, 1775, was 
chosen commander-in-chief of the American forces. 

July l.'^th, a special meeting of the committee of Baltimore 
Town was held, William Smith, ])resident, and twenty-eight mem- 



134 CHEONICLES OF BALTIMOIIE. 

bers. A letter from James Christie, Jr., merchant of tliis town, 
directed to Lieutenant-Colonel Gabriel Christie, of his Majesty's 
60th regiment, at Antigua, having been intercepted, was laid be- 
fore the committee and ordered to be read, which was accordingly- 
done, and the following paragraphs were part of the contents: 
"Baltimore, February 22d, 1775. — We are in such confusion here 
with our politics, there is no depending on anything, and that 
added to other things, we are little behind the New-Englanders, 
mustering, purchasing arms, ammunition, &c. We have some 
violent fanatical spirits among us who do everything in their 
power to run things to the utmost extremity, and they have gone 
BO far, that Ave moderate people are under a necessity of uniting 
for o.ur own defence, after having been threatened with expulsion, 
loss of life, &c., for not acceding to what we deem Treason and 
Kebellion. The Provost and family are very well; our public; 
affairs vex him, and he wishes himself away, but I know not when, 
or if ever, that will happen. A part of yours, or any other regi- 
ment, 1 believe, would keep us very quiet." The committee then 
summoned Mr. Christie to attend them, but being confined to his 
bed, he was unable to do it, and they sent Messrs. James Calhoun, 
William Buchanan. Thomas Harrison, Thomas Jones, William 
Goodwin, and Isaac Vanbibber to wait on him at his house, and 
to inquire wdiether the said letter was Avritten by him. The gen- 
tlemen returned and reported that Mr. Christie had been shown 
the letter, and acknowledged that it was written by him, but re- 
quested that any further proceedings thereon might be postponed 
until his health would permit his personal attendance. The com- 
mittee, not thinking it proper to comply with his request, as Mr. 
Christie had confessed that he wrote the letter, immediately gave 
him notice thereof; upon which the committee directed a guard of 
nine men, under the command of an officer, to be placed round Mr. 
Christie's house. On the following day the committee met accord- 
ing to adjournment. Mr. Robert Christie attended, and declared 
that Mr. James Christie was very sorry for the letter he had 
written to Lieut.-Col. Christie ; that he did not mean any harm by 
it; and that he was very willing to acquiesce in the determination 
of the committee. On motion resolved, that Doctor John Boyd 
and Mr. John McLure (members of the committee) do wait on 
Mr. James Christie, and inquire of him who those moderate people 
were that united for their defence, as mentioned in his letter, and 
that they take his answer in writing. The gentlemen returned 
and reported that Mr. Christie declared there never was any asso- 
ciation between him and his friends for the purpose alluded to, or 
for any other purpose, and all that he remembers to have passed 
on the occasion was, that some time last winter he was informed 
that he, with some of his friends, were to be made a public ex- 
ample of for not uniting with the town in the present opposition, 
and this being spoken of accidentally among two or three of his 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 135 

friends, it was proposed whether an association for mutual defence 
would be advisable, but no determination being then made, and 
the}' soon after being convinced that no threats worth notice had 
been thrown out against them, the matter dropped, and was never 
afterwards tliought of or attempted, and that it was at this time 
of doubt and a]tpreliension that he wrote the letter in question, 
which accounts ibr that part of it alluded to in this inquiry. The 
committee proceeded to take Mr. Christie's conduct with respect to 
said letter into further and deliberate consideration, and were 
utianiniousl}' of opinion, that by representing in said letter the 
people of this town to be concerned in treasonable and rebellious 
practices, and that a number of soldiers would keep them quiet, he 
has manifested a sjjirit and principle altogether inimical to the 
rights, privileges, and liberties of America. They do therefore 
think it their duty to advertise the said James Chi'istie, Jr., as an 
enem}^ to this country, and all persons are desired to break off all 
connection and intercourse with him. The committee do further 
resolve, that, as the crime of which the said James Christie is 
guilty, is of so dangerous and atrocious a nature, they will lay 
the same before their delegates of the Continental Congress for 
their advice, and in the meantime it is ordered, that as Mr. Christie 
is confined to his bed, and cannot be removed with safety to a 
place of security, the same guard be continued at his house to 
prevent any escape attempted either by himself or the assistance 
of his friends, and that Mr. Christie pay each man 5s. for each 24 
hours, and the officer 7s. 6d. A report having been circulated that 
a nuinber of arms and a quantity of ammunition were secretly 
lodged in the house of Mr. James Christie, and the same being 
mentioned in the committee, they directed two of their members, 
Captain Clopper and Mr. James Cox, to go immediately and search 
Mr. Christie's house, which they accordingly did, and reported that 
they had examined the house carefully in every part, attended by 
Mr. Robert Christie, Jr., and that they only found two guns and a 
pair of pistols, and no ammunition, and were convinced no others 
were in the house. Mr. Christie had been engaged in mercantile 
business at Kock Kun, in Harford county, with Mr. .John Wilson 
and Robert Christie, Jr. The day on which the committee gave 
in their decision on his conduct, these two gentlemen dissolved 
their partnership with him, determining not to be implicated with 
him in his adherence to the Tory cause. Mr. Christie was kept 
under the surveillance of his guard until the 24th of July, when he 
was discharged, upon giving an obligation, with five securities, not 
to depart the Province without leave of said committee or the Con- 
vention of Maryland. As a part of the resolution in his case was, 
to refer the question involved in it to the delegates to the General 
Congress, Mr. Christie himself also referred his case to Congress. 
That body referred him to the Pi'ovincial Convention of Maryland, 
to whom, in consequence of this reference, he presented a memorial 



136 CHEONICLES OF BALTIMOKE. 

on the 9th August, 1775. Taking his own testimony as furnished 
by the memorial as conclusive against him as to the offence with 
which he had been charged by the Baltimore committee, the Con- 
vention resolved, " that the said James Christie is, and ought to 
be considered as an enemy to America, and that no person trade, 
deal, or barter with him thereafter, unless for necessaries and 
provisions, or for the sale or purchase of any part of his real or 
personal estate of which he may be at the time seized or possessed. 
Eesolved, that the same James Christie be expelled and banished 
the Province forever, and that he depart the Province before the 
first day of September next." The committee had accepted the 
explanations given by several persons charged with inimical acts, 
but the people accused Mr. James Dangleish, a foreign merchant, 
who had declared his aversion to the cause, and therefore as soon 
as he had been published as an enemy he fled for safety. The 
laws against Eoman Catholic teachers still existing, some persons 
actuated by worse motives broke up Mr. John Heflferman's school, 
and he also left the place. Other persons were also exposed to 
personal violence, as it was alleged, from the mistaken zeal of the 
committee itself, or ignorance of the principles by which they 
should be governed. 

At an election on the 23d of September, held at the court-house, 
agreeabl}' to a resolution of the late Provincial Convention, the 
following gentlemen were declared elected: — John Moale, Jeremiah 
T. Chase, James Calhoun, Benjamin Nicholson, Andrew Buchanan, 
Thomas Sollers, John Craddock, James Gittings, Robert Alexander, 
Samuel Purviance, William AYilkinson, Charles Eidgely, Jr., of Wil- 
liam, Walter Tolly, Jr., Darby Lux, John Cockey, William Smith, 
William Buchanan, William Lux, John Boyd, John Smith, Zacha- 
riah McCubbin, Jr., Capt. Charles Eidgely, Thomas Harrison, Ben- 
jamin Griffith, William Eandell, Thomas Gist, Sr., Stephen Crom- 
well, Isaac Grist, Thomas C. Dye, Mordecai Gist, John Stephen- 
son, Ezekiel Towson, Jeremiah Johnson, William Aisquith, John 
Howard, George Eisteau, Abraham Britton, and on casting up the 
ballots the following gentlemen were declared delegates to the 
convention for one year, viz : Eobert Alexander, Benjamin Nichol- 
son, John Moale, Walter Tolly, Jr., Jeremiah ToAvnly Chase. 

Several members of the German or Dutch Presbyterian society, 
attached to the Eev. William Otterbein, formed a separate i-eli- 
gious society, which they distinguished by the name of the " Ger- 
man Evangelical Eeformed," and they purchased a lot on Conway 
street, and worshipped in a small house until they built their 
church. 

October 16th the committee " ordered that a quantity of 
powder and lead be delivered to the captains of the companies 
enrolled agreeably to the resolutions of the late convention, equal 
to a half-pound of powder and two pounds of lead for each man 
in the company, and that the same be made up into cartridges and 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 137 

returned to the several Captains, to 1)0 by them faithfully kept 
and delivered out to the diiTerent men in such quantities and on 
puch occasions as they in their discretion shall think fit. Remlved, 
That the privates of each company' produce to their several Cap- 
tains, on each day of musterinir, the number of cartridges and 
ball delivered to them; and on default, that they pay one shilling 
for each and every cartridge wanting of the quantity delivered 
out. George Lux, Sect." 

In October the whole countr}^ was in a state of political ex- 
citement — the ferment was universal, and though perhaps but 
few individuals of the great mass that were then in motion had 
the remotest idea of a total disruption of the ties that connected 
them with the mother-countr}-, yet all were ready to fly to the 
resort of arms in defence of their colonial rights, upon which the 
Government of Great Britain had been gradually making en- 
croachments, until her system had become insupportable, tyran- 
nical, and oppressive. In the state of things that then existed it 
was natural that commercial enterprise should be in a great 
measure suspended. The mouth of the Chesapeake was Avatched 
by British ships of war, and the merchants of 13altimore, doubtful 
whether their most peaceful and legitimate intentions of trade 
would be respected, for the most part laid up their vessels. A Ber- 
mudian sloop about this time was purchased, armed with ten guns, 
and called the Hornet, under the command of Capt. William Stone, 
with Joshua Barney as second officer or master's mate. A crew 
had not yet been shipped, and the duty of recruiting one was as- 
signed to Barney. Fortunately for his purpose, just at this 
moment a new American flag, sent by Commodore Hopkins for 
the service of the Hornet, arrived from Philadelphia. Nothing 
could have been more opportune or acceptable. It was the first 
" Star-Spangled Banner " that had been seen in the State of Mary- 
land ; and next morning at sunrise Barnc}^ had the enviable honor 
of unfurling it to the music of drums and fifes, and hoisting it 
upon a staff, planted with his own bands at the door of his ren- 
dezvous. The heart-stirring sounds of the martial instruments, 
then a novel incident in Baltimore, and the still more novel sight 
of the Itebd colors gracefully waving in the breeze, attracted 
crowds of all ranks and eyes to the gay scene of the rendezvous, 
and before the setting of the same day's sun, the young recruiting* 
oflicer had enlisted a full crew of jolly " rebels " for the Hornet. 
Towards the latter end of November the Hornet and Wai^p, the 
two ]ialtimore vessels, loft the Patapsco in company. They were 
fortunate enough to descend the Chesapeake and pass the capes 
without being perceived by the British cruisers. They found the 
little fleet of Commodore Hopkins anchored at the mouth of the 
Delaware. In a few days the fle(!t Aveighed anchor and saih-d 
for New Providence (one of the Bahama Islands), where, contrary 
to expectation, the town and fort surrendered without tiring a 



138 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

Bhot. Commodore Hopkins, as had been anticipated, found an im- 
mense quantity of ammunition, great gnns, mortars, shells and 
other valuable stores, which were brought awa}'. 

Before the 19th of April, when the batile of Lexington took 
place, the town had formed several companies of each description 
of arms, and every exertion was made to procure ammunition. 
Amongst others. General Buchanan, the Lieutenant of the county, 
distinguished himself by his zeal, and took command of a com- 
pany of gentlemen of riper years, and a company of their sons 
and others, mostly unmarried, who armed and equipped themselves 
in an excellent scarlet uniform, put themselves under the com- 
mand of Captain Gist, who afterwards became well-known as the 
General Mordecai Gist of the Revolutionary army ; Lieutenant 
Thomas Ewing, and other officers, who, with some of the privates, 
became distinguished in ditferent commands in the regular service 
afterAvards, being trained by Richard Cary, Adjutant, who had 
arrived from New England, and had been a member of the Ancient 
Artillery Company of Boston, then lately commanded by John 
Hancock, Esq., first President of Congress. 

Many vessels returning home were searched and stripped of 
their arms and ammunition. It was about this time that the 
"watei'-battery on "Whetstone Point was planned by Mr. James 
Alcock, and begun under the superintendence of Messrs. Griest, 
Griffith, and Loudenslager, while Captain N. Smith was put in 
command of the artillery stationed at that post. Three massive 
chains of wrought iron, passing through floating blocks, were 
etretched across the river, leaving a small passage on the side 
next the fort, and the channel was protected by sunken vessels. 

November 13th the Continental Congress having recommended 
that adventures be made for procuring arms and ammunition, and 
it being necessary that a particular committee be appointed to 
superintend the same, Messrs. Samuel Purviance, John Smith, Wil- 
liam Buchanan, Benjamin Griffith, Isaac Griest, Thomas Gist, Sen., 
and Darby Lux were appointed a committee for that purpose, 
under oath to keep their proceedings secret. Lady Washington 
and the lady of Gen. Gates arrived in town on the wa}' to their 
respective husband's camps; they were escorted a few miles out of 
town by a part of the Independent and Light Infantry companies, 
•with many other gentlemen. 

Doctor Wiesenthal, Dr. Bo^-d, and Dr. Craddock publish a call 
to the ladies of Baltimore to lend their assistance in furnishing 
linen rags arid old sheeting for bandages, &c. 

In a regiment of regular troops commanded by Col. Smallwood, 
Messrs. Mordecai Gist, Samuel Smith, David Plunkett, Brian Phil- 
pot, and William Ridgely, held commissions and raised men in 
Baltimore. Congress had recommended a general fast for the 
20th of July, and it was kept here by the meetings of religious 
societies for worshiji. About this time there arrived and settled 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 139 

here ^Messrs. IIu^Th Younc;, Alcxaiulor Donaldson, Ciiristopher 
Johnston, James Sterlinu', John Woathorbui-n, Gcoru'C Salmon, John 
McFadon and others, who wore forei*2;ncrs, and i\Iossrs. AVilliam 
Youno;, Ilozokiah Waters, Benjamin May, Peter Hoffman, George 
Warner, Anthony Ilouck, and others irora this or nei";hborin<r 
pi'ovinees. 

It has often been a disjmted question when the first military 
compan}- was organised in Maryland, at the coming on of the Eevo- 
lution. The folloAving letter, Avritten to the Honorable Matthew 
Tilghman in convention at Annapolis, will settle the point: 

" Coffee House, SOth December, 1775. 
" Sir: — Permit me to address you as President of that honorable 
body, whose rules I consider as sacred, and to which I have ever 
paid a ready and cheerful obedience. Prompted by the regard 1 
owe my country, I did at the expense of mj' time and hazard of 
my business, form a companj-of militia, earl}- in December 1774 — a 
compan}- comjiosed of gentlemen, men of honor, family, and fortune, 
and though of different countries, animated by a zeal and reverence 
for rights of humanity, they have acted superior to the narrow 
attachments that influence contracted minds, Avhose sentiments are 
determined by the place of their nativity. Unanimously apjiroved of 
by this company, I have been twice appointed to the honor of 
being their commander, since the last of which, we remonstrated 
to the Council of Safety, praying to be confirmed as an independent 
company. Having received no answer, I am induced to believe, 
that such an establishment ought not to be acceded to; but still 
desirous of being serviceable to my countr}-, I have entered my 
name among the number of a])plicants who arc soliciting prefer- 
ment from the convention. That ci"uel and unjust sj-stem of policy 
which has for man}' years influenced the British Senate, has long 
Bince inclined me to lose sight of an honorable accommodation with 
the mother country, unless resisted by a brave and manly op|K)- 
sition. This considei-ation led me to an early and constant attention 
to military affairs ; and allow me, sir, to assure you, that I have 
neither spared time nor expense in the acquisition of that kind of 
knowledge. In private life I have ever been ambitious of being the 
useful citizen. Emulous of that character, I wish to assume the 
soldier; and if appointed to an oflfice (not beneath what my former 
rank entitled me to) I shall endeavor to acquit myself with honor 
to those who are pleased to appoint me. 

" I am, sir, 

" Your most humble servant, 

" MolU)KCAI (ilST.'' 

To fai'ry into execution the resolutions of the Conlincnlal Con- 
gress, respecting the public defence, it became ncci'ssaiy to i-aiso 
in the Province the sum of ten thousand pounds, to be laid out in 



£ 8. d. 

Middle River Lower 51 10 

Patapsco Lower , ... 50 26 

Pipe Creek 34 5 

Westminster 51 00 

Baltimore Towu West 73 7 6 

Deptford oO 2 6 

Baltimore Town East 26 12 6 



930 00 



140 CHKONICLES OF BALTIMOEE. 

the purchase of ai-nis and ammunitioti. The convention of Mary- 
land, in assigning to each county the quota that would be requisite 
from it to make this amount, assigned to Baltimore county as her 
proportion £930. The Baltimore committee, to whom Avas en- 
trusted the power of levying this amount on the inhabitants, 
affixed to the different districts of the county, the sums as follows : 

£ B. d. 

Gunpowder Upper 79 17 6 

North Hundred 51 17 6 

Middlesex 33 7 6 

WyneRun 53 00 

Back River Upper 112 00 

Back River Lower 39 5 

Patapsco Upper 50 10 

Delaware Lower 63 00 

Middle River Upper 43 10 

Soldier's Delight 87 12 6 

We cannot forbear noticing the honorable solicitude felt by the 
committee, that their brethren of limited means should not be re- 
quired to contribute any portion of the above taxation, for, in the 
resolution which levied it, they say, " care ought to be taken, to 
avoid laying any part of the burthen upon the people of narrow 
circumstances, hoping that those whom Providence has blessed 
with better fortunes, will, by their generosity, supply the necessity 
of calling on those whose fortunes are confined to the mere neces- 
saries of life." 

Eddis, writing from Maryland in March, 1775, has given us a 
lively picture of the transactions of this period. " From one ex- 
tremity of this continent to the other, every appearance indicates 
approaching hostilities. The busy voice of preparation echoes 
through ever}^ settlement ; and those who are not zealously infected 
with the frenzy, are considered as enemies to the cause of libert}^ ; 
and, without regard to any peculiarity of situation, are branded 
with opprobrious appellations, and pointed out as victims to public 
resentment. Very considerable subscriptions have been made in 
ever}^ quarter for the relief of the Bostonians ; large sums have 
likewise been collected for the purchase of arms and ammunition ; 
and persons of all denominations are required to associate under 
military regulations, on pain of the severest censure." In anotlier 
of July, 1775, referring more particularly to the condition of this 
Province, he remarks : " The inhabitants of this Province are in- 
corporated under military regulations, and apply the greater part 
of their time to the different branches of discipline. In Annapolis 
there are two complete companies ; in Baltimore seven ; and in 
every district of this Province the majority of the people are 
actually under arms : almost every hat is decorated with a 
cockade, and the churlish drum and fife are the only music of the 
times." 

1776. Baltimore, from its peculiar fitness for the building and 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 141 

equipment of vessels, was selected as one of the sites for naval 
constructions, and many vessels which afterwards became cele- 
brated lor the injury lliey inflicted on the enemy Avere built here. 
The Virginia fri<rate, the Defence sloop. Buckskin, Enterprise, Sturdy 
Beggar, Harlequin, Fox, &c., were among the numbei', and the suc- 
cess which sometimes attended their cruises contributed to aid 
Congress with the means of carrying on the war. 

Commodore James Nicholson on the 5th of June obtained his 
commission from Congress, being the first officer in rank in the 
United States service, and soon after took command of the Vir- 
ginia frigate. lie was a native of the Eastern Shore of JMarjdand, 
and gave early proofs of his peculiar fitness for the responsible 
station to which he was now called. He served his country faith- 
fully during the war, and was among the number of those distin- 
guished seamen who contributed to build .up a name for his coun- 
try in maritime war which will be as imperishable as her glory. 
He was the father-in-law of tlie distinguished Mr. Gallatin, and 
died in the year 1791. Two brothers were also naval officers in 
the service, Capt. John Nicholson and Capt. Samuel Nicholson. 

At an election held " in the town " in 177G four hundred and 
seventytwo votes were taken, while the unadded "Fell's Point" 
at that time contained a poi)ulation of 821. The year before 
there were enumerated 5G-1: houses, and 5931 inhabitants in 
the town proper, so that with the addition of the 821 of " Fell's 
Point," or Deptford Hundred, as it was called, there were 
6755 individuals girdled by the defences of Whetstone Point 
and its floating chain. In the growth of Baltimore between 
1752 and the date of the Revolution we may observe that 
quite a decided tendency was manifested in settlements east 
of Jones' Falls. There are parts of Old Town and Fell's 
Point which, to the present day, retain the outward character of 
the oldest portions of the city. The streets there indicate by their 
names the colonial era to which they belong. York and Lancaster, 
Exeter and Albemarle, Queen and Granby, tell their own histoi-y. 
The growth on the west of the Falls, though of a later period, 
was much more rapid. At the date of the Revolution, Market 
street, now Baltimore, offered to view a respectable thoroughfare, 
along which a double line of houses straggled as far as the south- 
east corner on Market, now Baltimore antl Liberty streets, Avhere 
Mr. Jacob Fito had built a house suflieientl}' large to accommo- 
date the Continental Congress, which held its sessions there in 
December, 1776. This house being then the farthest west, and one 
of the largest in the Town, was called for a long time Congress Hall. 
The streets after this period equally in'licate their era. W^e have, 
in c(mtrast t(j those we have before mentioned, the names of Con- 
way :ind Barre, Fayette and (rreene, Jjexington and Eutaw, fra- 
grant with the recollections of the Rev(jlution. 

Extract from the minutes of the proceedings of the Convention 



142 CHKONICLES OF BALTIMOKE. 

in Baltimore, May 28th : " Whereas his Britannic Majesty King 
George has prosecuted, and still prosecutes a war against the 
British colonies in America, and has acceded to acts of Parliament 
declaring the people in the said colonies in actual rebellion ; and 
whereas, the good people of this Province have taken up arms to 
defend their rights and liberties, and to repel the hostilities carry- 
ing on against them, and whilst engaged in such a contest, cannot 
with any sincerity of heart pray for the success of his arms. 
Therefore, resolved, that every prayer and petition for the King's 
Majesty in the book of commun prayer, and administration of the 
sacraments and other rites and ceremonies of the Church of Eng- 
land, except the second collect for the King in the common service, 
be henceforth omitted in all churches and chapels in this Province, 
until our unhappy differences are ended. G. Duvall, Clerk." 

In June, Lieutenant Joshua Barney sailed for the West Indies 
from Philadelphia in the Andrea Doria, a fine brig of 14 guns, 
under the command of Captain Kobinson. On their arrival at St. 
Eustatia, they fired a salute to the fort, which the Governor, with 
more complaisance than prudence, returned — forgetting that he 
thus took upon himself to acknowledge the independence of their 
flag before their High Mightinesses at the Hague had decided, 
whether to listen to the remonstrances of Sir Joseph Yorke or to 
the solicitations of Dr. Franklin. For this premature instance of 
courtesy, the Governor was afterwards displaced, on the complaint 
of the English government; the fact, nevertheless, that he did 
return the salute of the Andrea Doria, contradicts the generally 
received impression that Captain Paul Jones was the first Amer- 
ican ofticer, to whom such an honor had been paid by a foreign 
power. It was not until Februarj', 1778, that Jones's salute was re- 
turned by the French Admiral at Brest. 

In March, Capt. Squires, the commander of the British sloop 
of war Otter, who had been cruising about in various parts of the 
bay, made a demonstration in the Patapsco river with various 
boats, which produced great alarm in the town. Capt. Nicholson, 
the commander of the Defence, a ship belonging to the State of 
Maryland, was at that time in Baltimore. He soon got under 
weigh to drive these marauders from the river, which he did in a 
short time, and captured four or five of their boats. It was the 
occasion of this alarm that gave rise to the necessity of throwing 
up batteries on Fell's Point, the fortifying of Whetstone Point 
with eighteen guns, &c., &c. These defences were considered at 
the time as invalual)le, and the aid which the militia of the sur- 
rounding country afforded, called forth the grateful thanks of the 
people. From Harlord County a battalion marched to Baltimore, 
whose services it afterwards became unnecessary to accept. Col. 
Ramsey, to whose regiment the battalion belonged, in acknow- 
ledging the receipt of the communication made to them by the 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 14B 

Baltimore committee expressive of their sense of the patriotism 
of the battalion, saj's : " That battalion, Sir, esteem it but their 
duty to march to the assistance of any part of the Province wiien 
attacked, or in danger of it. But they march Avith greater alac- 
rity to your assistance, fron^ the pleasing niemor}* of former con- 
nections, and a sense of the value and imjjortance of Baltimore 
Town to the Province in general." Nor was this devotion to Bal- 
timore contined in her hour of need to the citizens of her own 
8late. The borough of York wrote on the 10th of March to the 
committee: ''Our committee resolved instantly to raise a good 
ririe company, to be ready to mai'ch on an hour's warning to your 
Province, in ease you should judge it necessar}-, and signily the 
same to our commiteee." This is not a solitary instance of this 
patriotic borough's offering her valuable aid to Baltimore. In the 
war of 1812 a company sent by her united with the Baltimore 
troops on the day of her celebrated battle with the British army 
near North Point, and no troops on that day were more entitled 
to the honor which their valor w^on, than those from York. 

The committee presented an address to Captain Nicholson, 
acknowledging the vahiable services he rendered to the town by 
driving Capt. Squires away from the river. His answer to them is 
worthy of being transcribed here: "Gentlemen: — I retui-n vou 
my most sincere thanks for your polite address. In su])port of the 
rights and liberties of my country, I cheerfully undertook the ai'du- 
ous task of my present office, and am exceedingly happy in finding 
my conduct stand approved by so respectable a body as the com- 
mittee of Baltimore county. I am likewise to assure you that the 
officers, volunteers, and others on board the Defence, consider your 
address as doing them the highest honor. 
" I am, gentlemen, 

" Your obedient and humble sei-vant, 

"James Nicholson." 

In the beginning of April, Capt. James Barron, commanding 
one of the public vessels employed in the Chesapeake Bay for its 
defence, fell in with and captured a small vessel, which had been 
sent by Loi-d iJunmore, who was at that time on board one of 
the British s(piadrons stationed in the bay, to Annapolis, for the 
jjurpose of transmitting certain letters from Lord (jJeorge Cermain, 
I lie British Secretary of State, to Governor Eden of Maryland. 
These letters were placed in the hands of Alexander Boss irom 
Pittsburg, a })erson who had been well-known as a violent British 
partisan. The letters were sent by Capt. Barron to Gen. J^ee, who 
at that time was in Williamsburg, and who, on a consultation with 
the committee (jf safety of that jilace, sent them to Mr. Samuel 
I'urviancc, the chairman of the committee of safety at B:il timore. 
That the jmblic should be maile early accpjainted with the contents 
of these letters, and that the person to whom they were addressed, 



144 CHEONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

should be dispossessed of all power to aid the British Government 
in their views as set forth iu these letters, Mr. Purvianee, believing, 
from the peculiar circumstances attending this case of (xovernor 
Eden, that the powers he had been invested with, as the chairman 
of a committee, whose duty it had been from the commencement 
of the disturbances, to hold such a supervision, as well over the 
conduct of those who were the residents of the colony, as those who 
might come among them, either as transient persons or traders, 
would extend to such a case as the letter to Gen. Lee dii'ected his 
attention to,Jhe instructed Capt. vSamuel Smith, of Col. Smallwood's 
battalion, on t|ie 14th of April, to go to Annapolis, and seize the 
person and papers of Governor Eden, and detain him until the will 
of Congress was known. The council of safety at Annapolis took 
oftence at this order of Mr, Purvianee, and interfered to prevent 
its execution. Their disapprobation of it j^i^oceeded less from an 
objection to the measui-e itself, than from an implied disrespect of 
their own authority. He was however requested by the convention 
on the 24th of May to leave the Province ; and in accordance with 
this request, Mr. Eden departed from Annapolis in the ship Fowey 
on the 24th of June, 1776. 

On the 6th of July, without waiting for the expected declaration 
of Congress, and before its final ratification could have been known, 
the independence of the Province of Maryland was formally pro- 
claimed by its own convention, in the following Declaration, which 
for the dignity of its sentiments, and the force and fervor of its 
appeals, will not shrink from a contrast even with the far-famed 
Declaration of American Independence. 

"A Declaration of the Delegates of Maryland. 

"To be exempt from parliamentary taxation, and to regulate 
their internal government and polity, the people of this colony 
have ever considered as their inherent and unalienable right. With- 
out the former, they can have no property; without the. latter, 
they can have no security for their lives or liberties. 

" The Parliament of Great Britain has, of late, claimed an un- 
controlable right of binding these colonies in all cases whatsoever. 
To force an unconditional submission to this claim, the legislative 
and executive powers of that state have invariably pursued, for 
these ten years past, a studied system of oppression, by passing 
many impolitic, severe, and cruel acts, for raising a revenue from 
the colonists; b}^ depriving them, in many cases, of the trial by 
jury ; by altering the chartered constitution of one colony, and the 
entire stoppage of the trade of its capital ; by cutting oft" all inter- 
course between the colonies ; by restraining them from fishing on 
their own coasts ; by extending the limits of, and erecting an 
arbitrary government in the province of Quebec ; by confiscating 
the property of the colonists taken on the seas, and compelling the 
crews of their vessels, under the pain of death, to act against their 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 145 

native countiy and dearest friends; by declaring all seizures, de- 
tention, or destruction of the persons, or property of the colonists, 
to be ley;al and just. A war unjustly commenced, hath been prose- 
cuted against the United Colonies, with cruelty, outrageous vio- 
lence, and perfidy; slaves, savages, and foreign mercenaries have 
been meanly hired to rob a people of their property, liberties, and 
lives; a people guilty of no other crime than deeming the last of 
no estimation without the secure enjoyment of the former. Their 
humble and dutiful .petitions tor peace, liberty, and safet}', have 
been rejected with scorn. Secure of, and relying on foreign aid, 
not on his national forces, the unrelenting monarch of Britain hath 
at length avowed, by his answer to the City of London, his deter- 
mined and inexorable resolution of reducing these colonics to abject 
slavery. 

" Compelled by dire necessity, cither to surrender our prop- 
erties, liberties, and lives, into the hands of a British King and 
parliament, or to use such means as will most probably secure to 
us and our posterity those invaluable blessings : 

'• We, the Delegates of Manjland, in convention assembled, do 
declare, that the king of Great Britain has violated his compact 
with this people, and that they owe no allegiance to him. We 
have, therefore, thought it just and necessary, to empower our 
deputies in Congress, to join with a majority of the United Colon- 
ies, in declaring them fi-ee and independent States, in framing such 
further confederation between them, in making foreign alliances, 
and in adopting such other measures as shall be judged necessary 
for the preservation of their liberties); provided the sole and exclu- 
sive right of regulating the internal polity and government of this 
colony be reserved to the people thereof. We have also thought 
projjcr to call a new convention, for the purpose of establishing a 
government in this colony, Xo ambitious views, no desire of inde- 
l>endence, induced the people of Marj'land to form an union with 
the other colonies. To procure an exemption from parliamentary 
taxation, and to continue to the legislatures of these colonies the 
sole and exclusive right of i-egulating their internal polity, was our 
original and only motive. To maintain inviolate our liberties, and 
to transmit them unimpaired to posterity, was our duty and tirst 
wish ; our next, to continue connected with, and dependent on Great 
liritain. For the truth of these assertions, we appeal to that Al- 
mighty Being who is emphatically styled the searcher of hearts, 
and from whose omniscience nothing is concealed, iielying on his 
J>ivine j)rotectioii and assistance, and trusting to the justice of our 
cause, we exhort and conjure every virtuous citizen to join cor- 
<lially in defence of our common rights, and in maintenance of the 
freedom oi' this and her sister colonies." 

Thus lell, in this colony, to rise no more, the dominion of 
England, and with it the government of the Proprietary : and from 
their ruins arose an independent state. 
10 



146 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

It appears to have been an important part of the duty of the 
Committee of Observation to see that the military part of the 
defence of Baltimore was properly officered, that the companies 
were regularly filled up, and that they were to be in readiness to 
take the field when the occasion called for their services. They 
united in their appointments with others, and nominations when 
made by them were generally confirmed by. their associates in the 
appointing power. In the discharge of the duty of which we 
speak, the following instructions were given by the Committee in 
SejDtember : " The colonels of the militia having this day received 
an order from the convention to nominate and appoint officers in 
this county for two additional companies of militia, to be immedi- 
ately raised for the reinforcement of the Continental army, which 
companies are to be enlisted until the first day of December next, 
each man is to be allowed a month's advance and a bounty of £3, 
and their pay is to commence from the time of enrolment. And 
whereas, in many parts of this county the battalions are not 
yet completed, nor the field-officers of the battalions already 
formed, be desii^ed to meet the Committee on Friday next, 
at 10 o'clock, jointly to fix on the nomination of officers for the 
said two companies of militia, when such gentlemen as are de- 
sirous of commissions are i-equested to apply, and that the respec- 
tive battalions and the companies of militia already formed be 
desired to meet on Saturday next, when such as are inclined to 
enter as volunteers will have an opportunity." 

There was a part of the population who, when they were re- 
quired to subscribe to an association which had been formed in the 
Province at the recommendation of the general congress, refused 
to do so. The object of this association was for the general de- 
fence of the Province, and those who refused to unite in such a 
design were generally considered as inimical to American liberty. 
They were known by the name of non-associators, and as such 
were subject to a fine of a given amount. A person b}^ the name 
of Eobert Dow seemed to be so much under the influence of con- 
scientious motives that he could not reconcile it to himself to be- 
come a patriot, and for his refusal to enlist under the sacred banner 
of his country's cause he was fined five pounds. This appeared 
to him to be a large sum to which his conscience subjected him, 
and therefore plead earnestly that " he had a wife and six chil- 
dren to maintain ; that he is unable to pay the fine, and therefore 
requests the committee to mitigate it." The committee take this 
laconic notice of it : " In committee, 29th of July, 1776, Eead and 
rejected. Per order, W. Lux, Vice-Chairman." 

Another resolution respecting arms was adopted February 27th. 
" All persons in this county, possessed of any arms belonging to 
the public, are herebj'' directed to deliver the same to the committee 
of observation at Baltimore Town, as speedil}' as possible, the 
council of safety having given them orders to collect and repair the 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 147 

same. It is hoped that the urgent necessity of an immediate oom- 
plianoe with this requisition will induce every one who has any of 
said arms, to attend thereto without delay. By order of the Com- 
mittee, George Lux, Secretary." 

On Monday', the 29th of July, the Declaration of Independence 
was read at the court-house, in the presence of the independent and 
artillery companies and the several companies of militia. It was 
received with great acclamations of joy and satisfaction by those 
present, accompanied with the discharge of cannon. At night the 
town was illuminated, and at the same time the effigy of George the 
Third was carted through the town, to the no small mirth of the 
spectators, and afterwards committed to the flames. Mr. Eobert 
Christie, Jr., who, as sheriff of the county, it had been sujiposed 
was the proper person to read the Declaration of Independence to 
the people at the court-house, refused to appear there for such a 
purpose. In consequence of this refusal on his jiai't, threats had 
been made against him, which he deemed it prudent not to brave, 
and therefore he withdrew from the town. As these threats indi- 
cated a state of feeling in the public mind which the committee 
thought boded no good to the common cause, they promptly met 
them by such a conciliatory resolution as dispelled the threatened 
evil. Extract from the minutes of the committee of observation 
for Baltimore county, July 30th, 1776: "The chairman being in- 
formed by Itobert Christie, Jr., the sheriff of this county, that he 
had reason to be apprehensive of violence being offered to him, the 
said sheriff, on account of his not attending to read the Declaration 
of Independence last Monday, agreeable to the desire of the com- 
mittee, and that from those apprehensions he would be under the 
disagreeable necessity of retiring to the country, and withdrawing 
himself from the public service. Wherefore, resolved, that tliis com- 
mittee do declare their utter disapprobation of all threats or vio- 
lence being offered to any person whatever, as contrar}"^ to the 
resolves of Congress and the sense of the convention of this Province. 
That they conceive themselves bound to protect (as far as in their 
power) the civil officers in the discharge of their duty. That thej^ 
do expect of, and call ujion every good citizen and friend to his 
country, to assist them in their endeavors to preserve the peace 
and good order of society, and to prevent all riots and tumults, and 
personal abuse and violence to individuals. That the good people 
of Baltimore, having hitherto been so respectfully attentive to the 
resolves of this committee, on all occasions, they flatter themselves 
that due regard will be paid to this recommendation. Samuel 
Purviance, Jr., Chairman." 

Tiie pn^mulgation of the Declaration of Independence was the 
signal for the departure of the " Jjoyalists," and IBaltimore afl'orded 
her liiilidcss quota, among wliom we find the names of J{olx'i-( 
Alexander, who had once been a delegate to the Convention, and 
even to the Congress; of Daniel Chamier, who had been slu'rill" of 



148 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

the county ; of Doctor Henry Stevenson and Patrick Kennedy, 
the former of whom had built a splendid mansion and laid out 
superb grounds and gardens on the hills near the Falls, in the rear 
of the Jail ; of Mr. James Soramei'ville, a respectable merchant, and 
several others, who, in retii'ing from Maryland, determined that, if 
they could not join the townsmen in the dispute, they would not 
oppose them by violence. Some, it is said, ended their lives in 
obscurity, and perhaps in poverty, abroad, while others took op- 
portunities, during the war, to render kindly services to the soldiers 
of liberty who fell into the hands of the British, A very few re- 
turned after the peace, and remained in Baltimore or the State. 

The following letter was written to Captain James Cox, who 
commanded a company in Baltimore Town, by William Buchanan, 
who commanded the battalion in said town ; 

" Baltimore, liith December, 1776. 
" Sir : — By letter from General Buchanan of this date, I am di- 
rected to order the several Companies of my Battalion, to hold 
themselves in readiness to mai'ch lor Philadelphia on the shortest 
notice, from the Council of Safety, to him for that purpose, and 
which I know is hourly expected. Every excuse of inconvenience, 
interest, &c., must now cease. You will therefore, without a moment's 
loss of time, acquaint your company thereof, that 1 may have the 
pleasure of meeting you as complete as possible at the place of 
rendezvous, of which you will have previous notice should there be 
occasion. Should any effective men in your company be so lost to 
virtue and his bleeding country as to refuse or skulk, under any 
-pretence whatever, I desire you will furnish me with the names 
thereof I am, sir, your obedient servant, Wm. Buchanan." 

The following very interesting letter is a copy of the original, 
which is now in the possession of the Adjutant-General's office at 
Annapolis : 

" Camp of the Maryland Eegulars, 

" Head Quarters, October 12th, 1776. 

" Sir : — Through your hands I must beg leave to address the 
Hon'ble Convention of Maryland, and must confess not without an 
apprehension that I have incurred their displeasure, for having 
omitted writing when on our march from Maryland for New York, 
and since our arrival here ; nor shall I in a pointed manner urge 
anything in my defence, but leave them at large to condemn or 
excuse me, upon a presumption that they should condemn, they 
will at least .pardon, and judge me perhaps less culpable, when they 
reflect in the first instance on the exertions necessary to procure 
baggage wagons, provisions and house-room for 750 men, marched 
the whole distance in a body, generally from 15 to 20 miles per 
day, as the several. stages made it necessary ; and in the latter I 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 149 

trust tho}' ■will give some indulgonco for this neglect, for since our 
arrival at New York it has been the fate of this Corps to be gen- 
erally stationed at advanced posts, and to act a covering party, 
which must unavoidably expose troops to extraordinary duty and 
hazard, not to mention the extraordinary vigilance and attention 
in the commandant of such a party in disposing in the best manner, 
and having it regularl}- su])piied; for here the commanders of 
regiments, exclusive of their militar}' dut}^, are often obliged to 
exert themselves in the departments of Commissary and Quarter- 
Master General, and even directors of their I'egimental hospitals. 
'• Perhaps it may not be improper to give a short detail of oc- 
curroices upon our march to Long Island and since that period. 
The enemy from the 21st to the 27th of August, were landing 
their troops on the lower part of Long Island, where they pitched 
a large encampment, and ours and their advanced parties were daily 
skirmishing at long shot, in which neither party suffered much. 
On the 26tn the Maryland and Delaware troops, which composed 
part of Lord Stirling's Brigade, were ordered over. Col. Haslet 
and his Lieut.-Col, Bedford, of the Delaware Battalion, with Lieut. - 
Col. Ware and myself, were detained on the trial of Lieut.-Col. 
Ledwitz, and though I waited on General Washington and urged the 
necessitj' of attending our troops, yet he refused to discharge us, 
alleging there was a necessity for the trial's coming on, and that 
no other field-officers could be then had. After our dismission 
from the court-martial it was too late to get over, but pushing 
over early next morning, found our regiments engaged, Lord Stir- 
ling having marched them off before day to take possession of the 
woods and difficult passes between our lines and the enemy's encamp- 
ment ; but the enemy overnight had stolen a march on our generals, 
having got through those passes, met and surrounded our troops on 
the plain grounds within two miles of our lines. Lord Stirling 
drew up his brigade on an advantageous rising ground, where he 
was attacked by two brigades in front, headed by the Generals 
Cornwallis and Grant, and in his rear the enemy's main body 
stood ready di-awn up to support their own ]iarties and intercept 
the retreat of ours. This excellent dis))osition and the superior 
numbers ought to have taught our Generals there was no time to 
be lost in securing their retreat, which migiit at least have been 
effected, had the troops formed into a heavy column and pushed 
their retreat; but the lo)iger this was delaved it became the mcM-c 
danger<>us, as they were then landing more troops in Iront from 
the ships. Our brigade kept their ground for several hours, and 
in general behaved well, having received some heavy fires from the 
artillery and musketry of (he enemy, whom they repulsed sevei-al 
times; but their attacks were neither so lasting nor vigorous as was 
expected, owing, as it was imagined, to tlieir being certain of 
making the whole brigade prisoners of war; for by this time they 
liad so secured tlie passes on the I'oad to our lines (seeing our 



150 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

parties were not supported from thence, which indeed our num- 
bers would not admit of) that there was no possibility of retreat- 
ing that way. Between the place of action and our lines there 
lay a large marsh and deep creek, not above 80 yards across at the 
mouth — (the place of action upon a direct line did not exceed a 
mile from a part of our lines), towards the head of which creek 
there was a mill and bridge, across which a certain Col. Ward 
from New England, who is charged with having acted a bashful 
part that da}', passed over with his regiment, and then burnt them 
down, though under cover of our cannon, which would have checked 
the enemy's pursuit at any time; other ways, this bridge might have 
aflForded a secure retreat. There then remained no other prospect 
but to surrender, or attempt to retreat over this marsh and creek 
at the mouth, where no person had ever been known to cross. In 
the interim I applied to Gen'l Washington for some regiments to 
march out to support and cover their retreat, which he urged 
would be attended with too great a risk to the party and the lines. 
He immediately afterwards sent for and ordered me to march 
down a New England regiment and Capt. Thomas's company, 
which had just come over from New York, to the mouth of the 
creek opposite where the brigade was drawn up, and ordered two 
field-pieces down, to support and cover their retreat should they 
make a pMsh that way. Soon after our march they began to re- 
treat, and for a small time the fire was very heavy on both sides, 
till our troops came to the marsh, where they were obliged to 
break their order and escape as quick as they could to the edge of 
the creek under a brisk fire, notwithstanding which they brought 
off 28 prisoners. The enemy taking advantage of a commanding 
ground, kept up a continued fire from four field-pieces, which were 
well served and directed, and a heavy column advancing on the 
marsh must have cut our people off, their guns being wet and 
muddy, not one of them would have fired, but having drawn up 
the musketry and disposed of some riflemen conveniently, with 
orders to fire on them when thej^ came within shot ; however, the 
latter began their fire rather too soon, being at 200 yards' distance, 
which notwithstanding had the desired effect, for the enemy imme- 
diately retreated to the fast land, where they continued parading 
within 800 yards till our troops were brought over. Most 
of those who swam over, and others who attempted to cross 
before the covering party got down, lost their arms 'and ac- 
coutrements in the mud and creek, and some poor fellows 
their lives, particularly two of the Maryland, two of the Dela- 
ware, one of Attley's Pennsylvania, and two Hessian priso- 
ners were drowned, Thomas's men contributed much in bringing 
over this party. Have enclosed a list of the killed and wounded, 
amounting to 256, officers inclusive. It has been said the enemy 
.during the action also attacked our lines; but this was a mistake. 
JSfot knowing the ground, one of the columns advanced within 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 151 

long shot without knowing they were so near, and upon our urtil- 
lery and part of the musketrj^'s firing on them they immediately 
fled. The 28th, during a very hard rain, there was an alarm that 
the enemy had advanced to attack our lines, which alarmed the 
troops much, but was without foundation. The 29th it was found 
by a council of war that our fortifications were not tenable, and it 
was therefore judged expedient that the army should retreat from 
the Island that night, to effect which, notwithstanding the Mary- 
land troops had but one day's respite, and many other troops had 
been many days clear of an}"" detail of duty, they were ordered on 
the advanced post at Fort Putnam, within 250 yards of the 
enemy's approaches, and joined with two Pennsylvania reg'ts on 
the left, were to remain and cover the retreat of the army, which 
was happily completed under cover of a thick fog and a south- 
west wind, both which favored our retreat ; otherwise the fear, 
disorder and confusion of some of the Eastern troops must have 
retarded and discovered our retreat and subjected numbers to be 
cut ofi^. After remaining two days in New York, our next station 
was at narlaem, 9 miles above, at an advance post opposite Mon- 
tresove's and Bohana's Islands, which in a few days the enemy 
got possession of without opposition ; from the former of Avhich Ave 
dail}' discoursed with them, being within two hundred yards, and 
only a small creek between. It being judged expedient to aban- 
don New York and retreat to our lines below Fort Washington, 
the military stores, &c., had been removing some days, when on 
the 15th Sept. the enemy eff'ected a landing on several parts of the 
Island below (and it is cutting to say without the least opposition). 
I have often read and heard of instances of cowardice, but 
hitherto have had but a faint idea of it till now. I never could 
have thought human nature subject to such baseness. I could 
wish the transactions of this day blotted out of the annals of 
America — nothing appeared but flight, disgrace and confusion. 
Let it suffice to say, that 60 light infantiy upon the first fire put 
to flight two brigades of the Connecticut troops — wretches who, 
however strange it may appear, from the Brigadier-General down 
to the private sentinel, were caned and whip'd by the Generals 
Washington, Putnam, and Mifflin ; but even this indignity had no 
weight — they could not be brought to stand one shot. General 
Washington expressly sent and drew our regiment from its brigade, 
to march down towards New York, to cover the retreat and to de- 
fend the baggage, with direction to take possession of an advan- 
tageous eminence near the enemy upon the main road, where we 
remained under arms the best part of the day, till Sergant's 
Brigade came in with their baggage, who were the last troops 
coming in, upon which the enemy divided their main body into 
two columns ; one filing off on the North river endeavored to flank 
and surround us, the other advancing in good order slowly u]) the 
main road upon us ; we had orders to retreat in good order, which 



152 CHEONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

was done, our Corps getting within the lines after dusk. The next 
day about 1000 of them made an attempt upon our lines, and were 
first attacked by the brave Col. Knolton of New England, who 
lost his life in the action, and the 3d Virginia regiment, who were 
immediately joined by three Independent Companies, under Major 
Price, and some part of the Maryland flying-camp, who drove 
them back to their lines, it is supposed wuth the loss of 400 men 
killed and wounded. Our party had about 100 killed and 
wounded, of the former only 15. Since w^hich we have been 
viewing each other at a distance, and strongl}' entrenching till 
the 9th October, when three of their men-of-war passed up the 
North river above King's Bridge, under a very heavy cannonade 
fi'ora our Batteries, which has effectually cut off our communica- 
tion by water with Albany. I must now break off abruptly, being 
ordered to march up above King's Bi-idge, the enemy having landed 
6000 men from the Sound on Frog's Point. 50 ships are got up 
there, landing more troops — there is nothing left but to fight 
them. An engagement is generally expected and soon. Have en- 
closed a copy of a general return of the battalion and Yeazy's 
company, being all the troops I marched from Marj^land, with the 
accoutrements and camp equipage taken in Philadelphia, to be 
rendered the Congress, together with our weekly general return. 
The Independents are now about their returns of arms, accoutre- 
ments and camp equipage brought by them from Maryland, but 
not having time to finish, they must hereafter be returned to 
Council of Safet}'. We have upwards of three hundred oflScers 
and soldiers of the Marjiand regulars very sick, which you will 
observe by the return ; and I am sorry to say, it's shocking to 
humanity to have so many of them ; this must hurt the ser- 
vice upon the new enlistments. Major Price and Gist and Cap'n 
Stone are in the Jersej^s very sick, and Col. Ware and myself are 
very unfit for duty, though we attend it ; many more officers are 
very unwell. I am very respectfully, 

" Your obedient and very h'ble servant, 

" W. Small WOOD. 

" Sunday, 13^A October, 1776. 
" Sir, — The troops having marched, and Col. Small wood not 
having time to make a fair copy of the rough draught, from which 
the above is copied, desired me to do it, and sign his name, which 
I have done accordingly, and am your obedient and very humble 
servant, Chris'r Eichmond." 

" P. S. — It is now near sunset, and we have heard no firing, or 
any news of an action above King's Bridge, which has been hourly 
expected. 

" The Hon'ble Math'w Tilghman, Esq., 

" President Convention Maryland." 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 153 

When the constitution of 1776 was adopted, Baltimore liad so 
much increased in popuhition that it was thought just that she 
should be allowed the privilege of electing two delegates to the 
General Assembly, the same number given to Annapolis. But the 
members who formed the constitution seemed to have been suspi- 
cious that the prosperit}" of Baltimore was an ephemeral one, and 
that she might probabl}^ soon begin to decay likg her neighbor 
Jo])pa. They, therefore,' added a proviso in these words: '' If the 
said inhabitants of the town shall so decrease, as that the number 
of persons having a right of suti'rage therein shall have been, for 
the S])ace of seven years successively, less than one-half the number 
of voters in some one county in this State, such town shall thence- 
forward cease to send two delegates or representatives to the House 
of Delegates, until the said town shall have one-half of the number 
of voters is some one county in this State." They had much more 
confidence in the continued growth of Annapolis, and therefore 
thought it entirely unnecessar}- to insert any such condition to the 
enjoyment of her right of electing two representatives. Seventy- 
eight 3'ears have since rolled round, and Annapolis, the former 
'• Athens of America," still adorns the banks of the beautiful 
Severn ; but her commerce and prosperity are gone, and her pop- 
ulation of three thousand is less than one-third that of the smallest 
county; while "Baltimore Town" has now nearly one-third of a 
million of inhabitants, more than were to be found in all ]\Iaryland 
when the constitution of 1776 was adopted. Such is the uncer- 
tainty of all human predictions, and such the wonderful changes 
which the period of a single lifetime will bring forth in this 
heaven-favored land. The people of this countrj^ are ever so 
intent upon the employments of the present, and so eager to an- 
ticipate the improvements of the future, that they are seldom 
inclined to pause and look back upon the scenes of the past. 
Though pride may tell us that we are wiser than our ancestors, we 
can always be profited by the contemplation of their noble ex- 
amples; and gratitude should teach us never to forget the patriotic 
services of those by whom the foundations of our country's pros- 
perity were laid. 

We have mentioned the fact that on the approach of the royal 
troops toward the Delaware in 1776, Congress, then in session in 
Philadelphia, adjourned to Baltimore. Their first meeting in this 
city, pursuant to adj<jurnmcnt, was on the 20th of Deceml)er. 
They met and continued their session in a spacious three-story and 
attic brick building, which stood until a few years since, on the 
south side of Bidtimorc street from Sharp and Liberty streets. 
The Rev. Patrick Allison, first minister of the Presbyterian CMiurch 
of Baltimore, and Rev. W. W. White, were appointed chaplains on 
the 23(1. On the same day a resolution was passed '-That until 
the apartments in the jail of the town of Baltimore be repaired 
ami put in such a condition as not to endanger the health of those 



154 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

who may be confined in them, the prisoners from the State of 
North Carolina be removed from thence to different rooms in the 
Court-house, or wherever else they can be procured, and there 
safely locked up and secured." 

While Washington was achieving the victory at Trenton, the 
Continental Congress, sitting in this city, were taking measures to 
strengthen his hands. The extreme jealousy of a military ascend- 
ancy, which had restrained the majority in Congress from giving 
the commander-in-chief such ample powers as necessity manifestly 
demanded, now yielded to expediency, and by a resolution adopted 
on the 27th of December, before they could possibly have heard 'of 
the affair at Trenton, they constituted Washington in all respects 
a dictator in the old Koman sense of the term. The follow^ing is 
the preamble and resolution : 

^'December 27th, 1776. — This Congress, having maturely consid- 
ered the present crisis, and having perfect reliance on the wisdom, 
vigor, and uprightness of General VV'ashington, do hereby 

^'Besolve, That General Washington shall be, and he is hereby, 
vested with full, ample, and complete powers to raise and collect 
together, in the most speedy and effectual manner, from any or 
all of these United States, sixteen battalions of infantry, in addi- 
tion to those already voted by Congress ; to appoint officers for the 
said battalions of infantry; to raise, officer, and equip three thous- 
and light-horse, three regiments of artillery, and a corps of 
engineers, and to establish their pay ; to apply to any of the States 
for such aid of the militia as he shall judge necessary; to form such 
magazines of provisions, and in such places as he shall think 
j3roper; to displace and appoint all offieei-s under the rank of 
brigadier-general, and to fill up all vacancies in every other depart- 
ment in the American army; to take, wherever he may be, what- 
ever he may want for the use of the army, if the inhabitants will 
not sell it, allowing a reasonable price for the same ; to arrest and 
confine persons w^ho refuse to take the Continental currency, or 
are otherwise disaffected to the American cause, and return to the 
States of which they are citizens their names and the nature of 
their offences, together with the witnesses to prove them. 

" That the foregoing powers be vested in General Washington 
for and during the term of six months from the date hereof, unless 
sooner determined by Congress." 

This resolve was transmitted to Washington by Eobert Morris, 
George Clymer, and George Walton, the Committee of Congress 
who remained in Philadelphia when that body adjourned to Balti- 
more. "Happy is it for this country," they wrote to Washington, 
" that the genei'al of their forces can safely be intrusted with the 
most unlimited power, and neither personal security, liberty, nor 
property be in the least degree endangered thereby." 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 155 

The followin<r letter was sent by Congress, as a circular, to the 
Governor of each of the States, accompanied by the above resolve: 

"Baltimohk, 30fA December, 1776. 
" *S/r — Ever attentive to the security of civil liberty, Congress 
woukl not have consented to the voting of such powers in the mil- 
itary department as those which the enclosed resolves convey to 
the Continental Commander-in-Chief, if the situation of jniblic 
aflfairs did not require at this crisis a decision and vigor which dis- 
tance and numbers deny to assemblies far removed from each 
other, and from the immediate scat of war. The strength and 
progress of the enemy, joined to prospects of considerable rein- 
forcements, have j'endered it not oidy necessary that the American 
forces should be augmented beyond what Congress had heretofore 
designed, but that they should be brought into the field with all 
])0ssible expedition. These considerations induce Cc>ngress to 
request, in the most earnest manner, that the fullest influence of 
your State may be exerted to aid such levies as the General shall 
direct, in consequence of the powers now given him, and that your 
quota of battalions, formerl}' fixed, may be completed and ordered 
to headquarters with all the despatch that an ardent desire to 
secure the public happiness can dictate. 

" I have the honor to be, &c., 

" John Hancock, President.'" 

Congress authorized William Aisquith, John Griflfith, Hercules 
Courtney, John Cockey, James Kelso, Richard Cromwell, James 
Calhoun, Geoi-ge "Welsh, Theodore Barrel, William Young, George 
Patterson, Darby Lux, Daniel Carroll, Thomas Donnellan, John 
Boyd, Benjamin Leavy, Samuel Hillegas, and William Govett to 
sign bills of credit or money. On the 31st of December Dr. 
Mackenzie was authorized by Congress to purchase such medicines 
as were wanted for the army stationed in Baltimore. Congress 
continued in session in Baltimore until Friday, tlie 27th of 
F'ebruary, when it adjourned to Philadelphia, where the delegates 
met on the following Wednesday, the 4th of March, 1777. 

1777. Early in Febi-uary, the " Whig Club," a revolutionary 
society composed, so far as w^e can understand it, of the more 
radical members of the old committees, was formed in the town 
of Baltimore, and was governed by the following rules : 

"At a time when secret and disguised enemies, whom we have 
fostered in our bosoms, are, in conjunction with a cruel and foreign 
f )e, doing cver^-thing in their ))ower to effect our desti-uclion, it 
will not be thought strange that the true friends to their country, 
who liave stood, and arc still detci-mined to stand, forth, at the risk 
of their lives and fortunes, in defence of her sacred rights, should 
take ever}' step in their power to strengthen the hands and en- 
courage the spirit of their friends at this critical period. We would 



156 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMOEE. 

not mean to reflect on the present governing powers, or j'ob them 
of any of the prerogatives ; but it must appear evident to every 
tliinking man that it matters not how wise and salutary the regu- 
hitions of an}' State may be, unless they are justly executed, nor 
can they be well executed, till great pains are taken to apprehend 
and bring to justice, offenders, who very otten escape deserved pun- 
ishment from an unwillingness in individuals to interfere ; nor is 
it less certain that, however judiciously laws are framed, artful 
villains will evade them, and dignified Tories, under the cloak of 
moderation, find ways and means to counteract their intentions. 
To remed}' such evils, as far as in us lies, and to strengthen the 
hands of our present government, We, whose names ai'e hereunto 
" subscribed, do associate ourselves together, under the name of the 
Whig Club, and do mutually pledge our faith to each other, that 
we will, as members of the said Club, jointly and severally, do all 
that in our power lies to save our invaded country, and do 
])romise and oblige ourselves, as members of the Whig Club, to 
submit to and be governed by the following Eules : 

" I. That the Club do, at this present meeting, proceed to elect 
by ballot a president, vice-president, and secretary, who shall con- 
tinue in office during the space of two months, at the expiration 
of which period a new election shall take place. 

" II. That the secretary, when chosen, shall procure a proper 
book, in which he shall enter the association and rules of this 
Club ; and also such future proceedings as the Club may order to 
be recorded. 

" III. That the Club may adjourn to such times and places as 
they shall think proper, and that the president is invested with 
power to call them together before the day of adjournment, should 
occasion require it. 

'' IV. That no new business be proposed to the Club unless the 
same be reduced to writing, and signed by the members proposing 
it ; nor shall any member speak on business, without rising from 
his feet, and addressing himself respectfully to the president. No 
member shall speak more than twice on the same subject without 
leave. 

•' y. That all indecent behavior and personal altercation be 
carefully avoided, and an}^ member guilty thereof shall be punished 
b}^ fine, at the discretion of the president. 

" VI. That no person accused as an enemy to America, shall be 
convicted thereof without being heard in his defence, nor shall 
such accusation be determined in the same sitting in which it is 
brought; but the president, by direction of the Club, shall appoint 
the time of trial. No person shall be adjudged an enemy to his 
country but by the voice of at least two-thirds of the membei-s 
present. 

" VII. That no person be admitted a member of this Club with- 
out an application in writing, signed by the person seeking admis- 



i 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 157 

sion, and that such application must be seconded hy two members 
at least, and approved by two-thirds of the Club, in order to be 
eftectual. 

" VIII. That no person be admitted a member of this Club, 

without taking the following oath, viz : I. , do swear 

that I will, as far as in nie lies, detect all traitors (and discover all 
traitorous conspiracies against this State as established by tho 
authoi-ity of the people) without fear or affection; that I will not 
])rosecute or complain against any person through envy, hatred, 
or malice, or an}- private quarrel ; and, in all my determinations, I 
will, to the best of my knowledge, be governed by virtue and 
justice ; and that I will well and truly keej) secret the proceedings 
of this Club so far as shall be directed me 1)y the Club." 

The Maryland Journal of February 25th published the follow- 
ing article : 

" For the Maryland Journal. — To the printer. — Through the 
channel of your paper, I take the liberty to congratulate my 
countrymen on the important intelligence this day received by 
Congress. The terms of peace offered by General IIowc to America, 
manifest the magnanimity, generosity, humanity, and virtue of 
the British nation. The offers of peace, and in return to require 
only our friendshi]), and a preference in our trade and commerce, 
bespeak the ancient spirit and love of liberty which was once tho 
acknowledged and boasted charact(Tistic of an Englishman. My 
soul overflows with gratitude to the patriotic, virtuous King, the 
august, incorruptilile Parliament, and wise disinterested ministry 
of Britain. I am lost in the contemplation of their private and 
public virtues. I disbelieve and forget — nay, will readily believe 
assertion, that the monarch of Britain is a sullen and ini'xorable 
tyrant, the Parliament venal and corrupt, and the Ministry aban- 
doned and bloody, as wicked and base calumnies. I am not able 
to express the feelings of my soul on the prospect of immediately 
seeing my native country blessed with peace and plenty. I am 
almost induced to complain of Congress for concealing one moment 
these glad tidings; however I will anticipate the pleasure, and 
claim thanks from all lovers of peace for thus early communicating 
what may be relie<l on as literal!}' true. 

" Yours, &c., Tom Tell-truth. 

"Baltimore, Feb. 20, 1777." 

The publication of this article by Mr. Goddai'd, excited against 
him no little feeling and excitement, and from the papers now in 
our possession we glean the following facts. Mr. CJoddard says: — 
"That on Monday evening last, the third of March, Col. Ilamsa}', 
attended by Mr. (ie(jrge Turnbidl, called at m}' house in Baltimore 
Town, and requested, in behalf ol" the Whig Club, of which he was 
a mend)er, that I would inform him who was the author of a piece 
published in the last Maryland Journal, and on tho signatuie of 



158 CHEONICLES OF BALTIMOEE. 

Tom Telltruth, which I refused to comply with for reasons assigned. 
During the course of the evening of that day Capt. John Slaymaker, 
attended by some other person unknown to me, came to my house 
with a paper of which the following is a copy : 

" ' Eequested that Mr. William'troddard do attend the Whig 
Club to-morrow evening at six o'clock, at the house of Mr. Eusk, 
to answer such questions as may be asked him by the Club, rela- 
tive to a publication in the Maryland Joiirnal of last week, under 
the signature of Tom Telltruth, which has given great offence to 
many of your Whig readers. Legion. 

' Monday EvENmo, 3^^ March, 1777.' 

"The next evening a little after six o'clock Jno. Tors, Benjamin 
Nicholson, Nathaniel Eamsay, Eobert Buchanan, Hugh Young, 
James Smith, and one other person unknown to me, some of whom 
had their side-arms, came into my house, and began the former 
conversation as to the author of Tom Telltruth, whom they re- 
quested me to make known ; but I declined for reasons before given, 
on which they required me to attend the Whig Club. This I re- 
fused, urging my indisposition ; but afterwards in the course of con- 
versation 1 told them I would not go if I was well, because they 
had no right to make the demand they had done. They then de- 
clared their resolution to cai*ry me before the Club ; and upon my 
attempting to leave the room, forcibly detained me — and on this 
I attended them to the Club. There I saw a large concourse of 
people at the house of Mr. David Eusk, a mixture of all ranks and 
occupation. Commodore James Nicholson in the chair, David 
Stewart, Esq., Secretary, Mr. Eobert Purviance, Capt. Nathaniel 
Smith, and the gents who had been deputed to wait on me that 
evening and the evening before, together with a great number of 
others whose names I cannot now recollect, were present. They 
put on the appearance of a legal assembly, ordered my hat to be 
taken off, and then proceeding respecting the author of Tom Tell- 
truth to be read, then put the question to me whether I would 
disclose the author or not, to which 1 refused to compl}' with. I 
was then ordered to withdraw, and a party of men set over me as 
a guard. I was detained in this manner some time in the Bar 
Eoom, then I was ordered in again ; and had a Eesolve read, which 
1 took for granted had been prepared in my absence, to this effect 
that as I thought myself bound in honor not to disclose the author, 
they gave me till Monday next to speak with them ; and immedi- 
ately after the question was put whether I would at that time dis- 
close the author. This I answered, that considering the violence 
with which I had been treated I would not give myself any further 
trouble about the affair ; at the same time proposed my willingness to 
oblige any particular gentleman. I was again ordered to withdraw 
guarded as before — remained in that situation some time, and was 
ordered in again, and fresh proceedings were read that had been 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 159 

prepared in my absence, representiniz; the piece called Tom Tell- 
truth as a performance of the most dangerous tendency, fixing me 
as the author, and of course an enemy to this country, and ordered 
me to leave the town the next da}', and the county in three days. 
1 then requested a copy of their proceedings, and the same even- 
ing about ten or eleven o'clock, a pa]ier of which the following is a 
copy, was brought to me by Capt. David Plunkett : 

" ' In Whig Club, March 4th, 1777. 
" ^Resolved, That Mr. William Goddard, do leave this Town by 
twelve o'clock to-morrow morning, and the County in three days. 
Should he refuse due obedience to this notice, he will be subject to 
the resentment of a Legion.' 

" Before I left the place where the Club was held, I told them 
I was not the author, that I disclaimed their authority, and would 
not submit to their violent proceedings, recommended to them to 
pursue their lawful occupations, resume their awl and needles, 
retire to their counting houses, and cease to usurp the powers of 
Government." 

It seems that Mr. Goddard entirely disregarded their summons, 
as the following extracts from the same papers will show. Mr. 
Goddard says: "That on Tuesday morning last [25th March], 
about nine o'clock, a company of men, some of them armed with 
ewords and some having sticks, came to my house and took pos- 
session of the doors and staircases, after which several gents, 
headed by Commodore Nicholson, came up stairs into the printing- 
office where I then was. The gents remained on or near the stair- 
case, Commodore Nicholson entered the room and seized on me, 
on which a struggle ensued. The door was shut by a workman 
of mine, which was burst open by the gents who stayed behind, 
who were pressing forward to assist Commodore Nicholson. 
Several of the company seized me, and whilst in that situation I re- 
ceived several blows given with their fists. My workmen in the 
office were treated in the same manner, thrown down and much 
abused. The workmen, I believe, were struck in that manner be- 
cause they were busy in attempting to shut the persons out who 
were coming in. I was then dragged down stairs, when Commo- 
dore Nicholson, being apprehensive of firearms, searched my 
pockets, and so did several others. The names of the persons 
who then entered my house and treated me and my workmen as 
above, were to the best of my remembrance as fcjlloweth : Commo- 
dore James Nicholson, Jienjamin Nicholson, Esq., C'ol. Natii'l 
Jiamsey, Mr. James Cox, David Stewart, lOsq., Mr. David I'lunkett, 
Mr. (reorge Turnl>ull, Mr. Daniel IJowley, Mr. John (ioi-don, iM-r. 
George Welsh, Mr. Mark Alexander, Mr. Hugh Young, Mr. John 
McClure, Mr. J)avid I'oe, Mr. J)anicl Lawrence, ('apt. Jlallock and 
Campbell. 1 was then carried out into the street, and surrounded 



160 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

by a great number of people, most of whom I believed belonged 
to the Whig Club, and carried thence to the tavern kept by Mr. 
David Rusk, and into the room where the Whig Club generally 
meet, where I was treated with great indignity by several present. 
The company were greatly increased, and I, besides those already 
mentioned, remember Mr. Benjamin Griffith, Capt. Nathaniel 
Smith, Lieut. Thomas Morgan, John McCabe, Cornelius (larratson, 
Job Garratson, James Smith, son of William, and William Ais- 
quith. Alter I had been for some time in the Club room, Commo- 
dore Nicholson proposed a private conference in another room, 
into which a number withdrew, leaving me in the outer room 
under guard. After deliberation they returned, and Commo- 
dore Nicholson, as chief or head of the assembly, told me they 
had come to a determination that I should either engage to depart 
the State immediately, or be subjected to suffer their original de- 
signs. I then told them before I could make my choice, I should 
know Avhat their original designs were. The Commodore observed 
that was yet a secret ; however, my person was unsafe, and they 
were prepared to execute their purposes. I then asked how long 
they would give me to make preparation. Six hours were men- 
tioned, at the same time it was doubted whether at their previous 
meeting, the State, or the town and county only were intended, 
and finall}^ determined that the town and county only were in- 
tended. They also gave me leave to stay till night, but to be no 
longer seen there until the new form of government, or a new 
form of government, had taken place, or until the wheels of gov- 
ernment were in motion. 1 then told them as I considered myself 
unsafe (to which some of the company immediately replied that I 
was) I would consent to depart, hoping that another form of gov- 
ernment would speedil}^ take place. 1 was then released from the 
crowd, and suffered to go home to prepare for my journey. I 
stayed at home till night, then put myself under the protection of 
Capt. Galbraith, who commanded the guard in Baltimore Town 
that night, and in the morning set off to Annapolis." 

Miss Goddard Avent to Capt. Galbraith, the commander of the 
guard in town, and requested that he would assist in rescuing her 
brother from the mob. He replied that he could do nothing 
" without the directions of the chairman of the Committee," and 
further said, that he " had dispatched one of his people for orders." 
Miss Goddard, who expressed much uneasiness on account of her 
brother, and apprehensive relief would come too late, said she 
"would go herself for orders." Mr. Robert Welsh, who was oppo- 
site Mr. Goddard's houi<e, says he came up to Capt. Smith who was 
passing by with Mr. Murdoch Kennedy, and asked the Captain if 
there was no way of preventing the mob from tarring and feath- 
ering Mr. Goddard. Capt. Smith says, " D e I know no way, 

do 30U ? " addressing himself to Mr. Welsh. "No," answered Mr. 
Welsh, " you ought to be the best judge of that." Upon which Capt. 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 161 

Smith siiicl, "I know of no way. D my blood ! if my commission 

was wortli ten thousand a year I would throw it up before I would 
tire upon any of those gentlemen." Mr. Murdoch Kennedy said 
" he heard Mr. Daniel Bowley and Mr. David McMechan say, let us 
get the cart ; and he afterwards saw a cart of Andrew Stiger's 
brought before the Club House door." 

Mr. Goddard makes no reference to this mob in the Journal, 
but at once made a complaint against the Club befoi-e the Legisla- 
ture of the State, who promptly passed resolutions : " That every 
subject in this State is entitled to the benefit and protection of the 
laws and government thereof. That this house highly disapprove 
of any body of men assembling or exercising any of the powers of 
government without proper authority from the Constitution. 
That the proceedings of the persons in Baltimore Town, associated 
and styled the ^yhig Club, are a most daring infringement and 
manifest violation of the Constitution of this State, directly con- 
trary to the Declaration of Rights, and tend in their consequences 
(unless timely checked) to the destruction of all regular govern- 
ment. That the Governor be requested to issue his Proclamation 
declaring all bodies of men associating together or meeting for the 
purpose of usurping any of the powers of government, and pre- 
suming to exercise any power over the persons or property of any 
subject of this State, or to carry into execution any of the laws 
thereof, unlawful assemblies, and requiring all such assemblies and 
meetings instantly to disperse. That the Governor be requested to 
afford the said William Goddard the protection of the law of the 
land, and to direct the Justices of Baltimore County to give him 
ever}' protection in their power against all violence or injur}^ to his 
person or property. That Mr. Speaker be requested to communi- 
cate the above resolutions to the Governor, and that the above reso- 
lutions be published in the Maryland Gazette.'' In conformity to 
the.-^e resolutions. Governor Thomas Johnson issued the following 
proclamation on the 17th of April, censuring the Club, and sus- 
taining Mr. Goddard — the first vindication of the liberty of the 
press in Maryland: 

" Annapolis, April 17th. 

" By Ilis Excellency Thomas Johnson, Esq., Governor of Maryland. 
"A Proclamation. 
" "Whereas, the Honorable House of Delegates have unanimously 
requested me to issue my Proclamation, declaring all bodies of men 
associating together, or meeting for the purpose, and usurping any 
of the powers of government, and presuming to exercise any 
power over the persons or property of any subject of this State, or 
to carry into execution any of the laws thereof, unlawful assem- 
blies, and requiring all such assemblies and meetings instantly to 
disperse. Wherefore, I have issued this, my Proclamation, hereliy 
declaring all bodies of men associating together, or meeting for the 
11 



162 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

purpose of usurping any of the powers of government, and pre- 
suming to exercise any powers over the persons or property of any 
subject of this State, or to carry into execution any of the laws 
thereof on their own authority, unlawful assemblies. And I do 
hereby warn and strictly charge and command all such assemblies 
and meetings instantly to disperse, as they will answer the con- 
trary at their peril. And that due notice may be had of this, my 
Proclamation, and that no person may pretend ignorance thereof, 
the several sheriifs within this State are hereby commanded to 
.cause the same to be made public in their respective counties. 

" Given at Annapolis, this seventeenth day of April, seventeen 
hundred and seventy-seven. Tho. Johnson. 

" By his Excellency's command, 

" E. RiDGELY, Sec, God save the State." 

On the 11th of February, the Assembly directed a proclama- 
tion to be issued against the disaffected in Worcester and Somerset 
Counties, who, only repressed for a time by the active measures 
of the Committee of Safety for the Eastern Shore, had again 
broken out in open insurrection and erected the standard of Great 
Britain. They exhorted them to return due obedience to the laws 
of their country and immediately disperse, and offered pardon to 
all who would repair to the commanding officer in the counties of 
Somerset and Worcester within forty days, and there deliver up 
all their fire and side arms, and take the oath of allegiance, ex- 
cepting, however, fourteen of the leaders. As the disturbed con- 
dition of these counties appeared to require active measures to over- 
awe the malcontents, on vSunday, Feb. 9th, a detachment of Vii-- 
ginia troops, who were in Baltimore on their way to join General 
Washington's army in New Jersey, and a part of the militia of 
tlie town, embarked and sailed from Fell's Point for the scene of 
the disturbance, in order to assist in quelling the insurgents. An- 
other body, with a company of artillery, was to join them from 
Annapolis, the whole under the command of Gen. Smallwood and 
Col. Gist, who were then in the State superintending the forma- 
tion of the new Line. The promptness of these measures secured 
submission.' The disaffected were disarmed — the most influential 
sent in custody to other and more loyal counties, and their estates 
placed in the hands of commissioners for safe-keeping. The Ibde- 
pendent Company of Baltimore bad the honor of lowering the 
abandoned King's colors. 

The establishment of the new government was attended by no 
internal difficulties of importance. Charles Carroll, Esq., barris- 
ter, of Mount Clare, one of the late Convention and Council of 
Safety, was selected a member of the first Senate of the State, and 
the town and county respectively returned the delegates who had 
represented them in the Convention. Mr. Carroll, barrister, was 
appointed Chief Justice of the General Court, but did not accept. 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 163 

Most of the gentlemen who were in the connnissioii of the county 
and town were reappointed county justices by the new govern- 
ment. Andrew Buchanan, Esq., being the presiding justice, was 
also Lieutenant of the county militia. Seven of the justices were 
constituted an Orphans' Court, and Thomas Jones, Esq., Kegister of 
Wills. Thomas Jennings was appointed Attorney-General, but de- 
clining, was succeeded by James Tilghman and B. Galloway, Esqs., 
successively, and in 1778 Luther Martin, Esq., being appointed, 
settled in Baltimore. Mr. W. Gibson is appointed Clerk of the 
County Court. Mr. Lawson, former County Clerk, retiring to the 
Eastern Shore, returned after the Revolution, and resided here 
until his death. Mr. Kobert Christie, appointed Shcritf in 1774, 
was superseded, and at the election in accordance to the constitu- 
tion, llenry Stevenson, Esq., was elected, Mr. Christie in the 
meantime was compelled to leave the town, but declaring the pub- 
lic was indebted to him, and appointed Mr. Moses Galloway to 
settle his affairs, and went to England. The auction business was 
carried on by Mr. James Long and Mr. Thomas Brereton. 

The conscientious scruples of the ministers of the late estab- 
lishment, relative to the form of prayer for the new instead of the 
old government, the Quakers, and Methodist preachei's and 
othei's, were subjected to pay the treble tax imposed on non-jurors, 
or leave the county, as most of the rectors and ministers of the 
establishment did. 

By an Act of the Legislature passed this year, Baltimore town 
and county were to furnish 281 militia, which was about one 
eleventh of the whole population. On the 21st of August, Lord 
Howe's fleet, composed of three hundred sail of mcn-of-wur and 
transports, &c., came to anchor just below Bodkin Point, where 
they continued until next day, when they weighed anchor and 
sailed for Elk River; they ultimately reached Philadelphia. The 
Governor of Maryland issued a proclamation requii-ing and conir 
manding the county Lieutenants, &c., to march at least two full 
com])aiiies of each battalion of the militia, to the neighborbood of 
the Susquehanna river in Cecil and Harford counties, where they 
were to receive ordei's. "To defend our liberties requires our ex- 
ertions; our wives, our childi-en, and our country', implore our as- 
sistance — motives amply sufficient to arm every one who can. be 
called a man." The call was obeyed. Capt. Strieker's independent 
company', trained as infantry, mounted their own horses, pro- 
ceeded to watch the enemy on the bay side, and arrived brl'ore 
them at tbe head of it ; joined the main army, including tlie Mary- 
land Line near NewjKjrt ; but were tben onlered back by the com 
mandi'r-in-cliief, to assist in protecting their homes. 

The following order was wi'itteii by Wm. Buchanan, Lii-ut. of 
the County, to Capt. James Cox : 

" JiALTiMORE, June 30th, 1777. 

'■'■ tiir : — In consequence of a very ]iressing requisition from the 



164 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

Congress, for a reinforcement to General Washington from the 
Militia of Marjdand, and orders from the Council of Safety to 
Brigadier-Gimeral Buchanan, I have it in orders from him, to hold 
my battalion in readiness to march with all possible expedition ' 
for that purpose. I therefore desire a meeting of the battalion, on 
the usual ground on Tuesday, the fourth of February, precisely at 
ten o'clock, when (all excuses apart) you will not fail to attend 
with every effective enroller in your company. The emergency is 
such that arguments are useless, to such as have the least sense of 
duty they owe the country, themselves and family ; and with such 
as neither reason nor duty will prevail, other measures must be 
taken ; but I flatter myself there are very few such in the batta- 
lion 1 have the honor to command. 

" I am. Sir, your humble servant, Wm. Buchanan." 

On the 11th of September was fought the battle of Brandy- 
wine, at which the Maryland Line was present and shared the dis- 
asters of the day. General Smallwood, with the Maryland militia, 
including Captains Sterritt, Cox and Bailey's companies from Bal- 
timore, joined General Wayne the 21st of September, immediately 
after Grey's sanguinary night attack on the Americans at the 
Paolia. 

Those companies, in which many citizens, who left numerous 
families dispersed about the county, or exposed to the depreda- 
tions of the maritime forces of the enemy in the bay, went in 
the ranks as volunteers, shared in the rout of Wayne, and in the 
more equal conflict at Germantown on the 4th October, at which 
place the patriotic Cox, with several of his townsmen, laid down 
their lives in their country's cause. At the same time Colonel 
Samuel Smith, commanding a small detachment of Continental 
troops at Fort Mifflin, with the aid of Commodore Hazlewood's 
flotilla, in which Lieutenant Barney then served, was successfully 
opposing the jjassage of Howe's fleet, which had returned from 
the Chesapeake into the Delaware, for which Congress voted the 
Colonel a sword ; however, the fort was not long tenable, and it 
was abandoned some days after he had been wounded and retired 
across the river. 

Extracts from very important and interesting letters never 
before published, relating to some of the important engagements 
in which the Maryland troops bore such an important part: 

Mrs. Mary Cox to her Husband. 

" Baltimore Town, Sept. 8th, 1777. 
" Jiy Dear : — * * * * j ^m greatly alarmed at the usage 
the inhabitants meet with that fall into the regulars' hands. I 
greatly want your advice in regard to moving my things before 
trouble comes, for then there will be such confusion that I may 
only escape with mj' life; for it is allowed by all, that the enemy 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 165 

will visit us before tbo}^ leave our bay. Don't laugb at my fears, 
for they are not groundless, as you well know I am a person of 
great fortitude ; but fortitude without reason is mere chimera, 
therefore do let me have your advice as soon as possible. A plot 
was laid for destroying our magazines at Carlisle and York, but 
the All-wise Providence has frustrated the design. There are 
several concerned already secured. Our light-horse has just set 
out in search of the spies. There are a number of the leading 
men in Philadelphia put in prison, and are now on their way to 
Virginia under a strong guard. * * * * My Dear, in all 3'our 
hurry mind the one thing needful — an interest in Jesus Christ, 
which is the desire and prayer of your affectionate wife. 

" Mary Cox." 

" Downing's Town on the Lancaster Road, 

''Sept. 20th, 1777. 

"Dear Wife: — I take this opportunity to acquaint you that I 
am yet well and hearty, and I thank God for all his mercies. We 
marched 20 odd miles yesterdaj', which, marching in brigade, made 
it a little severe on the men, and fagged them. We are now about 
marching, and expect to join General Wayne this day. Col. Gist 
has joined us, which makes us upwards of 2000 strong. The 
enemy are pushing for Philadelphia as hard as they can, but I 
hope they will not get there. Howe stole a march on Gen. Wash- 
ington the night before last, which I fear will prove to his disad- 
vantage. A few days will determine the fate of Philadel])hia. 
* * * * Last night we had two more deserters, Michael Dif- 
fendaffer and John Tinges. * * * * May Heaven guard and 
protect us all, and return us safe to our respective homes. * * * 

" James Cox." 

"Head-Quarters Parkiomin, Oct. 7th, 1777. 

" Dear Coxism : — The disagreeable task is devolved on me, to 
let you know (though doubtless the news will have reached you 
before this will come to hand), that your loving hus])and, and Amer- 
ica's best friend, on the fourth instant, near Germantowii, nobly de- 
fending his country's cause, having repulsed the enemy, driving 
them from their breastworks, received a ball through his body, by 
which he expired in about three-quarters of an hour afterwards. 
He was carried off the field to a house, his most valual)le things 
secured, and as our people lost the ground, we were obliged to 
leave him there; the pef)j)le of the house promised to have him in- 
terred. Mr. Lindenberger abf)ut the same time was wounded 
through the arm, but being oid}' a flesh wound, is not dangerous. 
The bearer, Mr. Lemon, will be able to give j-ou a more ])articular 
account of that day's action. May the great God support you and 
your dt'ar family under your present distress, and give yon enough 



166 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

of Christian fortitude and resignation, of which nature has not 
been sparing. 

" I am your loving and affectionate cousin, Geo. Welsh." 

Gen. Smallwood, writing to Gov. Johnson, said : " Capt. Cox, of 
Baltimore, a brave and valuable officer, with Lieut. Crost, of John- 
son's regiment, and several other brave officers and men, were 
killed within twenty paces of the enemy's lodgment before they 
were dispossessed of it." Ca])t. Cox was in his day, the most fashion- 
able tailor in Baltimore town. On the 19th of September he was 
promoted to Major, but before he received his commission he was 
unfortunately killed. His widow, for many years, carried on a 
fashionable millinery establishment, and died on the 20th of Feb- 
ruar}-, 1789, in reduced circumstances. The following very inte- 
resting letter, never before published, was written by Col. John H. 
Stone, afterwards Governor of Maryland, to William Paca, Esq., 
of Chestertown, also at a latter period Governor : 

" Camp in PHiLADELrniA, County Schuylkill, 

" September 23^/, 1777. 
" Dear Sir — I received yours b}" Mr. Foreman, and will give you 
an account of the engagement of the 11th instant. In the morning 
about six o'clock, the enemy appeared on the opposite side of the 
Brandywine. on which a brisk cannonade ensued, but with little 
execution on either side. The enemy did not appear numerous, and 
began to intrench themselves, by which we readily concluded their 
main body was taking another route. To be certain of this, light 
horse were dispatched to scour the country; but unfortunately for 
us, their discoveries did not give us the proper intelligence. Gen'l 
Washington ordered Gen'l Maxwell to cross the ford with his light 
corps and attack- the enemy, which he did with success. His Ex- 
cellency then gave orders for the greatest part of the army to 
cross the several fords, but before this order was put in execution 
it was countermanded. In this situation things remained till near 
three o'clock in the afternoon, when certain accounts were brought 
to his Excellency, that the enemy had crossed the Brandywine 
four or five miles above the right of our army ; their numbers were 
not known. Three divisions of our army were immediately ordered 
to march and meet them, but the enemy had got possession of the 
most advantageous grounds, and drawn within one and a half 
miles of our right before we marched. Gen'l Sullivan, Lord Stir- 
ling, and Gen'l Greene's division marched to oppose the enemy, and 
perhaps might have routed them if things had been properl}" man- 
aged. Our division marched to join Lord Stirling, who was on 
the ground where the enemy appeared, and where they seemed to 
intend their attack ; by the time we reached the ground, they had 
begun to cannonade the ground allotted for us, which was \QY-y 
bad, and the enem^- within musket shot of it, before we were 



CHEONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 167 

ordered to form the line of battle. I inarched in front of CJen'l 
Sullivan's division, when I received orders from him to wheel to 
the left and take possession of a rising ground about 100 yards in 
our front, to Avhich the eneni}' were marching rapidly. I wheeled 
off, but had n(t marched to the ground before we were attacked 
on all quarters, Avhich prevented our forming regularl}^, and by 
Avheeling to the left it doubled our division on the brigade imme- 
diately in the rear of the other. Thus we were in confusion, and 
no person to undue us to order, when the eneni}' pushed on and 
soon made us all run otf. Of all the Maryland regiments only two 
ever had an opportunity to form, Gist's and mine; and as soon as 
the}' began to tire, those who were in our rear could not be pre- 
vented from fii'ing also. In a few minutes we were attacked in 
front and flank, and by our people in the rear. Our men ran off 
in confusion, and were very hard to be rallied. Although my men 
did not behave so well as I expected, yet I can scarcely blame 
them, when I consider their situation ; nor are they censured by 
any part of the army. My horse threw in the time of action, but 
I did not receive any great injury from it. Lord Stirling's divi- 
sion, who were attacked at the same time we were, and routed at 
the same time. We retreated about a quarter of a mile and 
rallied all the men we could, when we were reinforced by Greene's 
and Xath's corps, who had not till that time got up. Greene had 
liis men posted on a good piece of ground, which they maintained 
for some time, and 1 dare say did great execution. At this time 
the enemy, who were left at the fords, crossed, Avhich was after 
five o'clock, when tiring began from almost every quarter, and I 
expected a general and bloody action. The enemy, however, 
moved with caution, which gave those who Avero obliged to give 
way, an opportunity to make their retreat with safety. Never 
Avas a more constant and heavy fire while it lasted ; and I Avas 
much amazed Avhen I kncAv the numbers that Avere killed and 
wounded. We did not lose 1000 men, officers and all, to speak say. 
1 lost 23 privates and tAA'o serg'ts killed, wounded and taken, and 
one captain (Ford) wounded; he will recover. Never Avas a more 
favorable opportunity for us: fortune seemed in the morning to 
count us to victory and honor ; but the scene Avas much changed 
in the evening. Had our intelligence been as good as it ought to 
have been, or had avc crossed the fords when Gen. Washington 
first ordered it, it is almost as certain as that tAvo and tAvo make four, 
that the whole British army would have been routed, and, perhaps, 
this Avar ended. Gen. Howe played a deep but dangerous card. 
He left about 2000 m<'n to guard the fords opposite to us, and 
marched their main army round for more than ten miles, so that 
the tAvo parties had not any connection or dependence on each 
other. If Avo had crossed, the 2000 men must inevitably have 
fallen into our hands, Avhich would have reduced the enemy's 
strength to meet, that before this time they Avould all either have 



168 CHEONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

been captives or driven from this land ; upon the whole, I do not 
think we have lost anything by that day. My manner of carry- 
ing on this war would be so different from the present system that 
I should frequently expect to be driven from the ground. We 
ought to attack them everywhere we meet them. By this method 
it would make our men soldiers, and be constantly reducing the 
enemy, and ensure us success in a few months. We are now 
within 4 miles of Pottsgrove, on the Schuylkill ; the enemy are 
about as many miles below on the other side. You may expect to 
hear of an engagement every da}^ Gen. Wayne and Gen. Small- 
wood's camps were surprised a few nights ago, by a party of the 
British light-horse. Our men were put in confusion, but no great 
damage done. From your humble serv't, 

"J. H.Stone." 

Mr. John Pearce built for Messrs. John Sterett and others, the 
topsail schooner Antelope, and armed with fourteen guns, was put 
under the command of Jeremiah Yellott, which made a great many 
narrow escapes and some captures, but always fortunate voyages. 
The Felicity, commanded by Capt. Frederick Folger, who had 
been first officer of the Antelope, was scarcely less successful. The 
ship Buckskin, Capt. Jones, and the Nonesuch, Capt. C. Wells, and 
some other vessels, safely went to and returned from France. A 
part of a committee of Congress, then at Little York, constituted 
a navy board, of which William Smith, Esq., was a member, as- 
sembled here. The Virginia frigate, of 28 guns, was built on the 
Point, west side of the public wharf, by Mr. Wells. 

Wm. Buchanan, Esq., was appointed by Congress, commissary 
general of purchases for the Continental army. James Calhoun, 
Esq., his deputy, made purchases of supplies here. 

In this year died, at an advanced age, at his seat in the county, 
Cornelius Howard, Esq., who laid out that part of the town called 
Howard's Hill, leaving three sons, the eldest of whom was Col. 
John E. Howard, and two daughters. 

1778. Count Pulaski was appointed a brigadier in the Conti- 
nental army, on the 15th of September, 1777, just after the battle 
on the Brandywine, in which he participated, and was honored with 
the command of the cavalry. He resigned this honor within a few 
months, and asked and obtained permission from Congress to raise 
and command an independent coi'ps, to consist of sixty-eight horse 
and two hundred foot. The mode of raising these was left to the 
direction of General Washington. This corps was chiefly raised, 
and fully organized in Baltimoi'e in March, 1778. Pulaski visited 
La Fayette, while that wounded oflicer was a recipient of the pious 
care and hospitality of Moravians at Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. 
His presence, and eventful history, made a deep impression upon 
the minds of that community. When it was known that the brave 
Pole was organizing a corps of cavalry in Baltimore, the 7iuns of 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 169 

Betlilehom prepared a banner of crimson silk, with designs beauti- 
fully wrought with the needle by their own hands, and sent it to 
Pulaski, with their blessing. The memory of this event is em- 
balmed in verse by Longfellow, known as the "Hymn of the Mo- 
ravian Nuns at the Consecration of Pulaski's Banner." Pulaski 
received the banner with grateful acknowledgments, and bore it 
gallantly through many a martial scene, until he fell in conflict at 
Savannah in the autumn of 1779. His banner was saved by his 
first lieutenant (who received fourteen wounds), and delivered to 
Captain Bentalou, who, on retiring from the army, took the banner 
home with him to Baltimore. It was used in the procession that 
welcomed La Fayette to this city in 1824, and was then deposited 
in Peale's Museum. On that occasion it was ceremoniously re- 
ceived by several J'oung ladies. Mr. Edmund Peale presented it 
to the Maryland Historical Society in 1844, where it is now care- 
fully preserved in a glass case. But little of its former beauty re- 
mains. It is composed of double silk, now faded to a dull brownish 
red. The designs on each side are embroidered with yellow silk, 
the letters shaded with green. A deep green bullion fringe orna- 
ments the edges, and the size of the banner is twenty inches square. 
It was attached to a lance when borne to the field. On one side of 
the banner are the letters U. S., and in a circle around them the 
words " Unita Virtus Fortior," — United valor is stronger. On the 
other side, in the centre is the All-seeing Eye, with the words 
"Non alius regit" — No other governs. 

On the twentj'-eighth of June, the British were unsuccessfully 
attacked, but finally retired from the fields of Monmouth, in Jersey, 
where the Maryland Line shared the danger and the glory of the 
day. "Washington on this occasion seeing Lieut.-Col. Kamsay's 
Maryland battalion, called to him that he "Avas one of the ofticers 
he should rely upon to check the enemy that day." In the militia 
of the town, Messrs. John McClellan, Benjamin Griffith, George 
Lindenberger, James Calhoun, David Bowley, Mark Alexander, 
Stephen Stewart, James Young, Isaac Griest, Briton, Dickinson, 
Henry Schaefter, and George Wells, held commissions, most of 
whom had been at camp with Captains Moore, Sterrett, Cox, or 
Bailey. 

On the organization of the Court of Appeals, Thomas Jones, 
Esq., was appointed one of the Judges, and William Buchanan, 
Esq., youngest son of Doctor (feorge Buchanan, doceasod, succeeds 
to the office of Register of Wills the next year, in i)lace of Mr. 
Jones. 

British goods having become scarce, several manufactures, 
which had been prohibited in the colonies, were now established in 
or near this town. Among others, a bleach-yard by Mr. Riddle ; 
a linen factory by Mr. McFadon ; a paper mill b}' Mr. Goddard ; a 
slitting mill by Mr. Wiiitcroft ; a eard factory by }>\\-. McGabi'; a 
woollen and linen factory by Mr. Charles Carroll; a nail factory 



170 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE, 

each by Mi*. Geo. Matthews and Mi-. Eichardson Stewart. Mr. 
Charles Williams carried on the dyeing business, and Mr. William 
Stenson, who had sometime kept a coffee-house near the corner of 
ITolliday and East, now Fayette streets, opened another on a mo- 
dern and extensive scale, at the southwest corner of South and 
Baltimore streets. 

The intelligence of the alliance which had taken place betM^een 
France and the United States, in virtue of the treaty entered into 
between the two powers, was received in Baltimore on the 5th of 
May, and in demonstration of the joy it created, the town was 
splendidly illuminated on the night of that day. This alliance 
gave a different aspect to our affairs. Wherever there was des- 
pondency, it j'ielded to confidence ; and the contest was ever after- 
wards maintained, nnder the deep conviction that the indepen- 
dence of America was established on a basis that could only be 
shaken, by one of those convulsions which, in the order of Provi- 
dence, overturn the mightiest empires. 

During the very heat of the war, twenty gentlemen came to 
Baltimore as residents, among whom we find the names of Messrs. 
Ptichard Curson, William Patterson, Robert Gilmor, Charles Tor- 
rence, Andrew Boyd, Aaron Levering, Henry Payson, Joseph Wil- 
liams, Peter Frick, George Eeinecker, Michael Diffenderffer, Chris- 
topher Paborg, John Leypold, Abraham Sitler, George Ileide, John 
Shultze, Baltzer Schaeffer and others, who, by their wealth, credit 
and enterprise, contributed to revive the business of the place. 

On the 31st of March, the Virginia frigate, the first built in 
this city, made an attempt to get to sea in the night, in which she 
would certainly have succeeded, in spite of the vigilance of the 
enemy's squadron, but that the pilot ran her on the middle ground, 
between the Capes; and on the first of April she was taken pos- 
session of by His Majesty's frigate the Emerald, Captain Caldwell, 
Captain Nicholson, the commander, escaped in the ship's barge ; 
but Lieut. Barney, with his brother William, who was an officer of 
the marines, and the rest of the crew fell into the hands of the 
enemy. 

1779. The following letter, never before published, was written 
by General Washington to the Governor of Maryland. It certainly 
shows that his capacious and ever-active mind, embraced all the 
extensive limits of his countrj" — not excepting the then insignifi- 
cant town of Baltimore, which, perhaps owing to his discernment, 
was prevented from falling into the bands of the enemy : 

" Head Quarters, Middlebrook, \st March, 1779. 
" Dear Sir: — Sir Heiir}^ Clinton, in order to supply the British 
prisoners at Fort Frederick and Winchester with necessaries and 
money, has twnce requested a passport for a vessel to go with the 
same to the port of Baltimore. As it is necessar}^ that the prisoners 
should be supplied, I have granted permission to a schooner 



CnRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 171 

to proeood to lIanii)ton roiid — where the cargo is to be received 
into some of the ha}' ci'uft, and sent to Alexandria or George- 
town, under the conchiet and escort of our own people, and from 
thence to its place of destination. I refused the passport to Balti- 
more especially, as it was twice pressed upon me — as that port did 
not ajipear to he the nearest to Fort Frederick and Winchester, 
and as it might be made use of for the purpose of exploring a 
navigation with which the}' may be in some measure unacquainted. 
I have been thus particular lest, under a color of hard weather, the 
vessel should run toward Baltimore. 

"I have the honor to be your Excellency's most obedient servant, 

"Geo. Washington." 

A committee of merchants was formed at the beginning of the 
year, whose duty it seems to have been to provide a suitable defence 
for the private navigation of the Chesapeake l)ay. Galleys were 
providetl, and the direction of them had been contided to Commodore 
Xicholson, who, a short time before, had lost the Virginia frigate 
at the mouth of the capes, in attempting to elude the vigilance of a 
British squadron stationed there, and Avho in consequence had no 
immediate command. The command of the galley Conqueror was 
bestowed upon him l)y the committee, with the approbation of the 
Governor. The gentlemen who were united with the Commodore 
as ofliccrs on board this galley, deemed it proper to petition the 
committee on the subject of the relation which they would hold to 
the committee in case of their capture. They thought it but reason- 
able, in case such an event should occur, that their wages should 
go on. They present a gloomy prospect of their situation in such a 
case. The hcjrrors of a prison-ship were more intimidating to 
them than the cannonading of an enemy; and it was against these 
that they wanted some provision made. "But," in the language of a 
patriotism which peculiarly characterizes the seamen of America, 
"should we receive no redress, it shall not in the least detain our 
services from the cau.se in which we are now engaged." Their pe- 
tition was granted, and the Conqueror began her cruise. For three 
months she was stationed at and near Cape Henry, and in other 
j>arts of the bay. ^ The })rotectioii shc^ and the others of the squad- 
ron gave to the navigation of Baltimore, is almost incredible. 
Commodore Nicholson was one of those men who never flagged in 
any duty lie undertook, and the skill with which all his nuu'itimc 
operations were conducted, was an earnest of that which, in later 
days, has so pre-eminently characterized the American seaman. 

On the 4th of Febi-uary, .Mr. Sterritt's extensive brewery, with 
the warehouse on the southwest coi-ner of Frederick and Second 
streets, then occupied by Mr. IF ugh Young, were set on tire, de- 
signedly as was supposed, and l)f)th entirely consumed. 

Early in the year the Maryland Lino was formed into two 
brigades, the secon<l of which was put under tli(> command (jf Col. 



172 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

Gist, promoted Brigadier-General. Benjamin Nicholson, Esq., Col- 
onel of the town militia, resigned the command to Colonel Smith 
— this being the only corps kept up after peace. 

There were published in Goddard's Maryland Journal of July 
6th, 1779, a number of queries, styled "political and military," evi- 
dently tending to bring in question the militar}'^ qualifications of 
General Washington for the august station he then occupied, and 
to create a prejudice against the French nation, which a short 
time before had entered into an alliance with the United States. 
As the following " queries " have often been quoted in history, but 
never published in full, we give them as they appeared in the 
Maryland Journal : 

" Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, — 1779. 
" Some queries, political and military, humbly offered to the con- 
sideration of the public. 

" I. Whether George the First did not, on his accession to the 
throne of Great Britain, by making himself king of a party, in- 
stead of the whole nation, sow the seeds not only of the subver- 
sion of the liberties of the people, but of the ruin of the whole 
empire ? 

"II. Whether, by proscribing that class of men to which his 
ministry were pleased to give the appellation of Tories, he did not, 
in the end, make them not only real Tories, but even Jacobites ? 

" III. Whether the consequence of this distinction, now be- 
come real, was not two rebellious; and whether the fruit of those 
rebellions, although defeated, were not septennial Parliaments, a 
large standing army, an enormous additional weight and pecuniary 
influence thrown into the scale of the crown, which in a few years 
have borne down not only the substance, but almost the form of 
liberty, all sense of patriotism, the morals of the people, and, in the 
end, overturned the mighty fabric of the British Empire ? 

" IV. Whether the present men in power in this State do not 
tread exactly in the steps of this pernicious -ministr}-, by proscrib- 
ing and disfranchising so large a proportion of citizens as those 
men whom the}^ find in their interest to brand with the determin- 
ation of Tories? 

" V. Whether liberty, to be durable, should not be constructed 
on as broad a basis as possible? And whether the same causes, in 
all ages, and in all countries, do not produce the same effects ? 

" VI. Whether it is not natural, and even justifiable, for that 
class of people (let the pretext be ever so plausible) who have been 
stripped of their rights as men, by the hard hand of power, to 
wish for and endeavor to bring about by any means whatever, a 
revolution in that State, which they cannot but consider as an 
usurpation and tj'ranny ? 

" VII. Whether a subject of Morocco is not (when we consider 
human nature) a happier mortal than a disfranchised citizen of 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 173 

Penns3-lvania. as the fonuei' has the comfort of seeing all about 
him in the same predicament with himself; the latter, the misery 
of being a slave in the precious bosom of liberty — the former 
drinks the cup, but the latter alone can taste the bitterness of it? 

" YIII. Whether an enlightened member of a French Parlia- 
ment is not a thousand times more wretched than a Russian 
serf or peasant? As to the former, the chains, from his sensibility, 
must bo extremely galling ; and on the latter, they fit as easy as 
the skin of his back. 

" IX. Whether it is salutarj- or dangerous, consistent with or 
abhorrent from, the principles and spirit of Liberty and Republi- 
canism, to inculcate and encourage in the people an idea, that their 
welfare, safety and glory depend on one man? Whether they 
really do depend on one man ? 

'• X. Whether, amongst the late warm, or rather loyal ad- 
dresses, in this city, to his Excellency (xeneral Washington, there 
was a single mortal, one gentleman excepted, who could possibly 
be acquainted with his merits? 

"XL Whether this gentleman excepted, does really think his 
Excellency a great man, or whether evidences could not be pro- 
duced of his sentiments being quite the reverse? 

" XII. AVhether the armies under Gates and Arnold, and the 
detachment under Stark, to the northward, or that immediately 
under his Excellency, in Pennsylvania, gave the decisive turn to 
the fortune of war? 

" XIII. Whether, therefore, when Mons. Gerard, and Don Juan 
do MiraUes, sent over to their respective courts the pictures of his 
Excellency General Washington at full length, by Mr. Peale, there 
would have been any impropriety in sending over, at the same 
time, at least a couple of little heads of Gates and Arnold, by M. 
de Simitierre? 

"XIV. On what jirinciple was it that Congress, in the year 
1776, sent for General Lee quite from Georgia, with injunctions to 
join the army under General Washington, then in York Island, 
without loss of time X 

"XV. Whether Congress had reason to be satisfied or dissatis- 
fied with this their recall of General Lee, from what subsequently 
happened on York Island, and at the White Plains? 

"XVI. Whether Fort Washington was or was not tenable? 
Whether there were barracks, casemates, fuel, or water within 
the body of the place? Whether, in the outworks, the defences 
were in any decent order? And whether there were even plat- 
forms for the guns ? 

" XVII. Whether, if it had lieen tenable, it could have answered 
any one single pui'pose? Did it cover, did it protect a valuable 
country? Did it prevent the enemy's ships from ])a8sing or repass- 
ing with impunity ? 

"XVIII. Whether, when Cieneral IIowo manifestly gave over 



174 CHEONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

all thoughts of attacking General Washington in the last strong 
position in the rear of White Plains, and fell back towards York 
Island, orders should not have been immediate!}' dispatched for the 
evacuation of Fort Washington, and for the removal of ail the 
stores of value from Fort Lee to some secure spot more removed 
from the river ? Whether this was not proposed, and the proposal 
slighted ? 

"XIX. Whether the loss of the garrison of Fort Washington, 
and its consequent loss of Fort Lee, with" the tents, stores, &c., 
had not such an etfect on the spirits of the people as to make the 
difference of twenty thousand men to America? 

"XX. Whether, in the defeat of Bi-andywine, General Sulli- 
van was reall}^ the person who ought to have been censured? 

" XXI. AVhether, if Duke Ferdinand had commanded at Ger- 
mantown, after having gained by the valor of his troops and 
the negligence of his enemy a partial victory, he would have con- 
trived by a single stroke of the bathos, to have corriiijted this par- 
tial victory into a defeat ? * 

"XXII. Whether our position at Valley Forge was not such, 
that if General Howe, or afterwards General Clinton, had been 
well-informed of its circumstances, defects and vices, they might 
not, at the head of ten, or even of eight thousand men, have reduced 
the American army to the same fatal necessity as the Americans 
did General Burgovne? 

" XXIII. Whether the trials of General St. Clair, of which 
court-martial General Lincoln was president, and that on General 
Lee, were conducted in the same forms and on the same principles ? 
Whether, in the former, all hearsay evidences were not absolutely 
rejected, and, in the latter, hearsay evidence did not constitute a 
very considerable ])art? 

" XXIV. Whether if the Generals Schuyler and St. Clair had been 
tried by the same court-martial as General Lee was, and instead 
of Congress, General Washington had been the prosecutor, those 
gentlemen (unexceptionable as their conduct was; would not have 
stood a very ugly chance of being condemned? And whether if 
instead of General Washington, Congress had been the prosecutor, 
General Lee would not probably have been acquitted with the 
highest honor? 

"XXV. Whether it must not appear to every man who has 
read General Washington's letter to Congress on the affair at 
Monmouth, and the proceedings of the court-martial by which 
General Lee was tried, that if the contents of the former are a test, 
not only General Lee's defence must be a tissue of the most abom- 

*'In one of Die numerous publications wlileh have lately infested Pliilaiiel- 
pliia, it was l)rou^ht as a crime nguiiist Mr. De ine t iial lie liad directly or indited ly 
made some overlures to Ptince Kerdinaiid of Brunswick lo .'iccepl tlic command (if 
tlie American army, who must of course liave superseded General Wustiiiiuiun 
Tliis crime appeared to all the foreign otHceis wlio are acquainted wiili iiu; 
Prince's reputation of a soldier, In so very ridiculous a liirht lliat theycMU never 
thinlc or speak of it wilhou. being thrown Into violent flis of laugluer." 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 175 

inablc audacious lies, but that the whole string of evidences, both 
on the part of the prosecution and prosecuted, must be guilty of 
rank peijuiy, as the testimonies of tliese gentlemen, near loi-ty in 
number, delivered on oath, scarcely in one article coincide with the 
detail given in his Excellency's letter?" 

On the publication of the " Queries" great excitement was pro- 
duced against the author, and a demand was made for him upon 
Mr. Goddard by many citizens. Mr. Goildard at first refused 
to give his name, but when he found that the citizens were deter- 
mined to know who was the calumniator of the venerated chief, Mr. 
Goddard gave the name of General Charles Lee as the author, 
and disavowed for himself any intention to reflect on Gen. Wash- 
ington. He signed a paper, and in the next issue of his Journal 
published the following: 

''A publication entitled, 'Some (Queries, political and military, 
humbly ottered to the consideration of the public,' having a])])eared 
in the Jlari/landJournal, of theGth inst., derogatoi-y of the Fi-ench 
nation ; tending to distract the minds of the people ; and in par- 
ticular aimed at the reputation of the Commander-in-Chief of the 
American Army — the inhabitants of this town, resenting this 
publication, and considering it as calculated for invidious and 
malevolent purposes, called on the printer for the author of the 
piece which ha 1 given ofl:ence ; and have directed to be published, 
in the same paper, his acknowledgment on the occasion, with 
the annexed letters from General Lee, the author of the aforesaid 
Queries : 

"I, William Goddard, do hereby acknowledge, that by publish- 
ing certain 'Queries, political and military,' in the Maryland 
Journal of the Gth inst., I have transgressed against truth, jus- 
tice, and my duty as a good citizen, and in reparation, 1 do most 
humbly beg his Excellency General Washington's pardon, and 
hope the good peojjle of this town will excuse my liaving pub- 
lished therein, a piece so replete with the nonsense and malevolence 
of a disappointed man. W. Goddard. 

" Baltimore Tow.v, Jubj 9, 1779." 

" Needwood, Jane 7th. 

^' Dear Sir: — As I am acquainted with youi'just way of think- 
ing, liberality and impartialit}', and as 1 think the time has ar- 
rived when the people will bear the truth, 1 enclose to you some 
Queries, which I believe you have seen i)efore. If you are of opin- 
ion that they will be of use, I could wish you would inst-rt them 
in your paper, with tlie following introduction: 

" B.\LTi.MoRE, (the date you may put yousclf.) 
''Mr. Goddard: — The following '^uci-ies. political and military. 
were sometime ago handed about Philadi'lpliia. Tlic iniport of 
some of 'em is so curious, that they may, perhaps, atlord amuse- 



170 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

ment, if not information to your readers. I am, Sir, your most 
obedient servant. 

" Now I think of it, I beg you will consider me as a subscriber 
to your paper, and direct one weekly, inclosed to Mr. Woolford, at 
Shepherds-Town, Berkley County, Virginia. Is Col. Oswald with 
you ? If he is, I beg my love to him ; and be assured that I am 
dear Sir, yours most truly, Charles Lee." 

" To Mr. Goddard : 

" Shephards-Town, June Vlth. 

" Dear Sir : — I understand that my friend Col. Oswald is en- 
tered into partnership with you. Without this consideration, I 
should have done your press all the service in my power, as I 
have a very particular regard for yourself personally ; but I have 
now a double motive. I have many papers which will be of ser- 
vice to you, and you may be assured that to you alone they shall 
be consigned. I hope that you will not think it improper to insert 
the Queries I enclose. You have, and ought to have the first repu- 
tation for impartiality, as a printer on the Continent. 

" Adieu, dear Sir, Charles Lee." 

On the 8th of June Colonel Eleazer Oswald, late of the Conti- 
nental army, entered into partnership with Mr. Wm. Goddard in 
the publication of the Maryland Journal, and for a long time the 
paper continued to publish " cards," among them we reproduce the 
following : 

" To the Printers. 

" Sir : — A knot of base slanderers, who infest the town of Bal- 
timore, now, unhappily, become a theatre of anarchy and licen- 
tiousness, being deeply engaged in the inhuman business of mur- 
dering my character — a knot who are composed, principally, of 
vermin who have crept out of t\iQ putrid carcase of that many-headed 
monster Legion, who was executed, pursuant to a memorable sen- 
tence passed in this Capital upwards of two years ago, I hope you 
will do me the justice to publish, in your next paper, the following 
memorial, which now lies before his Excellency the Governor of 
this State and his Honorable Council, containing a concise and just 
view of the late disgraceful outrages which have been committed in 
Baltimore Town. I am irresistibly impelled to make this request, 
by an ardent desire implanted in my breast by the Great Author of 
Nature, to secure the esteem of the virtuous members of society; 
which, I flatter myself, no part of my conduct hitherto hath justly 
forfeited. The result of my application to the supreme authority 
of the State, will, as early as it is possible, be laid before the pub- 
lic ; and I doubt not but it will add to the dignity of Govern- 
ment, as well as prove 'a terror to evil-doers.' 

"I am. Sir, your most obedient humble servant, 

*' Ani^apolis, Jxdy l-ith, 1779. W. Goddard." 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 177 

"To Ilis Excellency Thonuis Johnson, Esq., Governor oi" the 
State of Maryhuul, and to his Honorable Council, the lueniorial of 
William Goddard, late of Baltimore, printer, humbly sheweth : 

" That your memorialist being deeply imj)re8sed with the im- 
portance of suj)porting the liberty of the press, which the 3Sth 
section of the Bill of liights of this State asserts, 'ought to be 
inviolabl}' preserved,' and from a candid examination of the trial 
of Major-General Lee, being fully convinced of the injustice done 
him, not only by the sentences of the court-martial, but in its con- 
firmation by Congress, judged it his indisjjensable duty, as an 
honest man, to admit without partiality, into the Maryland Journal, 
etc., of the 6th instant, at the request of that gentleman, a number 
of 'Queries Tolitical and Military,' which your memorialist con- 
sidered merely as introductory to a full vindication of the unfor- 
tunate General's character. Actuated by the purest principles of 
Justice on the one hand, and love to his country on the other, and 
lar from wishing, if it were possible, to injure the reputation of 
that distinguished character, now gloriously struggling in the 
cause of freedom and virtue, at the head of the army of the United 
States, or to give just cause of offence to any worthy man whatso- 
ever, your memorialist felt no other emotion on the occasion than 
what must necessarily arise in every generous mind on a consid- 
eration of the unhappy difference subsisting between the two per- 
sonages he has mentioned, and whom, with proper allowances for 
the frailties incident to humanit}', he esteems as brave and wise 
man. 

" Xot imagining, for a moment, that in a country of civilized 
enlightened people, contending for the rights of mankind, there 
could be found a set of men so irrational, so inconsistent and de- 
praved as to attempt to abridge or subvert the liberty of the press, 
which is justly valued as the i)alladium of all our rights, by pre- 
venting the decent investigation of the conduct of ])uljlic men, the 
free discussion of public measures, or the vindication of an injured 
character. Your memorialist hath, however, unliappily found him- 
self egrcgiously mistaken ; for, on the appearance of the Queries 
aforesaid, an angry Cabal, who, fearing they knew not what, im- 
mediately formed themselves in Baltimore town, for the cruel j)ur- 
pose of wreaking their vengeance on the head of your memorialist, 
the innocent, but devoted printer, who was ridiculously accused, 
before a deluded rabble, of printing nonsense for the destruction of 
General Washington and his country. Folly, passion, and j^reju- 
dice usurping the empire of reason and justice, a band of rulHans, 
composed of Continental recruits, mulattoes, or negroes, Hfers and 
drummers, to the number of about thirty, lK'a<K'(l by Thomas 
Cromwell, J(»lin Bayley, and tStt;plien Hhermadine, Contiiu^ntal of- 
ficers, were detached Irom the head(piarters of 3'our memorialist's 
jjro.secutors, to invade the sanctuary ij\! liis dwelling and seize on 
his person. Under the shade ol' night, on the Hlli in>taMt, at a laic 
12 



178 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

hour, when Nature herself seemed hushed in silence and repose, 
this motle}' crew burst into the house of your memorialist, and en- 
tering his bedchamber, demanded his surrender and appearance be- 
fore their main body, then assembled at the coffee-house for the 
trial and punishment of your memorialist. Your memorialist had 
only time to snatch a sword from its scabbard, and take a proper 
position for defence, when he was pressed upon by this lawless 
baiid, who added insult to injury. Your memorialist, knowing 
himself to be amenable to no illegal tribunal, refused to obey the 
menacing summons he had received, and calling on his friend Col- 
onel Oswald to l)ear witness, he entreated Captain Cromwell, the 
leader of the party, not to put him to the fatal necessity of laying 
him dead at his feet, which should be his or any man's fate who 
should attempt to seize on j-our memorialist. The solemnity of 
this declaration, added to the view of the weapon, seemed to stag- 
ger the res-^lution of the besiegers. At this critical moment, ex- 
pecting to be overpowered by increasing numbers, your memo- 
rialist declared his readiness to meet respectable citizens who had 
anything to say to him by daylight, and that he would cheerfully 
appear at the coffee-house the next morning, and give every satis- 
laction that could be expected by rational men, or becoming a man 
of honor to give ; at the same time utterly refusing to sign a 
stupid paper, reprobating his own conduct, which was read to him 
by the said Captain Cromwell. The proposition of j^our memo- 
rialist being, through fear, accepted, a Convention was agreed on, 
in the preserice of Colonel Oswald, that your memorialist should 
appear at the coffee-house at 9 o'clock the next morning, and that 
the detachment, without further hostility, should immediately re- 
tire, which they did accordingly. 

" The next morning (being the 9th inst.) your memorialist, 
from an anxious desire to preserve the public tranquillity, and to 
prevent the effusion of human blood, waited on William Spear, 
George Lindenberger, Abraham Yanbibber, and James Calhoun, 
Esquires, magistrates in the Town of Baltimore, and after repre- 
senting to them the outrages of the preceding night, the prospect 
of their repetition, and the painful necessity your memorialist was 
under of appearing in arms for the defence of his person, he en- 
treated their interposition for the support of law and govern- 
ment, in his person most inhumanly violated. Messieurs Spear and 
Lindenberger both solemnly engaged to exert their authority as 
magistrates ; the latter making this condition, that your memoria- 
list should appear unarmed. Yanbibber declined interfering, al- 
leging his youth and inexperience in office. Calhouii, instead of 
doing bis duty as he promised, shut the door of justice against 
your memorialist. Confiding in the promises of the two first 
mentioned magisti'ates, your memorialist laid aside his arms, and 
observing a ni>mber of people collected at Calhoun's door, opposite 
the intended scene of action (Calhoun and Spear being present). 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 179 

he ventured to approach them. Your memorialist had scarcely- 
got on the threshold of Mr. Justice Calhoun, when he found him- 
Belf surrounded by a frantic mob, whose resentment had been 
artfully excited against him bj'^ a variety of suijgostions as false as 
they were cruel. Calhoun at this delicate crisis, so far from exer- 
cising the power vested in him, ordered your memorialist from his 
door, and thus gave him up a sacrifice to the surrounding mob. 
Spear, observing his son-in-law Colonel Samuel Smith placing him- 
self at the head of the mob, left your memoi*ialist a i)rey to their 
fury. 

" The inexperienced infant, Justice Vanbibber, though he re- 
fused to act in the honorable character of magistrate for the 
most noble purpose, degi-aded himself so far as to appear 
before the mob as an evidence against 3'our memorialist, to relate 
a private conversation he had accidentally heard between Colonel 
Jenifer and him, a conversation which was perfectly innocent, 
though aggravated and distorted into criminality. Your memori- 
alist was tlien lelt to the mercy of the judges and executioners he 
has already described, who stood ready to cart him through the 
streets with a halter about his neck, and with many other circum- 
stances of inhuman insult and indignity. Unrestrained by law or 
the feelings of humanity, they proceeded to interrogate j^our 
memorialist, to extort under the above-mentioned penalties the 
secrets of his business, and even to pillage his house of his private 
correspondence, which, however, afforded no materials for their 
purpose. To elude the proposed indignities and outiages against 
his person, his friends advised him to submit to their arbitrary de- 
mands, and even to sign a paper, containing the most ridiculous 
and absurd concessions, altogether foreign to the language of his 
pen and his lieart, and for which he is persuaded his Excellency 
General Washington will execrate these self-constituted advocates 
and champions, i'our memorialist flattering himself that in such 
a situation no man of honor would censure for his condescension, 
he reluctantly submitted to the detestable tyranny he was under. 
By these means ycjur memorialist happily extricated himself from 
their power, whde he observed with anguish of soul two of his 
less fortunate neighbors, whose sensibility of heart got the better 
of their prudence, dragged (amidst the din of insulting music) in 
carts through the streets, with halters about their necks, and occa- 
sionally cudgelled lor the diversion of the inhuman part of the 
spectators. One of these hajdess men, an oHicer in the militia, 
having etfected his escape, fled to his own house for refuge. Jlis 
faiihlul wife in attempting to secure him was beaten and abused, 
with circumstances of barbarity that must have melted the flinty 
heart of a savage. 

" When your memorialist considers the 17th section of our Bill 
of Kights, he humbly thinks he has just excuse of comj)Iaint 
against the magistrates he hath named lor their criminal delin- 



180 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

quency ; he doth therefore impeach them before your Excellency 
and your Honorable Council for the offences he hath enumerated, 
and which he stands ready to prove by witnesses of unexceptional 
characters, whenever the parties can be brought face to face. 

" Your memorialist, for the benefit of himself and the commu- 
nity he lives in (the majority of whom approve his conduct and 
reprobate that of his persecutors, though awed into silence by 
their rage and licentiousness), begs leave further to represent to 
your Excellency and your Honorable Council, that all law and 
government are now at an end in Baltimore Town, and that the 
persons and property of your memorialist and other peaceable 
and faithful subjects of this State, friends to American freedom, 
are continually exposed to the wanton fury of men who, hurried 
by passion and blinded by prejudice, see not their own or their 
country's good, and are deaf to all laws, divine and human. Your 
memorialist therefore, thinking his case peculiarly distressing, en- 
treats your Excellency to extend to him the benefit and protection 
of the law of the land for the security of his person and property. 
This being the unhapp}" situation of that part of the government 
committed to your Excellency's rule, your memorialist doubts not 
from the idea he entertained of your justice and magnanimity, as 
well as that of the Honorable Council, that your Excellency's ad- 
ministration will be rendered memorable and glorious by your 
present exertions to secure to your injured countrymen, the invalu- 
able blessings of law and liberty. William Goddard. 

"Annapolis, July 13th, 1779." 

" I do hereby certify, on my word and honor, that the Memo- 
rial this day presented to his Excellency the Governor and Council 
of this State, by Mr. William Goddard, contains a faithful and 
just narrative of the late outrages and injustice which, to the dis- 
grace of humanity, lately took place in Baltimore Town, having 
been an eye-witness to the shameful scene. 

"Eleazer Oswald. 

''Dated at Annapolis, this 14th day of July, 1779." 

Gen. Lee, if not hostile before, became after the battle of Mon- 
mouth, the undisguised enemy of General Washington, and seemed 
to have embraced every occasion to manifest this hostility towards 
him. These queries were about the first of his vindictive ebulli- 
tions, and the attempt to make them subserve his purpose in Balti- 
more, was met in the manner which Mr. Goddard related in his 
memorial to the Governor. Growing out of this difficulty, the fol- 
lowing sharp correspondence took place between Col. Oswald, Mr. 
Goddard's partner, and Gen. Samuel Smith, Avhich Mr. Oswald 
afterwards published : 

" Baltimore, Sunday morning, 8 o'clock, Wth July, 1779. 
'■^Sir — Not doubting but my friend and partner, Mr. Goddard, 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 181 

-will obtain from the energy of the laws of this State and the jus- 
tice and firmness of its supreme ma<i;istrates, the redress which, 
for the benefit of that community of which he is a member, he is 
perseveringly seeking, not onl}' for the violence and outrage com- 
mitted on his person and property by a 'band of ruffians' under 
your direction, but for your villainous attempt, at the head of the 
band I have mentioned, to subvert the freedom of the press, by 
compelling him to deliver up his private correspondence with 
General Lee, and extorting from h'un the name of the author of 
certain ' Queries, Political and Military,' with concessions for their 
publication — concessions which, I am persuaded, not a man of 
your confederacy would have presumed singly, or on equal terms, 
to have proposed to him — I now seriously call on you, sir, per- 
sonally, for that satisfaction which one gentleman has a right to 
demand of another for gross insults and injuries. Being a stranger 
in the town, you, in a base and ungenerous manner, under cover of 
a deluded mob devoted to your service, made an unprovoked attack 
on my reputation, which, I flatter m^'self, stands in as fair a point 
of view as Colonel Samuel Smith's, notwithstanding he is styled 
the ' Mud-Island Hero,' and wears a double portion of laurels, com- 
posed of the brave Major Thayre's and his own. Add to this the 
efforts 3'ou have made and are still meanl}^ pursuing to destroy my 
future prospects in business in this town, which, thank God, did 
not depend on you or your infamous associates. Nothing, sir, but 
the outrages of the mob you had the glory of leading, whom you 
consider as your weapons and your foii, prevented me from doing 
myself immediate justice. But, as it is my unalterable determina- 
tion that no man shall insult me with impunity, I therefore think 
it becomes my honor, on this occasion, to call upon you to meet 
me as early as possible, armed with pistols, and attended by your 
friend 07ily, at any place you may appoint, to enter into such an 
ecclaircissement as will then be suitable to the aftair in question, 
and which I consider indispensable. For my part, I am this mo- 
ment ready to attend you to the field, or to meet you in a private 

room, as may be most agreeable to yourself. My friend 

will wait on j^ou at the twelfth hour from the delivery -of this, for 
your explicit answer. 

" I am, sir, your humble servant, 
"To Col. Samuel Smith. Eleazer Oswald." 

" The foregoing letter having been delivered. Col. Smith rode 
out with my friend, to the place whei-e I was waiting his answer. 
Here lie endeavored to ])alliate his offences by various mean arts 
and low subterfuges, but appeared averse to decide our dispute by 
arras. After some conversation, he acquainted me that he would 
Bend an immediate answei- to the post-office. We then parted. 
Soon after we met again in the street, and, taking a walk on 
Church Hill, he lian<led me the following letter, which is indeed 
too ridiculous to need a comment: 



182 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMOEE. 

''Si?' — I received your note by Mr. Mienamara, in which you 
say I insulted you and must give you satisfaction. That I cannot 
do in your present situation, perhaps (altho', if possible, I am de- 
termined never to fight a duel), yet had you addressed me uncon- 
nected with Mr. Goddard, I might have thought myself obliged to 
accept your invitation, however it might have been against my 
inclination. At present I cannot think it consistent to wait on 
you. I should be sorry to think I had insulted you intentionally. 
" Yours, Sam. Smith. 

" Col. Oswald." 

" On perusal of the above letter, I acquainted Col. Smith that 
its contents were totally unsatisfactory, and that nothing short of 
the most ample concessions for the injustice he had done me, should 
swerve me from my purpose of exposing him to the world, since 
he had declined fighting me. He then asked me whether I in- 
tended to publish the transaction, which, on assuring him I would, 
he requested I would suspend it for a few days, to give him an op- 
portunity to consider farther of my demand. To this I consented, 
so tar as not to publish the affair in Tuesday's paper. As my re- 
putation may suffer by a longer silence, I think it now becomes me 
to lay this short statement of what hath happened before the pub- 
lic, leaving Colonel Smith to exercise his address and ingenuity, 
in strengthening his nerves and in redeeming his character, though 
it appears at present to be a worthless one. A celebrated writer 
having justly observed that he is but a dauber who writes rogue 
and rascal under his picture. I shall therefore, after exhibiting 
this portraiture of Col. Smith, submit it to the public to fix those 
epithets upon him which they shall think he merits. 
"I am, the public's devoted humble servant, 
" Annapolis, 15th July, 1779. Eleazer Oswald." 

Mr. William Goddard, on the 17th of July, published another 
declaration, in which he said : " B}' publishing certain queries, po- 
litical and military, in the Maryland Journal of the 6th inst., I have 
not transgressed against truth, justice, or my duty as a good citizen ; 
and, as I have never given just cause or offence to his Excellency 
Gen. Washington, or the good people of this town, I have no re- 
paration to make them, or pardon to solicit." 

A society was formed by the principal merchants, and contri- 
butions were made by them in October, to the amount of £93,000, 
to be employed in reducing the price of salt by retail, which article 
they bought and sold at about forty-five pounds, or 120 dollars 
per bushel, paper money, reserving only the expenses. 

David McMechen and Mark Alexander, Esqs., succeeded Messrs. 
Smith and Chase as delegates, and Joseph Baxter, Esq., is elected 
sheriff, in place of Mr. Stevenson, whose term had expired. 

Mr. Edward Biddle, one of the representatives of Pennsylvania 
in Congress, died here while on a visit to his relatives. 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 183 

We find the followiiii;- publication in the Maryland Gazette of 
Jun. 5tli, 1779, in relation to Capt. Norwood, who was eoiirt- 
niartialkHl and dismissed from service for disobedience of orders. 
It was followed by another of March 1st, 1780, which shows the 
feeling of certain Continental officers towards Gen. Small wood: 

" For the Maryland Gazette : 

'^ Mr. Printer: — As I have been dismissed from a service to 
which a love of country had attached me, and apprehensive the 
public would not (without evidence to the contrary) discriminate 
between me and those who have been dismissed for dishonorable 
conduct, I beg leave to assure them through your paper, that I 
have sutfered this heavy tnisfortune for only saying General Small- 
wood was a partial man and no gentleman. The following certifi- 
cate voluntarily given me, will satisfy them of the general tenor of 
my conduct, and I reserve mj'self to a proper time, to lay open to 
the world the whole proceedings of the several Courts which have 
led to my dismission, where, I am sorry to sa}'^, such a system of 
despotism Avill appear to be springing up in our army, that an 
officer who does his dut}'" ever so exactly, and has neglected to pay a 
servile court to a haughty superior, holds his commission by a very 
precarious tenure. I am, Sir, yours and the public's most humble 
servant, " Edwakd Nokwood. 

''Dec. 2Sth, 1778." 

" The officers of the 2d Marj^land brigade do testify that Captain 
Norwood, (who is discharged the service by the sentence of a court- 
martial on a disagreement with Gen. Smallwood) during the cam- 
paigns in which he served with us, has ever conducted himself in 
such a manner as to command our warmest friendship and esteem, 
as an officer and a man of honor ; and that notwithstanding his 
dismission, is and ought to be, esteemed as a gentleman, and valued 
as a warm friend and advocate for the liberties of his country. 

"Second Jtegiment : Thomas Price, Col.; Lilbourn Williams, 
Capt. ; James McCalmont, Surgeon ; Ilezekiah Ford, Ensign ; Edward 
Edgel}', Adjutant; John Gassaway, Lieut.; Edward Dyer, Lieut, 
and B. Q. M. ; Benjamin Price, Lieut.; John Read, Ensign; James 
Ewing. Lieut. 

"Fourth Regiment: Josias Carvel Kail, Col.; Samuel Sniitb, 
Lieut.-Coi. ; John E. Howard, Maj<^r; Ale.xander ]j. Smith, ('apt.; 
Thomas Jjansdale, Ca])t. ; Joseph J^urgess, Cai)t. ; Edward Oldliam, 
(Japt. ; James Smith, Lieut.; John S. Belt, Lieut.; Fdward Spur- 
rier, Lieut.; Thomas Cromwell, Jjieut. ; Adam Hoops. I\;ieut.; 
Stephen Shelmedinc, Lieut.; J<din Hamilton, Ensign; Nathaniel 
Twining, Ensign ; John Bowen, Ensign ; Parker H. Lee, Fnsign ; 
John Hartshorn, Adjutant; Riehard I*indell, Surgeoii ; William 
ililey, Lieut. 

"Sixth llegiment: Otho II. Williams, Col.; Benjamin Vord, 



184 CHEONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

Lieut. -Col. ; Andrew Hjnes, Capt. ; Henry Dobson, Capt. ; James 
Bruff, Lieut. ; Joshua Miles, Capt. ; Jacob Norris, Lieut. ; Richard 
Donovan, Adjutant; George Jacobs, Lieut.; Benjamin Wright, 
Lieut. ; Chai'les Beaver, Lieut. ; Thomas Parran, Surgeon. 

" German Eegiment : Ludwick Weltner, Lieut.-Col. ; Daniel 
Buchores, Major ; George Hubley, Capt. ; Peter Boj'er, Capt. ; 
Charles Baltzel, Capt.; Bernard Hubley, Capt.; Michael Boyer, 
Capt. ; Martin Shughart, Lieut. ; Christian Myers, Capt. ; James F. 
Armstrong, Chaplain." 

" Camp, March \st, 1780. 
" To William Smallwood, Esq., Brigadier-General: 

">S'ir ; — We have no doubt but the joint assertion of a small 
number of inferior officers will be as much credited, by that part 
of mankind who have spirit to think for themselves, as the mere 
ipse dixit of a brigadier ; therefore, choose only to remark, that 
your scurrilous observations on the testimony we gave of our 
favorable opinion of Capt. JSTorwood, discovers the malevolence and 
presumption, more than the probity and liberality of your mind. 

" With due respect, we are yours, Otho H. Williams, Benjamin 
Price, Benjamin Ford, Edward Edgerly, John E. Howard, Hezekiah 
Foard, Harrj'^ Dobson, William Eeily, James Bruff, Adam Hoops, 
Thomas Parran, John Hamilton, R. Donovan, John Hartshorn, 
Lil Williams, Richard Pendleton, John Gassaway. 

"N. B. — The other gentlemen, whom you took occasion to 
abuse in your ungentlemanly performance of 105 pages, are out of 
camp." 

The winter of 1779 to '80 being the severest known in Baltimore 
up to this time, navigation was closed by ice until the 9th of 
March. The suffering poor were relieved at their own houses by 
distributions of meal and fuel ; £9000 being subscribed by the 
more fortunate inhabitants for their relief. 

Thomas Sollers, Esq., was appointed naval officer, and was 
authorised to grant registers for vessels. 

Matthew Ridley, Esq., of the house of Ridley and Pringle, was 
authoi'ised to borrow and negotiate a loan in Holland for the use 
of the State. Such were the difficulties attending the transition of 
our currency to another, that seizures of provisions for the troops 
were authorised, which in ordinary times would have been intoler- 
able; and the rate of the lev}^ which, in the early part of the year, 
had been fixed at one-fourth of the whole valuation of the taxable 
property, was reduced to one and one-half per cent, with the op- 
tion of paying wheat at seven shillings and sixpence, tobacco at 
twenty shillings, &c., and a scale of depreciation for the settlement 
of public and private contracts was established on equitable jDrin- 
ciples. 

It appears that no body of men ever watched over the interests 
of a community of which they M^ere members, with a more sleep-' 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 185 

less or intense anxiety, than did the merchants of Baltimore dur- 
ing the Revohitionary struggle. They were among the first to 
suggest the measures which were necessar}'^ to be adopted to meet 
the crisis; they were never backward with their means in giving 
efficacy to these measures, and the march of armies, the equip- 
ment of vessels of war, were accelerated by their unceasing ex- 
ertions. Indeed, such was the reputation they had acquired for 
their patriotism abroad, that when it was determined that a de- 
tachment of troops from Gen. "Washington's army should be sent 
to the south, under the command of Marquis de la Fa^'ctte, Con- 
gress confided in the merchants of Baltimore supplying them with 
such flour as they might want in case 'of need, passing thi'ough 
Baltimore, which was on their way. Mr. Pickering, at that time 
Quartermaster-General, and Mr. Charles Stewart, Commissary- 
General, in a letter addressed to Mr. Samuel Purviance, advising of 
this intended movement of the army, under the command of the 
Marquis, says : " We shall make no further apology at present for 
giving you this trouble, as we are assured of your readiness to do 
essential service to your country on everj' occasion." The army 
of the Marquis came to Baltimore, on its way to Virginia, and re- 
ceived not only the flour which the above letter looked to have 
supplied here, but a considerable sum of money was raised by sub- 
scription, and paid over to him for the purpose of purchasing ma- 
terials for the clothing of his army. It is due to the memory of 
the ladies of that day, in our town, to record the fact, that that 
clothing was pi-inci]^ally made up by their fair hands. When the 
Marquis reached Baltimore, his destitution Avas not confined to the 
want of flour, but for near!}' all the equipments without which no 
army can ever be efficacious. There was but little money at that 
time in the State treasury", and the supply which was furnished by 
the patriotic gentlemen of Baltimore, is thus acknowledged in a 
letter from Tliomas Sim Lee, Esq., Governor of Maryland, ad- 
dressed to Eobert Purviance, Matthew Ridley, and William Pat- 
terson, Esqrs. : " We very much applaud the zeal and activity of 
the gentlemen of Baltimore, and think their readiness to assist the 
executive, at a time when they were destitute of the means of 
provi<ling those things, which were immediately necessar}^ for the 
detachment under the command of the Marquis de la Fayette, 
justly entitle them to the thanks of the pul)lic." 

The movements of Earl Cornwallis in August gave reason to 
apprehend that he meant to make an invasion of Maryland and 
possess himself of Baltimore. In consequence of this a]>prelien- 
sion, there assembled in the town a force of about 2800 men. 
These came from this and adjacent counties, within two daj's after 
the alarm. Advice was soon after received that the destination of 
Cornwallis was to Virginia, in consequence of which these troops 
were dismissed. This was the last serious alarm which excited 
the people of Baltimore during the war. The events which oc- 



186 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

curred soon after in Virginia gave a hope tbat the end for which 
they struggled was near at hand. 

General Lincoln bad been obliged to suri-ender Charleston 12th 
May, 1780, and the three Southern States seemed to have been en- 
tirely lost to the Union, when General Gates took command of the 
Southern army, including all the troojDS from Delaware and Mary- 
land south ; and notwithstanding the determined valor of these 
troops, the disasters at Camden and other phices, where the Mary- 
land Line suifered severely, made it necessary to recall Major- 
General Gates, and place that department under the command of 
Major-General Nathaniel Greene. The new commander-in-chief 
of the Southern army passed through Baltimore with M. Gen. 
Baron Steuben on the 6th of November. 

The following letter was written by Major David Poe, Quarter- 
master in Baltimore, of whom Gen. Lafayette always spoke so 
kindly in his visits to this city : 

" Baltimore Town, 18th February, 1780. 

'^Sir : — I make bold to trouble you with a few lines, to let jon 
know that my situation at present is difficult in purchasing forage 
to supply the public demand in this place. I have bought 
some grain and hay within these few days, but am under some 
apprehension that I ma}'^ be troubled for acting, as I have not re- 
ceived your Excellency's license since the late law passed. I beg 
that you would let me know by the bearer if I may expect them 
or not, that I may conduct mj'self accordingly. I have purchased 
what is done with my own money, and need not apply to the 
Quartermaster-General for cash until 1 have your license. This 
post requires a large quantity of forage to supply it, besides 
many more articles in the department a wanting, so that 
a supply of cash in a short time will be necessary. The 
recruits at this place are in great want of camp-kettles ; 
there is not one belonging to the United States in this town. 
If you would please to send an order to Capt. Keyport to 
deliver a few in his charge, belonging to the State, it would 
give content among the men. Relying on your assistance in the 
above matter, 

" I am, with due respect, your Excellency's most obedient and 
humble servant, David Poe. 

" Thomas Sim Lee, Esq." 

Mr. Poe was a faithful officer, and was held in great estimation 
by all who had business to transact with him. Such was his devo- 
tion to his country that it was almost proverbial; and so unabated 
was it, long after the peace was proclaimed, that by the public 
sentiment he became a brevetted general, and in his latter days 
was better known as General Poe than by any other name. 

During this year the Legislature made provision for the defence 
of the bay by equipping one large galley, one sloop or schooner, and 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 



187 



four larc^e barges, and tor recruiting the army, besides calling out 
1200 militia volunteers. They also contributed largely among 
themselves to supply the soldiers with necessaries for a campaign, 
as the following subscription list will show : 

"Annapolis, June \Qth, 1780. 
" The General Assembly having, by the act for a loan, called 
on the citizens of this State to advance paper money, tobacco, or 
specie, to assist their country in the present hour of distress and 
difficulty, we, the subscribers, members of the Senate and House 
of Delegates, have subscribed the sum of paper money, tobacco, or 
specie, to our names res])ectively annexed, according to our abili- 
ties and circumstances, to be paid on or before the twentieth day 
of July next: 

Specie. 
Dan of St. Thomas Jenifer, 
Mtit. Tili:limnn, 
Charles Carroll, of Carrollton, 
T. Stone, 

Brice B. Wortbington, 
Wm. Hindmiin, 
Richard Barnes, 
Joseph Sim, 
Upton Shcredine, 
Jona Beall, 
Samuel Chew, 
Philip Kev, 

Thos. F. Enleston, 2 hhds. $3 00 

John L. Wilmer, 
John Mackall, 
Pere Lelhcrbnry, 
Wm. Stevenson, 
Nica Wortiiington, 
Wm. Fitzhugb, 
J. Hall. 

Nichs Maccuhbon, Jr., 
Cliarles Williamson, 
Alex. Ham. Smith, 
Frisby Freeland, 
John DiiTires, 
Warren Dent, 
Samuel Hanson Jonea, 
Rezin Hamraoud, 
H. Banning, 
Js. Qibson, 
C. Birkhead, 
J no. Winder, 
Tim. Kirk, 
David Crawford, 
Bern. Hale, 
J. Mflginder, 
W. Bnitr, 
John Brown, 

It. T. Earle, as soon as lie recciveB hiu money 
from the French Agent, 



Paper Money. 


Tobacco. 


$2,000 


5 hhds. 




4 hhds. 




10 hhds. 


£ 500 c. 


3 hhds. 




2 hhds. 




2 hhds. 




10 hiids. 


500 c. 


4 hhds. 


750 






6 hhds. 




10 hhds. 


1500 


10 hhds. 




2 hhds. 


2000 






3 hhds. 


375 




500 






3 hhds. 




3 hhds. 


375 


2 bbds. 


1125 




500 






2 hhds. 




2 hhds. 




1 iihd. 




5 iihds. 




2 bbds. 


150 




200 


1 hhd. 




1 hiid. 




1 idid. 


500 


2 hhds. 


187 108. 




1000 


2 hhds. 


300 


2 hhd.H. 




1 lilid. 




2 hlida. 


1125 




1250 





188 CHRO ICICLES OF BALTIMOEB. 

Paper Money. Tobacco. Specie. 



Jacob Ringgold, 




3 hhds. 


Alln. Quyun, 


1000 




Peter Cliaille, 


750 




Jas. McConias, 




Ihhd. 


Benjamiu Bradford Norrls, 


250 




John Taylor. 


375 




Matthew Swrlver, 


375 




W. Keene, wiieu I receive my money for my 






provision cert, — 


375 




Hugh McBryde, 


750 




David McMeikin, 


500 




Mark Alexander, 


2000 


4 hhds. 


John Stull, 


750 




Jos. Sprigg, 


1000 




James Chasline, 


750 




Edward Buri:iss, 




2 hhds. 


Thomas Cramphin, Jr., 




4 hhds. 


William Bayly, 


225 


2 hhds. 


Jno. Smoot, 


750 


Ihhd. 



£3 

1780. In this year an Act was passed by the General Assembly, 
" to seize, confiscate and appropriate, all British property within 
this State." Owing to the large number of valuable lots in Balti- 
more and estates in the neighborhood confiscated under this law, 
internal imjirovements received valuable aid by the sales. Among 
the records we find the following names and property of individuals 
formerly residing in Baltimore Town, which was confiscated. The 
lot on which Eeverdy Johnson's mansion and the Gilmour House 
now stand, then belonging to the estate of Edward Fottrell, was 
divided into six lots, fronting on Calvert street 33 feet each, with 
a depth of 181 J feet, was sold at public auction, on the 4th of April, 
1781 ; Mr. John McLure purchasing two lots for the sum of £780; 
General Gist purchasing four lots for £1340 ; realizing for the en- 
tire front £2120. The two squares of ground fronting on the east 
side of Calvert street, running from Baltimore to Lombard streets, 
were divided into thirteen lots and sold on the same date, realizing 
for the whole £6790 — Messrs. David Poe, Henry Wilson, Captain 
John Swan, Luther Martin, Dr. Fred Eidgel}^, John Snyder, 
Michael Diffenderfer and Capt. Aquila Johns being the purchasers. 
^he square of ground on the south side of Pratt street, running 
from Charles to Light street, was divided into three parts and sold 
same date, i*ealizing for the whole £1500 ; Capt. John Dorsey being 
the purchaser. " Twenty acres meadow near Jones Palls, late the 
propert}^ of Ed. Fottrell," was sold same date to Messrs. Benjamin 
Grifiith, Phillip Halland, Richard Lemmon, for the sum of £2590 ; 
" eight acres meadow, late the property of James Christie, Jr.," 
same date sold to Matthew Eidley, for the sum of £1020. "An 
undivided half of the wharf and warehouse, late the projDerty of 
Messrs. Christies," same date sold to Capt. Aquila Johns for the 
sum of £2560. During the j^ear 1781, the entire property on 
" Whetstone Point," then called Upton Court, containing four hun- 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMOEE. 189 

dred acres, and belonging to the " Priiieipio Companj'," was sold. 
The terms of all the above sales were ''one half" in specie, one half 
in paper at its value, one half in ten days, residue in six weeks." 
Among those whoso property was confiscated, wc find the names 
of Richard Button's estate at the Point, Dr. Patrick Kennedy, 
John Lynde, John Lorah, John Macinhcimer, William S'mith, "a 
rope-walk supposed to contain three acres, with all buildings," James 
French, "William Frost, two squares of ground on the west side of 
Frederick street, from Baltimore street to the Falls, Daniel Dulany, 
Capt. Joe Richardson, Dr. Henry Stevenson, Robert Ballard, 
Charles Wells, John Lynch, Daniel Carroll, John Weatherburn, 
Anthony Bacon, John Eversfield, George and Andrew Buchanan, 
James Brown & Co., Mackie, Spiers & Co., Mackie, Spiers, French 
& Co., heirs of Samuel Hyde, the heirs of Thomas Bladen, and 
Mark Alexander. 

1781. The inhabitants of the town, on the 7th of August, held a 
meeting at the court-house, to carry into execution the circulation 
of the new paper money, known as the "red money," and John 
Dorsey, Richard Ridgel3^ Daniel Bowly, Isaac Gist, Jolm McCieUan, 
James Calhoun, David McMechen, Mark Alexander, Joseph Don- 
aldson, James Tibbert, John Dorsey and David Stoddart were ap- 
pointed a committee to execute it. A complaint was lodged by 
Thomas White against Daniel Deady, shopkeeper, for attempting 
to depreciate the new money, by asking four to one, after he had 
signed the association to take it equal to gold or silver. The 
charge being supported by the oath of the said Thomas White, 
it was resolved "that the said Daniel Deady be held up to the 
j)ublic as a violator of the said association, and as a man whose 
conduct is destructive to public good, and that the same be pub- 
lished in the Maryland. Journal, &c." 

During the year. Fell's Prospect was first laid off by the com- 
missioners, and added to the town on the east, and the 18 acres of 
Messrs. Moale and Steiger, lying between Bridge, now Gay, antl 
French streets, for which authority had been given eight years 
before. 

The weight of flour per barrel was now fixed at the present 
standard of one hundred and ninety-six pounds nett, Avith some 
other regulations respecting that staple. 

On the 4th of September, about 10 o'clock in the morning, a 
Cutter called the Serpent, belonging to his Most Christian IMajesty, 
commanded by M. Amie de la Ijanne, arrived in our harbor, willi 
despatches for General Washington, from the Count De (Ji-asse, 
who arrived in the Chesapeake on the 26th ult., with a formidable 
fleet (jf French men-of-war, consisting of 28 sail of the lint-, 4 
frigates, and the cutter above nientioncd. 

(Jeneral Washington, on the 8th SejHember, accomjanietl by 
Adjt.-(ic'neral Jlaml and oflicr oHifcrs of distinclion. an-ivcd in 
town, and stopped at the Fountain Inu on their way to Virginia. Ho 



190 



OHEONICLES OF BALTIMOEE. 



was received in the vicinity, and escorted to his quarters by Capt. 
Moore's troop of light dragoons. The Baltimore artillery com- 
panies gave his Excellency a handsome salute, and the inhabitants 
in general seemed to vie with each other in testifying their respect 
and aftection for his person and character. In the evening every 
part of the town was elegantly illuminated ; P'^ell's Point in par- 
ticular made a most brilliant appearance. A banquet was given at 
Lindsey's Coffee House in consequence of the arrival of the French 
fleet, and many toasts were drunk. On this occasion, the following 
address was presented to Greneral Washington, and his answer pub- 
lished a few days after : 

"His Excellency George Washington, Esq., General and Com- 
mander-in-Chief of the armies of the United States of America. — 
May it please j^our Excellency, the citizens and inhabitants of Bal- 
timore, impressed with the warmest sentiments of respect and 
esteem, and with the most lively sense of the important services 
rendered by you to them and their country, beg leave, through us, 
to congratulate your Excellency upon your arrival in this town, 
and to express the general joy diffused through every breast at 
the return of your Excellency to this place. 

"It has been with the highest satisfaction we have found our 
most sanguine expectations from your military talents exceeded by 
the abilities you have displayed during a series of various fortune, 
as well in the day of battle as the hour of distress; your fortitude 
and perseverance under all our calamities, the wisdom of your 
counsels, the judicious and mild regulation of the army, your 
sacred attention to the civil powers of the respective States, and 
the gieat address with which our militaiy operations have been 
conducted under your Excellency's direction, demand the warmest 
effusions of gratitude that can flow from the hearts of a free 
people. Permit us also to congratulate your Excellency upon the 
many signal successes that have lately attended the American 
arms in the Southern States, obtained with such distinguished 
honors to our gallant officers and soldiers, and on the arrival of 
the fleet of our magnanimous ally, aided by whose noble and gene- 
rous exertions, we look forward with pleasing hopes to the day of 
peace, when we may freely enjoy the bounties with which All- 
gracious Heaven has enriched our country. 

" May your present operations prove successful, and may the 
grand work in which you are engaged be happily terminated. 
Our prayers are for your Excellency's preservation, that you may 
continue approved by heaven, esteemed by virtuous men, and 
dreaded by tyrants ; and on the restoration of public tranquillity, 
that you may in peaceful retirement enjoy that satisfaction of 
mind which the sense of great and noble deeds always inspires; 
and may posterity, in the full possession and exercise of that free- 
dom which your sword has assisted to establish, venerate and do 
ample justice to your virtue and character to the last ages. With 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 191 

sentiments of the most profound esteem and respect, we are, in be- 
half of the citizens and inhabitants of Baltimore, your Excel- 
lency's most obedient and most humble servants, 

" Wm. Smith, "j 

"Samuel Piuviance, Jr., | 

"John Moale, ^ Cominittee." 

" John JDousey, 

" James Calhoun, 

" To the citizens and inhabitants of the town of Baltimore. — 
Gejitlemen : — With the -warmest sense of gratitude and iiflection, I 
accept your kind congratulations on my arrival in this town. 
Permit me, gentlemen, to assure you, that from the pleasure which 
I feel in having this opportunity to pay my respects to the worthy 
inhabitants of the town of Baltimore, I participate in your sensa- 
tions of joy. If during the long and trying period in which my 
services as a soldier have been employed for the interests of 
the United States of America and for the establishment of their 
rights, 1 have acquitted m3-self to the acceptance of my fellow- 
citizens; if my various fortunes, if my attention to the civil 
powers of the States, have subserved the general good of the 
public in these things, I feel myself happy, and in these consider- 
ations I rejoice in your felicity. 

•' The happy and eventful successes of our troops in the South- 
ern States, as they reflect glory on the American arms, and partic- 
ular honor on the gallant officers and men immediately concerned 
in that department, tills my heart with pleasure and delight. 

''The active and generous part our allies are taking in our 
cause, with the late arrival of their foi-niidable fleet in the bay of 
the Chesapeake, call for our utmost gratitude, and with the smiles 
of heaven on our combined operations, gives us the happiest pre- 
sage of the most pleasing events — events, which in their issue, may 
lead to an honorable and permanent peace. 

" I thank you most cordially for your prayers and good wishes 
for my prosperity. May the author of all blessings aid our united 
exertions in the cause of liberty and universal peace; and may the 
particular blessing of heaven rest on you and the worthy citizens 
of this flourishing town of Baltimore. 

"I am, gentlenjcii, your most obedient servant, 

" Ceo. Washinoton." 

Towards the close of the summer of 17/0, the country was 
reatly agitated by the existence of flnancial embarrassments. 
leetingH were held in the chief cities on the subject. Congress 
was powerless to stay the downward tendency of the paper cur- 
rency ; it continued to depreciate, and prices to rise. Karly in 
1780, forty paper dollars were worth only one in specie. The com- 
missaries found it extremely diflicult to pui chase su])j)lies for the 
army, for the people refused to exchange- their articles for the al- 



f, 



192 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

most worthless paper. Dii-eet taxes bad been unsuccessfully tried 
to replenish the treasury, and as supplies could not be obtained, a 
speedy dissolution of the army and abandonment of the rebellion 
seemed inevitable. Congress was obliged to open new resources 
for the supply of the army, and required each State to furnish a 
certain quantity of beef, pork, flour, corn, forage, and other articles, 
which were deposited in such places as the Commander-in-chief 
should determine. The States were to be credited for the amount 
at a fixed valuation in specie. This scheme was utterl}" imprac- 
ticable, from the want of authority to enforce the demands, and 
the distance of several States from the army, and Congress speedily 
abandoned it. The following bill of items is preserved, and illus- 
trates the value of the Continental bills in 1781 : 

Captain A. McLane 

Bought of W. NiCHOLLS, 

January 5t7i, 1781. 
1 pair boots, $ 600 

6| yds. calico, at 85 ds. ...... 752 

6 yds. cliiutz, at 150 ds. ----- - 900 

4^ yds. moreen, at 100 ds. ...... 450 

4 lidks., at 100 ds. 400 

8 yds. quality biuding, 4 ds. - - - - - - 33 

1 skein of silk, ...... 10 

$3,144 
If paid in specie, £18 IDs. 

Received payment in full for Wm. Nicholls, 

JoNA Jones. 

Sept. 9th, the Count de Eochambeau, Major- General and com- 
mander of the French ti'oops in America, (under the orders of 
General Washington) with his suite, arrived in Baltimore, and 
after a short stay, proceeded southward. This great officer re- 
ceived ever}^ mark of respect fi'om the inhabitants that his short 
stay admitted. The same evening Brig.-Gen. Marquis de Chastellux, 
of the French army, also arrived. Within the week several hun- 
dred wagons and carts loaded with the baggage, provisions, &c., of 
the allied army, passed through town on their Avay to Annapolis, 
to embark for Yorktown. A brigade of New York State troops, 
under the command of Gen. James Clinton, embarked and sailed 
from Fell's Point. Mr. James Kigsbury unfortunately received a 
mortal wound in the discharge of one of the cannon that were fired 
as a salute to the Count de liochambeaii. 

David McMechan and Henr^^ Wilson were elected delegates to 
represent the town in the General Assembly. 

Messrs. John Cornthwait, Gerard Hopkins, George Mathews, 
John and David Brown, and others of the Society of Friends, who 
until now had held their meetings at the house on the Ilarford road, 
buy a spacious lot, and build a meeting-house between Baltimore 
and Pitt streets, where they inter their deceased members. 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 193 

The following letter was written by Gen. La Fayette to Gov. 
Thomas Sims Lee, when the former was on his march southward: 

"Elk, April 10, 1781. 

^^ Sir : — I have received your Excellency's favor of the 8th in- 
Btant, and most sincerely lament the depredations committed by 
the enem}'. This cruel and savage way of making war is the more 
exasperating, as it is out of our })ower either to punish or }>revent 
these devastations. Every town lying on the bay or the rivers is 
BO defenceless and exposed, that each of them requires a force to 
defend it superior to what the enemy will send for its reduction. 
So far as relates to armed vessels and privateers, I should think 
that militia could be collected to oppose the landing of a lew 
Bailors. As to the movements of the British troops, they are so 
rapid, and it is so impossible to defend both shores of every river, 
that with the least judgment they ma}' elude our opposition. 

" I have made preparations for an immediate movement, and if 
no obstacles occur, shall march to-morrow with the whole detach- 
ment. The new latitude added to m}' instructions gives me the 
liberty of doing what I could not even think of when at Annapolis. 
The name zeal 1 had to execute my first orders will prompt mo 
to advance rajjidl}' into the Southern States. However inadequate 
I am to the defence of Annapolis, Baltimore and Alexandria at 
once, I will hasten to the point that will be nearest to those three 
places. I request your Excellency to furnish me speedy minuted 
and frequent intelligence. 

"It will be necessary that a collection of wagons and horses bo 
made at Baltimore, in order to relieve those which we take from 
this place. I beg leave to requfcst your Excellency will please to 
order that a quantity of live cattle and flour be also collected at 
that place ; the rapidity of our movements wholly depends upon 
the precautions that will be taken for our transportation and subsis- 
tence. I hopCj sir, that precautiouH will be taken for the safety of 
our stores now at or near Indian Landing. General Smallwood will 
certaiidy dispose of them in the best manner, but 1 request you 
will acquaint him that if I proceed southward, 1 will want the 
musket cartridges. 

" When 1 was coming up the bay, two men came on board my 
vessel, which then was lull of my troops, and a part of the fleet 
and detachment under my command. Having been induced to mis- 
take us lor British, they gave us every intelligence in their power; 
ottered to guide us to several places on the shore, and in telling ua 
they had been on board the Hope, and ha<l supplied the enemy 
with provisions, ottered to pilot us to a ])lace where they had a 
slooj) loaded with flour, and ready to slip ott" to Portsmouth. Urio 
of tliem went with Major Mcl'herson, whom they took, 'as well as 
everyone ol" \is, to be British spies; the other was j)ut in irons 
iniinediately after the departure of his comrade in a barge with 
13 



194 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

my aide-de-camp. As soon as Major McPherson arrives, I will 
have both of them tried and executed, as they come within the 
description of spies, giving intelligence to the enemy, and going to 
them for imparting the remarks they have made among us, with 
an offer to guide them to attack our people in consequence of the 
intelligence which they have collected among us for that purpose. 
Maj. McPherson being gone with the spy and six soldiers (sup- 
posed by that man to be British), I have not yet heard from them. 
They were to land in Gunpowder creek, and I request your Ex- 
cellency will please to send there, as I am uneasy on that matter, 
and I am afraid something has happened to McPherson. 

" In requesting my best regards to be presented to Mrs. Lee, I 
have the honor to be, &c,, La Fayette." 

When La Fayette halted in Baltimore, on his way to join the 
army at the South, a ball was given in honor of his arrival. One 
of the ladies, observing that he appeared sad, inquired the cause. 
•' I cannot enjoy the gayety of the scene," the Marquis replied, 
" while so many of the poor soldiers are in w^ant of clothes." "We 
will supply them," was the prompt response. The next morning 
the ball-room was turned into a clothing manufactory. Fathers 
and husbands furnished the materials ; daughters and wives plied 
the needle at their grateful task. Mrs. David Poe [see La Fay- 
ette's visit, 1824], with her own hands, it is said, cut out five hun- 
dred garments and superintended the making of them. Such were 
the women of the Eevolution. La Fayette, a short time after this, 
Bent the following grateful letter, never before published, to the 
Committee of Observation in Baltimore : 

"Mr. Lyon's Plantation, 20 miles from Williamsburg, 

''July the 3d, 1781. 
''Gentlemen — By Major McHenry you will receive some papers 
that relate to the affair in which you have so kindly assisted me, 
but I claim the pleasure personally to express my obligations to 
you, and by you to be convinced that you have excited the most 
grateful and everlasting sentiments in my heart. Permit me to 
request my respectful thanks may be presented to the ladies of 
Baltimore — I am proud of my obligations to them — not only from 
a general respect to the fair sex, but more particularly because I 
know the accomplishment of those to whom I am indebted. I am 
happy in the ties of gratitude that bind me to them, and beg leave 
once more to assure you of the regard and attachment I have the 
honor to bear. 

" Your most obedient, humble servant, 

" La Fayette." 

The following address was presented, on the 5th of November, 
by the citizens of Baltimore, to the Marquis De La Fayette, who 
passed through the town : 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 195 

"It is with peculiar satisfaction that the citizens of Baltimore 
embrace the present moment to express a gratitude which they 
will always owe to Maj.-Gcn. the Marquis de la Fayette, and to 
congratulate him personally on the late important events in Vir- 
ginia and South Carolina, so glorious and consequential to America. 
Among the first in our cause, you early found a way to our affec- 
tions, with him who has strugi^led with our various difficulties 
since their beginning. At a time when we gained an ally, your 
good offices could not but increase a cordialitj' which must render 
our union with France jiermanent. In particular, w^e cannot suffi- 
ciently acknowledge our sense of your late campaign in Virginia, 
where, with a few regulars and militia, you opposed the British 
commander, from whose large arm}' and militarj' talents this State 
had serious cause of apprehension. These things, sir, have ren- 
dered 3'ou dear to us, and we feel the highest gratification in 
seeing once more in our town the man who will always hold a 
first ])iaee in our hearts." 

To which Major-Gen. De La Fayette answered as follows : 

" In the affectionate attentions of the citizens of a free town, 
I would find a reward for the services of a whole life. The honor 
to have been among the first American soldiers, is for me a source^ 
of the greatest happiness. I participate Avith you in the glorious, 
events that have taken place under his Excellency General Wash- 
ington's immediate command, and under Gen. Greene. I enjoy the 
effects these will have on the success of our noble cause, and par- 
ticularl}' the advantages which they will aftbrd to this State. The 
time when 1 had the honor to command the army in Virginia, 
which you are pleased so politely to mention, has only shown that 
the courage and fortitude of American troops are superior to every 
kind of difficulty. My campaign began with a personal obligation 
to the inhabitants of Baltimore; at the end of it I find myself 
bound to them by a new tie of everlasting gratitude. 

" La Fayette." 

General Washington and lady arrived in Baltimore the 19th day 
of November, from Virginia, and the next morning proceeded on 
their way to Philadelphia. 

The 13th December was appointed and kept as a day of general 
thanksgiving. 

The peri(jd limited for the first Senate was now expiring, and 
at the election held this year, Charles Carroll, P^sq., barrister, was 
re-elected to the new Senate, with Messrs. John Smith and James 
Mcilenry, of this town. 

Thomas C. Deye, John B. Howard, Charles Ridgely of Wil- 
liam, and Samuel Worthington, Esqrs., wore elected delegates for 
the county. 

Henry Wilson, Esq., succeeded Mr. Alexander as one of the 
members for the town. 



196 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

Extracts from the letters of Geo. P. Keeports, purchasing 
agent in Baltimore Town, to Gov. Thomas Sims Lee in 1780-81 : 

" There is about 40 dozen of excellent stockings to be had if 
wanting, at £185 per doz." " I have searched the town over, and 
cannot find any trimmings. There may be had about two pounds 
scarlet buff and blue-colored sewing-silk at £220 per lb., which is 
all I can find." " Mr. John Hudson has a quantity (about 600) 
blankets; they are very thick and a good quality, but some rather 
small — not more than five feet square. His price is £125 per 
piece." " I have bought 20 pairs of shoes at $50 per pair, to supply 
the immediate M'ants of the recruits. I have engaged buttons for 
the officers Avith one Mr. Evans, who makes very fine buttons, 
and marks them Math the number of the regiment and the letter 
M. The coat-buttons at £18 per dozen, and waistcoat-buttons at 
£16 per dozen." Mr. Evans afterwards raised his prices to £22 10s. 
for coat-buttons and £18 per dozen for jacket buttons. " There may 
be about 800 yards more Olnaburgs had at $19 per yard, and some 
more shoes by paying the money down." " Hired two wagons — 
all I could get in town — one at £35 and the other at £40 per 
day." Pewter, $40 per lb. ; lead, $30 per lb. ; and shoes, $140 
per pair. The following scale of depreciation is also preserved : 

Value of $100 in Specie in Continental Money. 

Months. 1777. 1778. 1779. 1780. 1781. 

January 105 325 743 2934 7400 

February 107 350 868 3323 7500 

March 109 370 1000 8736 

April 113 400 1104 4000 

May 115 400 1315 4600 

Juue 130 400 1343 6400 

July 135 435 1477 8900 

Auiiust. 150 450 1630 7000 

September 175 475 1800 7100 

October 375 500 3030 7300 

November 300 545 3308 7300 

December 310 684 3593 7400 Nothing. 

1782. The following notice from the Maryland Journal is the 
first intimation we have of the wishes of the citizens of JBaltimore 
town to be incorporated as a city. This was defeated, however, by 
the laboring classes. " April 2d, notice is hereby given to all 
whom it may concern, that the inhabitants of Baltimore intend 
petitioning the ensuing General Assembly, to incorporate said 
town." 

The following mills were appointed by William McLaughlin, 
commissary of provisions for Baltimore county, to receive wheat 
that may be paid in the discharge of taxes: Benjamin Griffith's, 
Col. James Gittings', Benjamin Eogers', Capt. Charles Eidgely's, 
Thomas Matthews', Jacob Lemmon's, Arthur Chinwith's, Samuel 
Owings', Doc. William Lyon's, Solomon Allen's, and Henry 
Brown's. 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 197 

On the 21st of April, Doctor of Divinity was conferred upon 
the JJev. Patrick Allison, by the University of the City of 
rhiUulelphia. 

On the 13th of June, a proclamation was issued by Thomas 
Sim Lee, Esq., Governor of Maryland, announcing the birth of a 
Dauphin of France, and appointing the 25th of the same month as 
the day for the celebration of the auspicious event. "I cannot 
dt)ubt," says the Governor, "that the citizens of this State will 
unite in the joy which an occasion so nearly affecting the hap])i- 
ness of our ally will not fail to inspire, while they experience a 
new source of satisfaction on the birth of a prince from whom wo 
liave ever}' reason to expect a continuance of the blessings of our 
alliance — the same lively attention to the injured and o{)pressed, 
and all those great qualities which have excited our admiration 
and gratitude, and which s<i eminentl}' distinguished his illusti'ious 
father." The day selected by the Governor was celebrated in 
Baltimore by an elegant dinner, provided at a place called the 
" Independent Spring," at which were present the Chevalier 
D'Anmour, the French consul, and a number of strangers and 
French gentlemen. After dinner, many toasts were drunk, and 
the entertainment was closed with that harmony and good humor 
which in a peculiar manner distinguished the day. This was in 
honor of the unfortunate Louis XVII., the victim of the subse- 
quent French Ilevolution. 

On account of the great suffering by the Maryhmd Line in the 
Southern army for the want of the necessaries of life, the following 
very interesting letter was written hy Gen, Williams to Gov. Lee: 

"Annapolis, 7tJi July, 1782. 

"Sir: — My attachment to the service of my country, and the 
interest I feel in whatever concerns the honor and happiness of 
my fellow-soldiers, ai"e the only considerations which induce me to 
communicate to your Excellency the complaints of the Maryland 
Line now with the Southern army. 

"It is known and acknowledged that the troops of this State, 
ever since the commencement of the Revolution, have participated 
in tlie greatest fatigues and perseverance, and that in the extremity 
of their sufferings their comjdaints have always approached the 
ear of civil authority with huinilily and respect. 

"It is also known that since the Maryland troo])s have served 
in the Southern States (which is now more than two years), they 
have upon the most arduous occasions given the highest satisfaction 
to the Generals who have successively commamleil the Southern 
army, and ])articularly to their present enterprising -commandiMg 
officer, (r(!neral Greene, under whom they have performed the most 
gallant services. And that they are the only troojjs who have con- 
Btantly kept the field under every difficulty, since the spring of 1780, 
without a shilling of pay real or nominal, without a su]>ply of 



198 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

clothing at any time equal to their necessities ; and without any 
other subsistence than what, with the assistance of the rest of the 
army, they have occasionally collected, by force of arras, in a country 
once entirely in subjection, and in a very great degree attached to 
the enemy. 

" No distresses, no dangers have ever shaken the firmness of 
their spirits, nor induced them to swerve from their duty. They 
have a long time patiently suffered the neglect of their country, 
not without murmuring, it is true, but without mutiny or disaffec- 
tion, to a cause which they are endeavoring to maintain with 
their blood. But what man or body of men will long forbear to 
express their apprehensions of injustice when they find some of 
their companions disbanding themselves and receiving a compensa- 
tion for past services ; and others reinlisted, or new levies, in the 
same service, receiving large bounties in specie, for three years, 
which they who have already served twice that time have never 
received nor expected ; and that every corps by which they have 
been reinforced, from time to time, has received more or less cash 
for pay, subsistence, &c., before they could be induced to march 
from the State in which they were incorporated. 

"A part of the troops now with the Southern army has, I am 
well informed, received pay for several months, and some corps 
belonging to the Northern army have received pay from the States 
in which they were raised. 

" These considerations, and similar ones which might be added, 
will and do naturally occasion jealousies which may in their con- 
sequences produce very unhappy effects. 

" I would not be understood to insinuate that the officers have 
not virtue enough to submit to every species of neglect, injustice, 
and partiality that can be imposed, sooner than concur in anything 
ftital to the community they serve ; but the common soldiers, who 
are men of less consideration, will compel them to waive the exer- 
cise of their authority, or reduce them to the unhappy necessity 
of maintaining a slavish discipline by examples dreadful to hu- 
manity. 

" I therefore most humbly solicit, in behalf of both officers and 
soldiers, that your Excellency, with the concurrence of your Coun- 
cil, will be pleased to address the honorable the Congress to in- 
struct the minister of finance to appropriate a part of the specie 
tax to be levied in this State, to the paj^ment of the Maryland 
troops ; and that the same may be put into the hands of a proper 
person for that purpose, so soon as it is collected. 

" I cannot doubt, if this should be granted, and the good people 
of Maryland' should be advertised of the purpose for which the 
money is to be raised, that speedy voluntary payments will an- 
ticipate the necessity of executing property for the tax according 
to the act of Assembly, and prevent those calamitous consequences 
that may attend a continuance of their grievances. 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 199 

" I beg that the occasion may be my apology for giving your 
Excellency this trouble. 

" With the greatest respect and esteem, I am your Excellency's 
most obedient and most humble servant, 

" O. H. Williams. 

" His Excellency Governor T. S. Lee." 

Count de Eochambeau, on the 10th of July, with his suite, 
arrived in Baltimore from Virginia, and the next morning set off 
for Philadelphia. The elegant answer of this great and gallant 
officer to an att'octionate and polite address of the corporation of 
the city of Williamsburg, on his leaving that place, contains the 
following paragraph: " Happy to serve my sovereign, in giving 
effect to those noble and distinguished principles which attach 
bim to the cause of America, I feel an additional satisfaction in 
having fought in Virginia, under the auspices of a Virginia Gen- 
eral, whose glory, equally celebrated in both hemispheres, shines 
with particular lustre in his native country." 

The Chesapeake bay was visited by ships of war of France and 
England alternately ; some armed barges were particularly trouble- 
some to the coasters. On the 5th of July, Capt Simmons, in the 
brig Ranger, going out of the Potomac, with his pikes beat off and 
killed Barry and wounded Whaland, two famous barge men ; but 
on the 30th of November, three of them attacked, and after killing 
Captain Whalley, killed and wounded sixty-five out of seventy- 
five men ; the brave survivors being without small cartridges, 
which had taken fire early in the action, w^ere captured, ^vith the 
State's galley. This was said to be, and with great propriety no 
doubt, the most bloody conflict which had taken place during the 
war. 

Samuel Sterett, Esq., was appointed Secretary to the President 
of Congress. 

A deputation of the merchants of Baltimore, on the 29th of 
July, waited upon his Excellency Count de Eochambeau, then in 
this city, and presented him with the following address: 

" We, the merchants of this Town of Baltimore, impressed with 
a grateful sense of the important services rendered by your Ex- 
collenc}-, and the gallant forces under your command, to the 
United States, and more particularly to the State of Maryland, 
beg leave to wait upon your Excellency, and return you our most 
sincere thanks, in this public manner, for the distinguished aid and 
protection which you have, from time to time, so willingly afforded 
to the commercial interests of this State ; and to inform your Ex- 
cellency that we are ha})py in the opportunity of paying you this 
tribute so justly due to distinguished merit. And permit us, sir, on 
this occasion, to observe that when the distresses of this country 
rendered an application to the French nation for asHistance neces- 
sary, the wisdom of your Sovereign pointed out your Excellency 



200 CHRONICLES OP BALTIMORE. 

as the grand instrument to assist in our salvation ; and with grati- 
tude, we remark that the objects of your appointment have been 
fully answered, and the events that have taken place since your 
happy arrival in America, and in which j^ou acted so distinguished 
a part, fully evince the propriety of jonr Sovereign's choice, and 
the magnanimity of his intentions toward us — for we have seen 
a British army, numerous and well appointed, become prisoners of 
(var to the united exertions of the combined armies of France and 
America, an event that was considerably accelerated by the great 
experience and military talents of your Excellency, and the value 
of the officers and soldiers under your command, and which, we 
trust, will tend eventually to the establishment of the rights and 
liberties of this country, the purposes for which you have so gen- 
erously drawn your sword. 

" And we beg leave also, amidst the general joy diifused by the 
birth of a Dauphin of France, to congratulate your Excellency on 
that auspicious event ; and it is our fervent wish and prayer, that 
he may long live to tread the footsteps of his illustrious father, in 
being the friend of the distressed, and the advocate of the liberties 
of mankind. In hopes that your Excellency will enjoy health and 
happiness, while you reside among us, and on return to your 
native country, may you be rewarded by your sovereign in pro- 
portion to your merits and services. We remain, with sentiments 
of gratitude and esteem, on behalf of the merchants of Baltimore, 
your Excellency's most obedient servants, 

" Samuel Purviance, 

" ElOHARD CURSON, 

" Samuel Smith, 
" Mark Pringle, 
" William Patterson. 
« Baltimore, July 29, 1782." 

To which His Excellency was pleased to return the following 
answer : 

"To the merchants of the town of Baltimore: 

" Gentlemen: — The intentions of the King, my master, towards 
his faithful allies, being his auxiliar}'' troops, should not only 
protect the liberties of the United States, but watch over their 
commercial interests, as often and as much as it would be in their 
power. I have felt a peculiar pleasure to have been able to render 
some services to j^our State. The noblest reward for me is, without 
doubt, the approbation of such a respectable body of citizens. 
The praises which you are able to bestow on ni}' conduct, and that 
of the officers and soldiers under my command, are due, in a great 
measure, to his Excellency General Washington, and his army, to 
whose exertions we have had the honor to co-operate, in the re- 
duction of the British army at Yorktown. My Sovereign will 
certainly be impressed with a grateful sense of the general joy 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 201 

which has been diffused amoiiijj the people of all ranks in tho 
United States, upon the birth of" an heir to his kini^dom. I shall 
not fail to make him acquainted with your patriotic and ujenerous 
wishes. I embrace with pleasure, <^entlemen, this occasion, to 
render you my sincere thanks for the readiness with which you 
have taken in your houses our staff-ofticers and others, whose duty 
and station render the convenience of a house absolutely necessary 
to them. I flatter myself that they will maintain, with you, that 
good understanding and harmony of sentiments which we have 
been hap]iy enough to experience till now, from your fellow-citizens 
in the ditterent States. Le Cte. de Eochambeau." 

At the first session of the Assembly this year, Col. Howard laid 
off part of the tract adjoining his father's first a<ldition and that 
before made by Mr. Hall, and annexed to the town all the grounds 
east of the street, to which the Colonel gave the name of Eutaw 
street. Beyond that, and on the street which he called Lexington 
street, he laid off a spacious lot for a public market, which was im- 
jiroved and appropriated to that purpose twenty j'ears after. The 
Colonel appropriated another spacious lot of ground bounded by 
German, Eutaw and Paca streets and Cowpen alley, for the use of 
the State, should the General Assembly accept and make it tho 
seat of government within that period. Though an effort was made 
to carry the removal in the House of Delegates at the same session, 
it was rejected by a vote of twenty to nineteen, and has failed as 
often as it was proposed as well during the twenty years limited 
as afterwards; and whether it is or is not a matter of less interest 
to the citizens, it is certain that they now view it with more indif- 
ference than they do the j)roportion of representation allowed them. 
Until this time none of the streets of Baltimore Town, except here 
and there on the sidewalks, were paved, and the main street espe- 
cially, from the depth of soil, was actually impassable some ])art of 
the spring and fall seasons, from the market-house at Gay street to 
Calvert street. Mv. Robert Gilmor, before his death, said that when 
the army passed through Baltimore in 1781, a mounted drummer 
boy nearly swamped in Baltimore street opposite to North street, 
in a deep mud-hole from which the rider and his horse were with 
difficulty extricated. # 

In tins 3'ear the streets were begun to be paved, especially tho 
main or Market street. Sidewalks were laid, and the width of tho 
cellar doors and of the old-fashioned porches of front doors limited, 
80 that the burghers could not take up too much space allowed for 
pedestrians, while enjoying their evening chat or ])ipe before their 
dwellings. Wharves,"too, were l)uilt, an<l laws made to guard the 
streets from nuisances, and thiv harbor from street drainage, while 
the streets themselves were on I3' to be used I)}'' vehicles of a certain 
breadth of wheel. To defray these expenses, an auclion tax was 
laid on the sales of the only auctioneer in the town, Thomas Yates; 



202 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

a tax was also imposed on public exhibitions and on assessed prop- 
erty ; and that common panacea, an annual lottery, was authorized, 
to bring up the arrears of deficiencies in municipal expenses. The 
executive of this system was a board of commissioners, with ample 
powers to aid the town commissioners, so that the new board, in 
fact the first " Civic Fathers " of Baltimore, composed of William 
Spear, James Sterrett, Eugelhardt Yeiser, George Lindenberger, 
Jesse Hollingsworth, Thos. Elliott and Peter Hoffman, was made a 
sort of body politic and corporate, authorized to fill their own 
vacancies, appoint a treasurer, collect fines for the use of the town, 
appoint constables, and to report their accounts to the town com- 
missioners. At the ensuing session of the Legislature it was 
thought that the powers thus conferred on a self-appointing and 
irrcvsponsible body were too extensive ; and accordingly provision 
was made for the removal of the first set, and the selection of 
others every five years by elected electors. In recording these 
primordial city foundations, it is due to the memory of our ex- 
cellent ancestry in town government, to record the names of Wil- 
liam Smith, John Moale, Richard Eidgely, Daniel Bowly, Hercules 
Courtney and John Sterrett, who then filled the important function 
of town commissioners of Baltimore. 

A line of stage coaches were established between Baltimore and 
Philadelphia, by Mr. Gabriel P. Vanhorne, with Mr. Nathaniel 
Twining, and others. They afterwards extended the line to Alex- 
andria. The town was then said to contain 8000 inhabitants, and 
eight places of worship, viz : Episcopalian, Presbyterian, Luthe- 
ran, Dutch Calvinists, Roman Catholics, Baptists, Quakers and 
Methodists, one for each society. 

Mr. Charles Ridgely, of John, and others, at the November ses- 
sion of the Assembly, procured the addition to the town of those 
grounds called Gist's Inspection and Timber Neck, lying south of 
the former additions and upon the middle branch ; and Mr. Benja- 
min Rogers, and others, those which lay between Fell's Prospect 
and Harris's creek. These were the last specific additions by act 
of Assembly, and the power given to the corporation to admit 
other grounds by the consent of the owners, being exercised only 
in one instance relating to some lots on North Howard street, be- 
tween Saratoga and Mulberry street, no change of limits was ef- 
fected for many years, nor until the population of the precincts 
had become equal to the third of the city itself 

The Hon. Thomas Sim Lee, Governor of this State, and his 
lady, accompanied by several other persons of distinction, arrived 
in Baltimore on the 3d of August fi-om Annapolis, and on the next 
morning was saluted (on his entrance into the French camp) by a 
discharge of twenty-one pieces of cannon. In the afternoon the 
French forces, consisting of upwards of 5000 men, were reviewed 
by his Excellency the Count de Rochambeau, &c., in the presence 
of his Honor the Governor, several strangers of distinction, and a 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 203 

numerous concourse of respectable citizens. The appearance and 
behavior of these veteran soldiers reflected the highest honor on 
their oflicers as well as themselves, and gave the greatest satis- 
faction to the spectators. 

Count Roohambeau returning with his army from Yorktown, 
halted in Baltimore, and some of hi^ troops remained until the 
close of the war. Besides the cavalry and infantry of the legion 
of the Duke De Lauzun, the division included the regiments of 
Bourbonnois, Deux Fonts, Saintonge, and Soissonnois. The 
officers, among whom were Count Dillon, Baron Viomeiiil, General 
Lavalette, &c., were lodged with private families. The legion en- 
camped on the ground where the Cathedral now stands, and the 
rest of the troops on that eminence near the York Road which 
the deceased John McKim improved and occupied. 

Samuel Worthington, Esq., was elected in the place of Mr J. 
B. Howard for the county, and Wm. Fell, son of Edward Fell, 
Esq., in the place of Mr. Wilson, late delegate for the town, and 
William McLaughlan,»E8q., was elected Sheriff. 

On the 22d of August the cavalry and infantry of the legion, 
the regiment of Bourbonnois, Deux Fonts, Saintonge, and Soissonois, 
composing the greater part of the French troops, marched north- 
ward in five divisions. The good wishes of all ranks of citizens 
accompanied them. Gen. Count de Rochambeau, on the 24th of 
August, accompanied by several officers of distinction, left Balti- 
more for Fhihidolphia. Before leaving, the merchants presented 
him with the following address : 

"Sir : — The merchants of Baltimore are too sensible of the har- 
mony which has subsisted between the troops which your Excel- 
lency commands and all orders of the inhabitants, not to feel 
anxious to make known their satisfaction before your departure. 
We do not pretend to be judges of the discipline of armies, but 
from the brilliant and signal services which j'our army has ren- 
dered this countrj^ ; from the watchful attention which the sol- 
diery have had over every species of our property ; from the de- 
corum and order which they have uniformly preserved both in the 
camps and in the town ; and from the great politeness of the 
officers on every occasion, we cannot but acknowledge ourselves 
deeply impressed with the most lively ideas of its ]»ertcction, and 
with a gratitude which from its nature must be perpetual; and we 
are lia])py in this opportunity to declare, that had the ])r('judices 
against the French nation been real which the English have so 
pertinafiously attributed to the Americans, the residence of your 
Excellency and the army in this place must have convinced us how 
little credit ought to be given to the jjopular maxims of a ])e()plo 
who have never been sincerely our friends. Permit us. Sir, to 
assure you, that the only regret which we exi)erienco is on the 
prospect of the removal of the army, and our incapal-ity to make a 



204 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

proper return for its great services and distinguished care of the 

privileges of citizens. 

" In behalf of the merchants, we have the honor to be, with the 

greatest respect, your Excellency's most obedient servants, 

" William Smith, 
"Samuel Smith, 
" Thorogood Smith." 

" To the merchants of the City of Baltimore : 

" Gentlemen : — It cannot but be very agreeable to me and the 
troops under my command, to perceive that the discipline observed 
by them and the inhabitants of this city, the harmonj^ and good 
understanding which we have always been anxious to maintain 
with our allies. Your willingness to receive us in your houses, 
your attentive politeness to us, have been a sufficient return for the 
services which we have been so happy as to render you. We have 
had our full reward, in fulfilling to our mutual satisfaction the in- 
tentions of our sovereign. Le Cte. de Eochambeau." 
° « 

After the depai'ture of the main army, there remained about 
500 French troops in and near the town, under the command of 
General La Yalette. 

The loans obtained abroad, and the payment of gold and silver 
to the French troops, procured a supply for circulation, and the 
Bank of North America being opened, the paper was superseded 
altogether. 

At this period, Delaware bay and river were infested by numer- 
ous "refugee barges and privateers," which were committing the 
most extensive depredations, not only upon the commerce of Phil- 
adelphia, but upon the peaceable inhabitants along the shores of 
every accessible stream that emptied into these waters. In order 
to drive off these plunderers — who were protected by the presence 
of several of His Majesty's ships — and to offer that assistance to 
their distressed citizens which it was not in the power of the Gen- 
eral Government to afford, the State of Pennsylvania had determined 
to fit out, at its own expense, a number of armed vessels, the ope- 
rations of which were to be confined within the great thorough- 
fare to their capital. At this time Lieutenant Barney arrived at 
Philadelphia, and was honored with the command of one of the 
vessels to be equipped — a small ship, mounting 16 six-pounders, 
and carrying 110 men, called the Hyder Ally. On the 8th of April, 
he received instructions to convoy a fleet of merchantmen to the 
capes, but on no account pi-oceed to sea. The convoy dropped 
down to Cape May road ; and while lying there, waiting for a fair 
wind to take them to sea, two ships and a brig were discovered 
standing for them. Capt. Barney, perceiving them to be a part of 
the enemy's force, made the signals to this convoy to get under 
way immediately and return up the bay — orders they were not 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 205 

slow to obo}", covered in their retreat by the Hyder Ally. An ac- 
tion speedily ensued between the Hyder Ally and one of tlic ves- 
sels, which proved to be the sloop-ot-war General Monk, mounting 
20 nine-pounders, and carrying one hundred and thirty-six men, 
under the command of Captain Rogers, of the Eo3'al Nav}- — nearly 
double his own force of metal, and nearly one-fourth superior in num- 
ber of men ! In attempting to hitt' atliwart the hawse of the 
enemy, the Hyder Ally ran foul, and in that position, within pistol 
shot, the two vessels fought desperately for half an hour, when the 
Monk struck her colors. Cooper, in his Naval History, says : "This 
action has been justly deemed one of the most brilliant that ever 
occurred under the American flag. It was fought in the presence 
of a vastly superior force that was not engaged, and the ship taken 
was in every essential respect superior to her conqueror." We 
will here add that the General Monk was formerly the American 
ship General Washin<jton, captured by Admiral Arbuthnot, and 
placed in the King's service under a new name. Both vessels ar- 
rived at Philadelphia a few hours after the action, bearing their 
respective dead. The General Monk lost 20 n\en killed, and had 
33 wounded. Among the former were the first lieutenant, purser, 
surgeon, boatswain and gunner; among the latter were Captain 
Rogers himself, and every officer on board, except one midshipman ! 
The Hyder Ally \vm\ four men killed, and eleven wounded. The old 
name was restored to the prize, and Barney made a cruise in her 
on a secret mission to the West Indies. Off Turk's Island he fell 
in with a privateer brig of 16 guns, under enemy's colors. After an 
exchange of several broadsides, one of the enemy's shot cut away 
his mainmast at the moment the privateer was hauling down her 
colors. The privateer took advantage of this, and made her escape. 
As soon as Captain Barney Ibund that there would be an engage- 
ment, he turned to one of his passengers, who was calmly walking 
the deck, and i-equested him to go below, where he Avould be out of 
danger. The gentleman looked at him, with a slight curl of indig- 
nation moving his upper lip, but did not move. Soon afterwards, 
in the prcpai'ation for action, liarney observed him at the arms- 
chest, dfliljorately examining the muskets, which he took up one 
after another, brought to his shoulder, examining the flints, and 
snapped to see if they made good fire, until at length he found one 
that seemed to please him ; he then fixed a cartridge-box over his 
shouldt'r, veiy coolly tied a handkerchief around his head, and was 
the first man that fired into the enemy. During the whole of the 
fighting he took his post in that part of the ship which was most 
exposed to the enemy's fire, and in the very heat of it, his musket 
having made a false snap, he si^ated himself witii the most ])erfect 
sanyfroiil upon the arms-elu'st, to(jk a knife or key from his pocket, 
and picki'd his flint until he bnMight it again to a jjropcr edge. He 
fired oftrner than any other man on bourd, and looked the whole 
time as cool and unconcerned as if he had been sittin;: at his own 



206 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

fire-side. This man was James H. McCulloch — the same patriot 
and hero who met the enemy at North Point in 1814, was 
wounded and taken prisoner, and afterwards the venerable and 
universally respected Collector of the port of Baltimore. 

On the 7th of October, agreeably to the constitution and forms 
of government, an election for delegates, &c., was held in the dif- 
ferent counties of this State. David McMechan and Wm. Fell 
were elected from Baltimoi"e Town. 

Died at Annapolis, on the 29th May, aged eighty-two years, 
Charles Carroll, who was projjrietor of that part of Cole's Harbor 
which the commissioners purchased of him forty-two years before, 
for the first town. On the 14th of October, in this town, at an 
advanced age, Thomas Harrison, one of the town commissioners 
in 1745. At Mount Clare, near town, the 23d of March, Charles 
Carroll, barrister, one of the framers of the Constitution and sena- 
tors of the State; and on the 30th, at his seat in the county, Walter 
Tolley, formerly a member of the House of Delegates, and of the 
convention of 1774. 

In December, Mr. Daniel Grant removed from the Indian 
Queen Tavern on the corner of Hanover and Baltimore streets, 
into " his large, new, and elegant house, in Light lane, between 
Market street and EUicott's wharf, where the Fountain Inn is opened 
for the reception and entertainment of such gentlemen and ladies, 
travellers or others, as shall be pleased to honor his house with 
their company." 

1783. Hostilities were suspended on 11th of April, by Congress, 
and the joyful news of peace and independence was celebrated in 
Baltimore on the 2l8t, with great enthusiasm. At night the town 
was brilliantly illuminated. On the 2d of May, the following ad- 
dress was presented to Brigadier-Gen. La Valette, commandant of 
the remnant of the French troops who for some time were 
stationed in Baltimore: 

" Sir : — We, the merchants, and others, citizens of Baltimore, 
could not see you leave this town, to embark for France, without 
expressing our acknowledgment for the good behavior of the 
troops under your command, and the politeness their officers have 
discovered on every occasion. To the national reasons this country 
had for a union with yours, the residence of the French army has 
added others, the highest personal esteems and the sincerest at- 
tachments. The blessings of peace, we are persuaded, will not 
prevent frequent reviews of the events of the war; and these will 
serve to perpetuate our union and to preserve our attachments. 
Whether we consider the acts of Louis the Sixteenth, or the 
achievements of his army, we shall find cause for admiration and 
gratitude. Even in the first moments of the war, and while the 
boldness of our undertaking astonished all Europe, and made the 
oldest statesmen tremble for our safety, gentlemen of your nation, 
fired at the prospect of a virtuous people struggling against op- 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 207 

pression, embarked for America, some of whose lives have been 
sacrificed for our liberty, and all of whose services have assisted to 
establish our independence. We trust, Sir, that we shall never 
learn the art to forget these things, or the various obligations of 
the federal republics to your prince and to his people. Permit us 
to wish you, and the otHcers, and your troops, a safe return to 
France, and those rewards which all have so highly merited. 

" With the greatest respect, we have the honor to be, in behalf 
of the merchants and others, citizens of Baltimore, vSir, your most 
obedient sei'vants, 

"Sajiuel Purviancb, 
" James Calhoun, 
"EicHARD Carson." 

The General answered as follows : 

" Gentlemen : — Nothing could flatter me more than the polite 
and obliging address which you honor me with, and both pride and 
gratitude will prompt me to make known the kindness and civili- 
ties I have received from you during my station in this town. 
Perfectly acquainted with the sentiments of all the French of- 
ficers under my command, I also offer you their sincere thanks for 
the flattering opinion you are so kind as to entertain of them. We 
look upon ourselves infinitely happy to have had it in our power 
to contribute to your glorious successes, and fulfill the intention of 
his most Christian Majesty ; and we pray you to believe that we 
think ourselves sufficiently rewarded by the assurance you give us, 
that we have secured some right to 3'our esteem. Permit us, gen- 
tlemen, to lay hold of this opportunity, to assure the illustrious 
commander-in-chief of your armies, that it is with sincere regret 
we feel ourselves separated from him, and to express the deepest 
respect for his virtues and military talents. As to myself, gentle- 
men, I shall never forget the happy days I have passed amongst 
you, and I beg you will believe that their remembrance will be for- 
ever dear to my memory. 

" I am with respect, gentlemen, your very humble and most 
obedient servant, Le Chevalier de la Valette." 

On Sunday, June 12th, Major Burnet, aide-de-camp to General 
Greene, accompanied by Major Edwards, passed through town on 
his way to I'hiladolphia with dispatches for Congress, announcing 
the evacuation of Charleston, 8. C, by the British, on the 14th of 
December, 1782, and on the 13th of January the "Delaware State 
regiment, with lank-lean cheeks and war-worn coats, passed through 
this town from South Carolina, on their way home." 

Messrs. Samuel Smitii, Samuel Purviance, Daniel Bowley, Jotin 
Sterrett, Thomas liussdl, Jtichard Kidgely, Jiobert Jlenik-rson, 
Thomas Elliott, and William Patterson were a])j)oitite(l wardens 
of the port of Baltiniore for five ycai'S, to be renewed by election 



208 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

of the electors of the special commissioners every five years in suc- 
cession. They elected Mr. Purviance chairman, and were author- 
ized to make a survey and chart of the basin, harbor, and the 
Patapsco river. Also to, ascertain the depth and course of the 
channel, and provide for cleaning the same ; and the sum of one 
penny per ton was imposed upon every vessel entering or clearing, 
which was raised to two cents, and sanctioned by Congress, after 
the adoption of the Constitution, to defray the expense. They 
were also authorized to make rules respecting wharves and wharf- 
age, and keeping them in repair. There was still no public wharf, 
but that of about 100 feet on Calvert street, and no private 
wharves extending above 200 feet, except those of Messrs. Spear, 
Smith, and Buchanan ; so that the space occupied by the water at 
that time was perhaps equal to double the surface of the present 
basin and dock. Messrs. John and Andrew Ellicott purchased the 
water lot and extended a wharf on Light street, for the filling of 
which the}' used a drag, and, with a team of horses, drew the oozy 
sediment from the bottom of the river. They also jDrocured iron 
scoops to be used by hand or windlass, with which the same opera- 
tion was performed, and was improved upon by Messrs. Cruse and 
Colver, with the use of horses. This primitive and rude process 
was the simple mud-machine of our ancestors. 

A company, chiefly composed of Baltimoreans, was very soon 
formed and incorporated to make a canal on the Susquehanna ; 
and in the year 1799, another corporation was created to finite 
the waters of the Chesapeake and Delaware by the same means. 

The defects of the original plan of the town now became more 
burthgnsome, and on the petition of a number of inhabitants, a law 
was passed authorizing the commissioners of the town to make 
Hanover lane the width of sixtj'-six feet, being an extension to 
the street of that name in Mr. Howard's addition, assessing the 
damages sustained and the benefits from which the same should 
be paid. By the consent of the proprietors of the grounds, the 
commissioners also oj^ened Holliday street of the width of eighty 
feet ; Lemmon street thirty-three feet ; Orange lane eighteen 
feet ; and widened East lane, now Fayette street, from Holliday 
to Gay street, to forty feet. Holliday street was extended north- 
wardly fifty feet wide, in 1810. In 1787, Light lane was widened 
to thirty-eight feet and a half; a street called Walnut street, then 
bounding tlie town southwesterly, was entirely closed, and Forrest 
street, now Sharp street alley, north of Baltimore street, which 
had been laid out sixty-six feet, was limited to a lane of eighteen 
feet. In 1792, Tammany and Chatham streets, now part of 
Fayette street, were opened to the width of forty feet ; Charles 
Btreet was extended across two or three docks Irom Camden to 
Barre street in 1796, and the docks filled up; and from thence 
Goodman street, now Charles Street, was opened south. Sharping 
Une was widened to forty-nine and a half feet from Gay to South 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 209 

streets, and called Second street, of which it was an extension, in 
1798. 

An attempt to establish a bank failed; but a better project — 
to light the streets — succeeded, as well as the plan of a day police, 
and a night watch to guard the viHagers while they slept. Our 
8000 townsmen of that day were, however, so exempLary in their 
demeanor, both in daylight and darkness, that but three con- 
stables were required for hours of business, and but fourteen 
watchmen for the night. 

In the course of this j'car regular lines of stage coaches were 
established to Fredericktown and Annapolis. 

Col. Iloward commenced his improvements at Belvedere, and 
William Gibson his dwelling west of the town. The greater part 
of the Baltiraoreans who Avent to the wars and held commissions 
returned as permanent residents to the town, and were soon fol- 
lowed by such persons as General Otho Holland Williams, Colonel 
Eamsc}', Colonel McHenry, General Swann, Colonel Bankson, the 
Tilghinans, Strickers, Clemms, Ballards, and Harrises, Martin 
Eichelberger, Yeiser, Samuel Sadler, John Lynch, Clement Skerrett, 
John Brevet; also Paul Bentalon, who was first a captain of 
cavalry in Pulaski's Legion, and hud become chief officer and com- 
mander of the survivors of that gallant corps, and in whose arms 
the brave Pulaski died after the siege of Savannah. Some French, 
gentlemen established commercial houses during or after the war, 
viz : Moubos, Latil, Zacharie, Pascault, Dumeste, Delaporte ; and 
the Chevalier D'Aumour, the French Consul for Maryland and 
Virginia, made his residence in Baltimore. Directly after the 
peace several merchants from other jjarts oif this State settled 
here, who were Messrs. Slubey, James Carey, W. Potts, William 
West, Haxall, Van Wyck, Contee, Dall, Stouffer, Starck, Kimmel, 
Isaac Solomon, George Evans, Elisha Tyson, Barton, William 
Young, Henry Johnson, and Johonnot; and a number of European 
gentlemen, among whom were Messrs. S. Wilson, R. Oliver, A, 
Campl^ell, James Buchanan, Eiddell, S, Liggatt, J. Salmon, Carrere, 
G. Salmon, Mayer, A. Stewart, A. Robinson, Grundy, J. Hollins, 
Caton, Coopman, Hodgson, Buckler, ^Nicholson, Brune, Neilson, 
Schroeder, Seekamp, Ghequiere, Brantz, Katien, Konecke, Von 
Kaptf, Labes, McCausland, Hackett, Zollickoffer, and Messonier, 
and established liouses of trade. 

By the Minerva, Capt. Zelt, Harmony, Capt. Lysle, Paca, Kell, 
and (tther vessels, there wei'e brought here a great many L'ish 
and German redemptioners, and a society for the aid of the Ger- 
mans not speaking the language of the country was formed. 

Tliose Justices who resided in or near the town, and most fre- 
quently occupied the bench, were A. Buchanan, John Moale, W. 
Huchanan, J. V'anbibber, A. Vanbibber, Geo. Lindenberger, James 
(alhoun, William iiussell, Thomas liusseli, James McIIeiiry, Peter 
Sheppard, Henry Wilson, Thomas J']lliott, John Merryman, Robert 
14 



210 CHEONICLES OF BALTIMOEE. 

Lemmon, Thomas Sellers, and Jesse Busey, Esqs. ; and the gentle- 
men of the bar, besides the Attorney-General, Samuel Johnson, 
Richard Eidgely, Aquilla Hall, Eobert Smith, Zeb Hollingsworth, 
James Carroll, W. H. Dorsey, William Moore, Einald Johnson, 
Archibald Eobinson, Eobert Milligan, Eobert Goldsborough, Henry 
Eidgely, Peter Carnes, and Thomas Gittings, Esqs. The doctors 
at this period were Johnson, Goodwin, Troup, Andrews, Coale, 
Gilder, Brown, Littlejohn, Eoss, A. Wiesenthall, and Buchanan, 

In May, James McHenry was appointed a member of Congress 
in the place of Edward Giles, deceased, Zachariah Allen was ap- 
pointed Notary Public, being the first here ; and in October, John 
Sterrett was elected a delegate to the Assembly in the place of 
Mr. Fell. 

On Wednesday, Nov.. 5th, were executed, near this town, John 
Lee and Eobert Conaway, for felony, and on the 12th, Francis 
Piers (a Spaniard) for murder. 

Arrived hei-e on the 6th of November, the ship Duke of Leinster, 
Capt, Devereux, from Dublin, having on board redemptioners and 
servants. 

Now that the war was over, the remnants of the old Line and 
the regiments, having already, upon the scene of their Southern 
exploits, been presented, through Gen. Greene, with the thanks of 
both Houses of the Legislature for their gallantry and good con- 
duct, turned their footsteps towards their native State, to be dis- 
banded, and to carry to their homes their honorable scars and 
constitutions broken by fatigue. General Nathaniel Greene speak- 
ing of these noble patriots, says in his letter to Gov. Lee : " Slany 
of your ofiicers are on their return home. I should be wanting in 
gratitude not to acknowledge their singular merit and the import- 
ance of their services. They have spilt their blood freely in the 
service of their country, and have faced eveiy danger and difficulty 
without a murmur or complaint. I beg leave to recommend Col. 
Williams, who has been at the head of your Line, to the particular 
notice of your State, as an officer of great merit and good conduct, 
A very considerable number of those (Maryland Line) returned 
are not, nor ever will be, fit for service again. They are incapable 
of doing active duty, and ought to be turned over to the Invalid 
Corps." 

On the 4th of November, Mr. Sterett's brewery was burned 
down. Overcome by this second distressing calamity, in which the 
citizens warmly sympathized with the then venerable sutterer, Mr. 
Sterett declined business during the remainder of his life. But Mr. 
Thomas Peters moved from Philadel2:)hia, and erected the brewery 
near Lombard street bridge in the course of the year, which was 
also destroyed by fire some years after and rebuilt. 

In the last week of December there were eleai*ed out two 
ships, three brigs and two schooners, a proof of enterprize which 
did not escape the penetrating eye of General Washington, who, in 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 211 

answer to the address of the citizens, on the 18th of December, at 
a public dinner given to him in this city when on his way to 
Annapolis to resign his commission to Congress there assembled, 
that bod^- being threatened at Philadelphia by the discontented 
ti'oops of that State about to be disbanded, he expressed his pious 
good will, a good will which Heaven seems to have blessed in our 
favor : 

"Sir: — The town of Baltimore feels a universal joy on your 
Excellencj-'s arrival, and willing to testify in an acceptable manner 
the most grateful senses of your eminent services and superior 
abilities, we are intrusted to congratulate your Excellency on the 
glorious and happy conclusion of an unequal, precarious and bloody 
War, through which you have successfully commanded the armies 
of the United States, established the liberties and independence of 
your native country, and gained to yourself the unrivalled appella- 
tion of its most illustrious citizen. May your Excellency long 
survive the fatigues and calamities of war ; may health, case and 
domestic tranquillity smooth your path of life, and Heaven here- 
after grant the only adequate reward of your exalted merit, 

" We have the honor to be, with perfect respect and esteem, 
your Excellency's most obedient and most humble servants, 

" William Smith, 
" Samuel Purviance, 
"John Sterrett, 
" O. H. Williams." 

His Excellency's answer : 

" Gentlemen : — The acceptable manner in which you have wel- 
comed my arrival in the town of Baltimore, and the happy terms 
in which you have communicated the congratulations of its inhabi- 
tants, lay me under the greatest obligations. Be pleased, gentle- 
men, to receive this last public acknowledgment for the repeated 
instances of your politeness, and to believe it is my earnest wish 
that the commerce, the improvements and universal prosperity of 
this flourishing town, may, if possible, increase with even more 
rapidity than they have hitherto done. 

" I have the honor to be, with the greatest esteem, gentlemen, 
your most obedient and humble servant, 

"G. AVasiiington. 

"To William Smith, ~| 

"Samuel Purviance, I c . „ 
,, T £■ > Esquires. 

"John Sterrett, j ^ 

"0. K. Williams, J 

MaJ.-(icn. (rreene, accompanied by MaJ. Hyrne, arrived here 
on the oOih of Septemljer, tVom CliarlcHton, South Carolina. An 
elegant entei-tainment was provided for him at Grant's tavern, by 
the citizens of the town, whore a numerous company attended, and 



212 CHEONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

spent the day with the greatest joy and happiness, in the course 
of which many interesting and pleasing reflections and observa- 
tions were made complimentary to their " illustrious guest." On 
this occasion the following address was presented : 

"To the Honorable Major-General Greene: 
" Sir : — The citizens of Baltimore, being strongly impressed 
with a grateful sense of the important services which you have 
rendered to your country, are happy in an opportunity of con- 
gratulating you on your safe return to this place. We, who have 
the hajjpiness of expressing their sentiments on this pleasing oc- 
casion, shall not attempt to recite the honors of your brilliant and 
successful campaign, already written in indelible characters on the 
hearts of your grateful countrymen. We trust they will be faith- 
fully transmitted to posterity in the brightest pages of our history, 
which shall record the important circumstances of the glorious 
Eevolution, to which your services have so greatly contributed. 
It affords us particular satisfaction when we reflect, that the gal- 
lant officers and soldiers of this State have had so great a share in 
the brilliant achievements of your peaceful command. 

" With every sentiment of personal respect for you and those 
brave men, and wishing both a lasting enjoyment of health, peace, 
and independence, we have the honor to be, in behalf of the citizenB 
of Baltimore, Sir, your most obedient and most humble servants, 

" William Smith,' 
" William Spear, 
"Samuel Purviance, 
" Abraham Vanbibber, 
" Samuel Smith." 

The General's answer : 

" Baltimore, 30th September, 1783. 

" Gentlemen : — Nothing can be more welcome than your kind 
congratulations upon my return, or anything more flattering 
to the feelings of a soldier than your sentiments of the Southern 
operations. Every opportunity of expressing my obligations to 
the officers and troops of this State, affords me the highest 
satisfaction. They have been companions with me in the hours 
of adversity, and have greatly contributed to all our little suc- 
cesses. Your professions of respect and generous wishes for my 
happiness, excite the most lively emotions of a grateful mind, 
and I beg leave to offer my warmest acknowledgments ujDon this 
occasion, and to add my good wishes for the prosperity and hap- 
piness of this town. 

" I have the honor to be, gentlemen, your most obedient and 
humble servant, Nathaniel Greene." 

On the 27th of July, Brigadier-General Mordecai Gist, with 
the remnants of the Maryland Line, consisting of about 500 men, 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 213 

arrived in Baltimore, from Annapolis, having arrived there in 
transports from Charleston, S. C. 

On the 19th of October, 1781, after a three weeks' siege, Corn- 
"wallis surrendered himself and his army prisoners to George 
Washington. By that surrender the War of the llevolution was 
virtually ended, and the independence of the American Colonies 
finally consummated. In the glorious struggle which ol)tained 
that independence, no State bore a more conspicuous part than our 
own Maryland, and no county of Maiyland was more distinguished 
through the gallant deeds of her patriotic sons than that of Balti- 
more. Throughout the whole contest Maryland had been distin- 
guished for its zeal in support of the common cause, ever coming 
forward A\ith readiness at the call of the Commander-in-Chief In 
spite of the difficulties with which it was surrounded, it had fur- 
nished during the war to the Continental army fifteen thousand 
two hundred and twenty-nine men, in addition to those enlisted in 
the independent corps, the State companies, the marine and naval 
force, and five thousand four hundred and seven militia. No 
troops in the Continental army had rendered better service, en- 
dured more fatigue, or won greater glory than the Maryland Line. 
In proportion to their number, no body of men suffered more 
severely. They were the first to use the baj^onet against the e'x- 
perienced regulars of the enemy, and that in their earliest battle ; 
and throughout the succeeding struggles of the war, they were 
most oftcjn called on to lead with that effective weapon into the 
ranks of the foe. They seldom shrank from the encounter. At 
Long Island a fragment of a battalion shook with repeated charges 
a whole brigade of British regulars; at White Plains they held 
the advancing columns at ba}^ ; at Ilarlaem Heights they drove 
the enemy from the ground ; at Germantovvn they swept through 
the hostile camp with their fixed bayonets far in advance of the 
whole army ; and at Cowpens and at Eutaw their serried ranks 
bore down all opposition with unloaded muskets ; and at Guilford 
and at Camden, though victory did not settle on their banners, 
they fought with a courage which won the admiration and sur- 
prise of their enemies: everywhere they used the bayonet with 
terribk' effect. Entering into the war two strong battalions, they 
were soon reduced to a single company. Again swelled up to seven 
regiments, the}' were again thinned by their losses to a single regi- 
ment, and before the campaign had well passed they were once 
more promptly recruited to four full battalions of more than two 
thousand men. Tiiere is something strangely affecting in the lan- 
guage of the Maryland Council of Safety on announcing to our 
delegate in Congress that the State quota of troops had been 
raised, when we recall the heroic devotion and the sad fate of the 
noble youths who filK'd their riinks: "We shall have near four 
thousand men with you in a short time. This exceeds our projior- 
tion for the flying camit; but we are sending all that we have that 



214 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

can be armed and equipped ; and the people of New York, for 
whom we have great affection, can have no more than our all." 
Maryland was the first to nominate George Washington as Com- 
mander-in-Chief of the American forces, and she ever sustained 
him with a devotion unsurpassed even by the State of his birth. 

The richest wealth of any people is the fame of their great 
men. All other evidences of their existence may pass away — 
this only is immortal. Carthage has long since mouldered into 
the dust, but the name of her Hannibal still lives and reminds us 
of what his country once was. Sparta is no more, but the name 
of her Leonidas preserves the remembrance of her ancient glory. 
Athens has dwindled to an unimportant village, but the fame of 
her Solon, her Demosthenes, her Themistocles, and many others 
distinguished in letters or in arms, remind her that she was once 
the freest and most enlightened nation of antiquity. And so with 
ancient Rome, the names of her Cicero and her Brutus, of her 
Csesar and her Scipio, hand down to modern times the remem- 
brance that a city built along the shores of the muddy Tiber, and 
now too weak to defend herself against the invasion of any petty 
army of French or Austrians who may choose to take possession, 
that this feeble city was once the proud mistress of the civilized 
w'orld. It is the duty of every people to cherish the memory of 
its great men, whether their distinction has been won by efforts of 
intellect or by deeds of heroism in arms. The renown of a great 
statesman, an accomplished scholar, an eloquent orator, or a suc- 
cessful warrior, forms a portion of the reputation of his country, 
and every citizen should feel a just pride in endeavoring to per- 
petuate its remembrance. Full justice has never been done to the 
memory of the noble heroes 'whom Maryland contributed to the 
army of the Eevolution. The first histories of that eventful 
struggle — prepared at times when the materials for accurate nar- 
ratives were accessible — were generally the productions of citi- 
zens of the Northern States. The men of the South, prompt in 
action, had less taste than their Northern neighbors for writing 
accounts of their achievements, and fewer facilities for publishing 
such histories, even if they had been disposed to write them. The 
result was that the historians of the North, without meaning to 
do injustice to the patriot warriors of the South, gave especial 
prominence to the achievements of those who belonged to their 
own section. While enlarging with a just pride upon the gallant 
deeds of their own ancestors and neighbors, they passed over in 
comparative silence those performed by the soldiery from other 
sections of the confederac3\ Thus every school-boy in Maryland 
for the last fifty years has been taught to admire the heroism of a 
Montgomery, a Grreene, a Gates, a Putnam, a Sullivan, and a 
Wayne, while the equally glorious services of the patriot soldiers 
of his own State, of a Smallwood, a Gist, a Howard, a Smith, and 
a Williams, have scarcely been heard of, or communicated as if 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 215 

they were of a chai-acter which made them comparatively unim- 
portant. It is full time that this injustice should be repaired. 
There was a Smallwood, than whom a more _iii;allant officer was not 
to be found in the whole American army. lie served throughout 
the war, and led the Maryland columns in many a victorious 
charge. Directly after the close of the contest, the Legislature of 
his State testified their admiration of his services by thrice elect- 
ing him her Chief Executive. He now sleeps under the sod of his 
native county, near the waters of the Potomac, with not even a 
stone to mark the spot where the remains of a hero are laid. 
There was a Williams, who began his career at the first dawn of the 
devolution as a lieutenant in a rifle company raised in Frederick, 
and marched around Boston. He came out of the war a brigadier- 
general, and no soldier ever won promotion by more arduous, 
patriotic and gallant achievements. There were many others 
from other parts of the State whose names are worth}'^ of our re- 
membrance and admiration ; of these we have not space to give 
them in a work of this kind. But there wei'^ men, not less dis- 
tinguished than any of those alluded to, who stood during the war 
among the columns of the American army as the immediate repre- 
sentatives of the patriotism and bravery of the town of Baltimore. 
And the names of such men should not be forgotten, nor their ser- 
vices fail to be remembered. In December, 1774, a convention 
of delegates from all parts of Maryland assembled at Annapolis, 
and recommended to their fellows-citizens to prepare for the con- 
test which they foresaw was soon to be commenced. A few weeks 
afterwards, in response to the call, a band of patriots assembled 
within the limits of Baltimore, and organized as the " Baltimore 
Independent Company." It was the first Revolutionary corps orga- 
nized in Maryland, and a young man, little over thirty years of age, 
a native of Baltimore, was chosen its Captain. That young man 
was Mordecai Gist. Three months afterwards news arrived that 
the war had actually begun, and that blood had already been shed 
at Lexington and at Concord. On the 27th of August, 1776, Gen- 
eral Howe's army of British and Hessians, thirty thousand strong, 
were on Long Island advancing to attack the city of New York. 
Gen. Washington was? there, determined to defend it ; but the 
forces un<ler his command were but little more than half as nu- 
merous as those of tiie invaders. A large portion of the American 
army under Putnam were stationed around BrooUl^'n, to resist the 
enemy and prevent his nearer api>r(jach to ISI^ew York. Far in ad- 
vance of the main body of Putnam's army was stationed its right 
wing under Stirling, placed there to defend the widest and most 
l)racticable of the three routes to Brooklyn. In this wing is found 
H battalion of Marylanders. At dawn of day the dense columns 
of the British forces a<lvance upon the American lines. After sus- 
taining for a time tlio attack of superior numbers, the left wing of 
the Americans is forced to retreat, and soon the centre, under Sul- 



216 CHEONICLES OF BALTIMOEE. 

livan, also gives way. "Driven out from the woods upon the open 
plain in groups of fift}'' or sixt}^ men, and in full view of the troops 
which garrisoned the forts, the flying Americans were met by 
squadrons of British dragoons, followed by columns of infantry, 
which completely blocked their line of retreat. Hurled back again 
upon the Hessian line by the dragoon charges which smote and 
crushed them, without discipline, or officers who could restore it, 
exposed to equal lines of fire in front and rear, man}^ of these de- 
tached squads attempted to surrender, flinging down their arms, 
or reversing them, to indicate submission ; but they were inclosed 
by an infuriated enemy, indifl^erent to these tokens of surrender, 
and were inhumanly cut to pieces." The British advance and oc- 
cupy the grounds between the American right wing and their en- 
trenchments at Brooklyn. And there stands Stirling's little di- 
vision, almost completely surrounded by an enemy more than five 
times its numbers. The only chance of escape is to ford a broad 
and dangerous creek before considered impassable. In a valuable 
woi'k published by the Long Island Historical Society, called the 
" Battle of Long Island," the following appears : 

" Fired with a common emulation of slaughter, Hessian and 
British troops were now pressing forward to inclose iStirling's di- 
vision between them and Grant, in the same fatal embrace which 
had crushed the life out of Sullivan's corps. The right wing of the 
enemy, commanded by Lord Cornwallis in person, was hastening 
forward to occupy the junction of the Porte and Gowanus roads. 
Cornwallis had proceeded as far as the Cartelyon House, which is 
beyond a doubt the dwelling sometimes spoken of as a 'stone' and 
sometimes as a 'brick' house, of both of which materials it is con- 
structed. This house Cornwallis proceeded at once to occupy as a 
redoubt. It thus became apparent to Lord Stii-ling that his posi- 
tion was no longer defensible. What an appalling change from the 
confidence and elation of an hour before ! The gigantic extent and 
the consummate skill of the British combination was apparent to 
the General at a glance. The noble soul of the generous soldier at 
once impelled him to the great sacrifice which, at such an hour, is 
all that is left for a defeated commander. The onset of the victo- 
rious foe must be checked while his retreating columns toiled 
through the salt marshes and across the deep tide-water creek in 
their rear. To the heroic mind of Stirling there was no necessity 
for reflection upon the decision. In such minds instinct is a safer 
guide than is the maturest judgment in others. The decision is a 
species of inspiration. Fortunately for his jiurpose, the noblest in- 
struments for his design were at hand. The Maryland regiment, 
now commanded by Major Gist, some portions of which had, from 
the peculiar formation of Stirling's Jine, fought on the i-ight wing, 
although part of the left, was still nearly intact, and was burning 
with jjatriotism and the desire for distinction. This body of young 
men, sons of the best families of Catholic Maryland, had been emu- 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 217" 

Ions of the praise of being the best drilled and disciplined of the 
Kevolutioiuxry forces; and their high spirit, their courage, their 
self-devotion, as well as the discipline of which the}' were proud, 
were now to be proved in the fierce furnace of battle. Flinging 
himself at the head of these brave lads, who on that day for the 
first time saw the flash of an enemy's guns, Stirling determined to 
stem the advance of the foe. The little band, noAv hardly number- 
ing f )ur hundred men, prepared for an assault upon five times their 
number, of the best troops of the invading army, who were inflamed 
witli all the arrogance of successful combat. Forming, hurriedly, on 
ground in the vicinity of Fifth avenue and Tenth street, the light 
column advanced along the Gowanus road into the jaws of battle, 
with unwavering front. Artillery ploughed the fast-thinning 
ranks with the awful bolts of war, infantry poured its volleys of 
musket-balls in almost solid sheets of lead upon them, and from 
the adjacent hills the deadly Hessian Yagers sent swift messengers 
of death into many a manly form. Still, above the roar of cannon, 
musketry and rifles, was heard the shout of their brave leaders, 
'Close up! Close up!' and again the staggering yet unflinching 
files, grown fearfully thin, drew together, and turned their stern 
young faces to their countrj^'s foe. At the head of this devoted 
band marched their General, to whom even victory had now be- 
come less important than an honorable death which might pur- 
chase the safe retreat of his army. Amid all the terrible carnage 
of the hour there was no hurry, no confusion, only a grim despair, 
which their courage and self-devotion dignified into martyrdom. 
The advanced bodies of the enemy were driven back upon the 
Cartelyon House, now become a formidable redoubt, from the 
windows of which the leaden hail thinned the patriot ranks as 
they approached. Lord Cornwallis hurriedly brought two guns into 
position near one corner of the house, and added their canister and 
grape to the tempest of death. At last the little column halted, 
powerless to advance in the face of this murderous fire, yet disdain- 
ing to retreat with the disgrace of a flight. Again and again these 
self-devoted heroes closed their raidvs over the bodies of their dead 
comrades, and still turned their faces to the foe. But the limit of 
human endurance had for the time been reached, and the shattered 
column was driven back. Their task was not, however, yet fully 
performed- As Stirling looked across the salt meadows, away to 
the scene of his late struggle at liluckie's Barracks, and saw the 
confused masses of his countrymen crowding the narrow causeway 
over Frecke's mill-pond, or struggling through the muddy tide- 
stream, ho felt how precious to their country's liberty were the 
lives of his retreating soldiers, and again nerved himself for a combat 
which he knew could oidy prove a sacrifice. Once more he called 
upon the survivors of the ])revioiis dreadful assault, and again the 
noble young men gathereil around their (Jencral. IFow sadly he 
must have looked upon them, scarcely more than boys, so young, 



218 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

so brave, and to meet again the pitiless iron hail! The impetus 
and spirit of this charge carried the battalion over every obstacle, 
quite to the house. The gunners were driven from their battery, and 
Cornwallis seemed about to abandon the position ; but the galling 
fire from the interior of the house and from the adjacent high 
ground, with the overwhelming numbers of the enemy who were 
now approaching, again compelled a retreat. Three times more 
the survivors rallied, flinging themselves upon the constantly 
reinforced ranks of the enemy ; but the combat, so long and so un- 
equall}' sustained, was now hastening to its close. A few minutes 
more of this destroying fire, and two hundred and fifty-six of the 
noble youth of Maryland were either prisoners in the hands of the 
enemy, or lay side bj' side in that awful mass of dead and dying. 
The sacrifice had been accomplished, and the flying army had been 
saved from complete destruction. Amid the carnage Stirling was 
left almost alone, and scorning to yield himself to a British subject, 
he sought the Hessian General De Heister, and only to him would 
he surrender his sword. On the conical hill, within the American 
lines, stood the Commander-in-Chief, Gen. Washington ; and, as he 
witnessed the assault, the repulse and the massacre, he exchximed 
in agony of heart, 'Great God! what must my brave boys suffer 
to-day.' From the eminence on which he stood, the termination of 
the last struggle of the brave Marylanders was plainly and pain- 
full}-^ visible to him. On the shore of Gowanus Bay sleep the re- 
mains of this noble band. . . . Rebel tongues have chanted the refrain 
of ' Maiyland, my Maryland ; ' but they cannot rob the nation of 
the sad sweet thought : ' She is Maryland, our Maryland. Her dead 
on the field of battle are our dead, her fame and her glory are 
our pride and our i-ejoicing. We weep over her fallen in the cause 
of liberty, and we do not cease to honor them because of their 
kinsmen who would have robbed her of her fame by allying her to 
the coalition of liberticides. Dulce et decorum est pro patrla mori.'' 
In a letter written Sept. 1st, 1776, the writer says : " The 
Marj'land battalion lost two hundred and fifty-nine men, amongst 
whom twelve were officers : Capts. Veasy and Bowie, Lieuts. But- 
ler, Sterrit, Dent, Coursey, Morse, Prawl, Ensigns Corts and Fer- 
nandis. Who are killed and who prisoners is yet uncertain." From 
the Brooklyn Union of Jan. 17th, 18G7, we take the following: 
" This is the old stone house which stands on the southrcast corner 
of Third street and Fifth avenue, (Prospect Park) which was at 
the time of the battle a British redoubt, and marks the spot where 
Stirling and his heroic band of Marylanders made the stand which 
saved the remnant of the American army fiying across the Gow- 
anus marshes, though it cost the lives of nearly all. Here is a 
place with a kind of Thermopylae glory hovering about it. We 
shall be negligent of our duty if in some way it is not preserved 
to the people. We hope that the Commissioriers will also be 
authorised to raise a plain but suitable monument to the nobk- 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 219 

band of Southerners who there laid down their lives in support of our 
common liberties." It was the first time that the American Con- 
tinentals had dared to meet in the fierce encounter of bayonets 
the regulars of Great Britain, and it Avas ]\[ordecai Gist who first 
taught his countrymen that they were equal to the sustainment of 
such a conflict. Shortly afterwards Gist was made a Colonel, and 
in 1779 a Brigadier-General. At Germantown he was in the 
thickost of the fight; and on the disastrous field of Canulcn it 
was Gist who stood side by side with the noble Do Kalb, and held 
the enemy in check long after Gates with the rest of the American 
forces had retreated from the field. Lee, in his memoirs of the 
campaigns of the South, says: "Rawdon could not bring the 
brigade of Gist to recede ; bold was the pressure of the foe — firm 
as a rock the resistance of Gist." Here, as at Brooklyn, Gist's com- 
mand formed a part of the right wing of the patriot army, and 
here, as there, he was the last officer to retire from the field, and 
was able to do so and escape capture only by cutting his way, 
with a mere handful of devoted followers, through the midst of 
the enemy's ranks. Had the rest of the army displayed half the 
same gallantry as the Mar3-landers, the battle of Camden, instead 
of a defeat, would have been one of the most glorious victories of 
the American arms. There fell the brave De Kalb, covered 
with Avounds, and his dying moments were spent in expressing his 
praise of the noble Maryland regiments, and his admiration of Gist 
and its other gallant ofl^cers. 

Among those officers, standing foremost in every charge upon 
that bloody field, and among the last to leave it, was another son 
of Baltimore, and one of whose achievements on many other oc- 
casions she has just cause to be proud. We speak of the gallant, 
the lion-hearted Howard. John Eager Howard was born in Bal- 
timoi-e County, on the 4th of June, 1752. At twent3'-four years 
of age he joined the American army as a Captain in the regiment 
of Col. J. Carville Hall, raised from Baltimore and Harford 
Counties. Soon after we find him in the army of Washington at 
the battle of White Plains. At the battle of Germantown, in the 
absence of its Colonel, detained by sickness, the youthful Howard 
had command of his regiment, and letl it again and again into the 
thickest of the fight. He was with Wasliington at Monmouth, 
with (lates at Camden, with Greene at Guilford, Hobkirk's Hill, 
and Kutaw; and at Cowpens, though not first in command, was the 
most ])r<>minent hero of the day. No American officer during 
tho.se seven years was more frequently engaged in desperate con- 
flicts with the enemy, and by none were performed more numerous 
acts of heroic daring. The distant cannonade was not the kind of 
warfare y)leasing to his ardent temperament; he delighted to 
meet the foe in the close encounter lA' crossed bayonets. At Cam- 
den, Cowpens, (Juilford, and Kutaw, ho gave evideiiees of his un- 
equalled skill in the use (jf that dangerous weapon. At Camden, 



220 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMOEE. 

after Gates had fled from the field, Howard at the head of his regi- 
ment charged upon the ranks of the enemy, drove them before 
him with his keen bayonets, and was near retrieving the fortunes 
of the day. At Cowpcns, cheering on his men, he rushed like a 
thunderbolt upon the British infantry while advancing as if to 
certain victory. The shock was terrible — the foe were unable to 
stand befoi'e it. Tarleton's best troops recoiled — fled — and Howard 
stood master of the field. He had charged without orders; and as 
he stood Avith the swords of seven British ofiicers in his hands, 
whom he had just taken prisoners, Morgan rode up to him and 
said : " You have done well, for you are successful ; had you failed, 
I would have shot you." After this victory at Cowpens, Gi-en. 
Greene gave orders that the Maryland Line should use the bayonet 
in every battle. At Guilford these orders were nobly executed, 
and Howard, with his Maryland bayonets, again drove before him 
the choicest veterans of the British army. At Eutaw, when a 
large portion of his army began to waver and fall back, Greene 
ordered the Marylanders and Virginians to reserve their fire and 
charge with the bayonet. Tbat desperate charge, made in the 
face of a close and murderous fire, decided the fortunes of the day. 
Howai'd's regiment was received by the " Buff's," a choice Irish 
corps ; and here was witnessed the fiercest encounter of that hard- 
fought field. Ranks mingled together ; bayonets were crossed ; 
and for a time there was between these two brave bands the 
most bloody hand-to-hand struggle. But the " Buff's " were at last 
forced to give way. General Greene rode up and complimented 
Howard's regiment and its commander in the warmest terms. In 
his dispatches, giving an account of the battle, Greene said : 
".Nothing could exceed the gallantry of the Maryland Line. Cols. 
Williams and Howard, and all the officers, exhibited acts of uncom- 
mon bravery, and the free use of the bayonet, by this and some 
other corps, gave us the victory." After the close of the Eevolu- 
tion, the State of Maryland testified her appreciation of Col. How- 
ard's gallant services by thrice electing him her Governor, and after- 
wards twice sending him to represent her in the Senate of the 
United States. General Washington invited him to a seat in his 
Cabinet as Secretary of War, which high honor he magnani- 
mously declined. During the war of 1812, Howard was still living. 
When the British army, flushed with their easy victory at BladenS- 
burg, were thi-eatening an attack upon Baltimore, some of the more 
timid of its inhabitants proposed to purchase the safety of their 
property from impending destruction by an inglorious capitulation. 
Howard answered the proposition indignantly, with a response 
worthy of his own character and of lasting remembrance : " I 
have," said he, " as much property at stake as most persons, and I 
have four sons in the field ; but sooner would I see my sons welter- 
ing in their blood, and my property reduced to ashes, than so far 
disgrace the country." 



CHKONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 221 

There was anothei* of Baltimore's representatives in the armies 
of the Revolution, whose name should not be forgotten. Though 
not born on her soil, he had lived there from his earliest boyhood. 
Directly after the first news of the conflict at Lexington, the Com- 
mittee of Safety of Baltiniore, headed by its chairman, Mr. Pur- 
viance, took the bold resolution of forthwith arresting the British 
Governor of Maryland (Etlcn) then at Annapolis. They looked 
around for some daring spirit willing to execute their perilous 
command, and found the agent whom they sought in the person 
of Samuel Smith, then commander of one of the newly raised patriot 
companies. Capt. Smith, then a youth of twenty-two, proceeded 
at once to the execution of the orders of the committee. But these 
orders were disapproved by the general committee of the State, 
and Capt. Smith was ordered to return to Baltimore. This gallant 
youth, soon after promoted to a colonelcy, won unfading laurels by 
his noble defence of Fort Mifflin, or the Mud Fort, ou the Schuyl- 
kill, through a seven weeks' siege, against the jjowerful land and 
naval forces of the British, seeking to open the communication 
between Philadelphia and the Atlantic. lie endured with Wash- 
ington's army the privation's of the winter's camp at Valley 
Forge, and his undaunted courage was displayed on the fields 
of Brandy wine and Monmouth. After the adoption of the Federal 
Constitution he was frequently elected to represent his district in 
the National Congress ; and, for the almost unexampled period of 
twenty-three years, filled with great distinction the exalted position 
of Senator of the United States from Mai-yland. In 1814, when the 
land and naval forces of Great Britain made their attack upon 
Baltimore, General Smith was the commanding ofiicer charged 
with the responsible duty of its defence ; and it was owing chiefly 
to the prudence and firmness displayed by him on that occasion 
that the invaders were repulsed, and the fair Monumental City 
saved from the same fate which had just before befallen the 
national capital. 

These patriot heroes are now no more. Gist and Howard, "Wil- 
liams and Smith, and the other gallant leaders of the old ^laryland 
Line, have all gone, one by one, to their final resting-place. But 
the work which they aided to accomplish still survives. American 
liberty, achieved by their valor and consecrated by their blood, 
still blesses their native land — the richest patrimony which they 
could bequeath to their descendants! 

John Jacob Astor, born in (Jermany, in the village of Waldorf, 
near Heidelberg, July 17th, 1703, died in New York, March 29th, 
1848. At the age of 20 years, in 1783, a few months after the re- 
cognition of the independence of the United States by Great Britain, 
he sailed for Baltimore, taking with him a few hundred dollars' 
worth of musical instruments to dispose of on commission. The 
vessel had reached Chesapeake Bay when a storm threatened ship- 
wreck. Astor surprised the pawsengers by appearing on deck 



222 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

arrayed in his best suit, but gave a satisfactory answer to their 
inquiries. " If," said he, " I save my life, it shall be in my best 
clothes ; if I perish, it is no matter what becomes of them." On 
the voyage he made acquaintance with a shrewd and communica- 
tive furrier, in accordance with whose suggestions he removed to 
New York, where he exchanged his musical instruments for furs, 
with which he immediately hastened back to London, where he dis- 
posed of them to great advantage. At his death his fortune was 
the largest ever accumulated in America : estimated at not less 
than $20,000,000. He gave many liberal donations during his life- 
time, and his will contained numerous charitable provisions. The 
crown of his beneficence is, however, the Astor Library in the City 
of New York, to which he bequeathed $400,000 for its establish- 
ment. 

We will now (so far as facts will enable us) present some 
memoi'ials of the habits and state of society as they existed in 
former years, and chiefly such as they were when everything par- 
took of colonial submission and simplicity, when we had not learnt 
to aspire to great things. To this end we shall here show the 
state of the past " glimmering through the dream of things that 
were." 

It is said of the primitive state of society, prior to the Revolu- 
tion, that great encouragement and ready pay were given to all 
conditions of tradesmen and workingmen. None need stand idle. 
Lawyers' and physicians' services were little required, as all were 
peaceable and healthy. Women's wages were peculiarly high, for 
two reasons: the sex were not numerous, which tended to make 
them in demand, and therefore to raise the price of their labor. 
Besides, as these generally married by the time they were twenty 
years of age, they sought to procure a maid-servant for themselves 
in turn. Old maids were not to be met with, neither jealousy of 
husbands. The children were generally well favored and beautiful 
to behold, and without the least blemish. Numerous traditionary 
accounts attest the fact that there was always among the early 
settlers a frank and generous hospitality. Their entertainments 
were devoid of glare and show, but alwa^^s abundant and good. 
The old people all testify that the young of their youth were much 
more reserved and held much more restraint in the presence of 
their elders and parents than now. Bashfulness and modesty in 
the young were then regarded as virtues, and the pi^esent freedom 
before the aged was not then countenanced. Young lovers then 
listened gravely, and took side-long glances when before their 
parents or elders. It was the custom in early days for the young 
part of the family, and especially of the female part, to dress up 
neatly towards the close of the day and sit in the street porch. 
It was customary to go from porch to porch in neighborhoods and 
sit and converse. Young gentlemen in passing used to aftect to 
say that, while they admired the charms of the fair who were thus 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 2-3 

occupied, tbey found it a severe ordeal, as they thought they 
might become the subject of remark. This, however, was a mere 
banter. Those days were really very agreeable and sociable. To 
be so easilj' gratified with a sight of the whole city population 
must have been peculiarly grateful to every travelling stranger. 
This custom still prevails tluring the periods of our hot summer 
seasons, when the whole population is out of doors in the evening, 
a sight which always excites the attention of strangers from the 
Xorth. It was customary for persons to live on the same spot 
where they pursued their business, a convenience and benefit now 
so generally departed from by the general class of traders. Then 
wives and daughters veiy often served in the stores of their 
parents, and the retail dry-goods business was mostlj^in the hands 
of widows or maiden ladies. In early days, if a citizen failed in 
business it was a cause of general and deep regret. Every man 
who met his neighbor spoke of his chagrin. It was a rare occur- 
rence, because honesty and temperance in trade were then univer- 
sal ; and none embarked then without a previous means adapted to 
their business. Dinners and suppers went the round of every 
social circle at Christmas, and they who partook of the former 
were also expected to remain for the supper. Afternoon visits 
were made, not at night, as now, but at so early an hour as to per- 
mit matrons to go home and see their children put to bed. ^Ye 
have often heard aged citizens say that decent citizens had a uni- 
versal speaking acquaintance with eacli other, and everybody 
promptly recognized a stranger in the streets. The tradesmen 
oefore the Eevolution (we mention this fact with all good feeling) 
were an entirely ditterent generation of men from the present. 
They did not then, as now, present the appeai'ance in dress of gen- 
tlemen. Between them and what were deemed the hereditary 
gentlemen there Avas a marked difference. " The gentry think 
scorn of leather aprons," said Shakspeare. In truth, the aristocracy 
of the gentlemen then was noticed if not felt. In that day the 
tradesmen and their families had far less pride than now. AVhile 
at their work, or in going abroad on week days, all such as fol- 
lowed rough trades, such as cai'penters, masons, coopers, black- 
smiths, &c., universally wore a leathern apron before them, and 
covering all their vest. Dingy buekskin' breeches, once yellow, 
and check shirts and a red flannel jacket were the common wear of 
most workingmen ; and all men and boys from the country were 
seen in thu streets in le:ither breeches and aprons, and would have 
been deemed out of character without them. Ln those days, 
tailors, shoemakers, and hatters waited on customers to take their 
measures, and afterwards called with garments to fit them on be- 
fore finisiied. In the olden time all the hired women wore short 
gowns and linsey-woolsey or worsted petticoats. Some are still 
alive who used to call master timl mistress, who will no longci- do 
it. Before the Kevolution no hired man or woman wore any shoes 



224 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

80 fine as calf-skin ; that kind was the exclusive propert}'' of the 
gently ; the servants wore coarse neat's leather. The calf-skin 
shoe then had a white band of sheep-skin stitched into the top 
edge of the sole, which they preserved white as a dress-shoe as 
long as possible. 

Men and women then hired by the year — men got £16 to £20, 
and a servant woman £8 to £10. Out of that it was their custom 
to lay up money, to buy before their marriage a bed and bedding, 
silver tea-spoons, and a spinning-wheel, &c. It was usual in the 
Gazettes of 1760 to 1780, to announce marriages in words like these, 
to wit: "Miss Jane Low, or Miss Sarah Stevens' a most agreeable 
lady with a large, or handsome fortune," or if a widow, " Mrs. 
Galloway, a widow gentlewoman of great worth and merit." 
The wedding entertainments of olden time were very expensive 
and harassing to the Avedded. The house of the parents would be 
filled with company to dine ; the same company would stay to tea 
and supper. For two days punch was dealt out in profusion. The 
gentlemen saw the groom on the first floor, and then ascended to 
the second floor, where they saw the bride ; there every gentle- 
man, even to one hundred in a day, kissed her. 

A distinguished writer says : '• It may surprise some of the pres- 
ent generation to learn that some of thoseagedpersons whom they 
may now meet, have teeth which were originally in the heads of 
others. I have seen a printed advertisement of the year 1784, 
wherein Doctor Le Mayeur, dentist, proposes to the citizens of 
Philadelphia, to transplant teeth, stating therein, that he has 
successfully transplanted 123 teeth in the preceding six months. 
At the same time he offers two guineas for every tooth which may 
be offered to him by persons disposed to sell their front teeth, or 
any of them. This was quite a novelty in Philadelphia; the 
present care of the teeth was ill understood then. He had, how- 
ever, great success in Philadelphia, and went off with a great deal 
of our patricians' money. Several respectable ladies had them 
implanted. I remember some curious anecdotes of some cases. 
One of the 'Mischianza' belles had such teeth. They were, in 
some cases, two months before they could eat with them. One 
lady told me she knew of sixteen cases of such perse -ns among 
her acquaintance." Tooth-brushes were not even known, and the 
genteelest then were content to rub the teeth with a chalked rag or 
with 'snuff. Some even deemed it an effeminacy in men to be seen 
cleaning the teeth at all. 

Of articles and rules of diet, so far as they differed from ours in 
the earliest time, we may mention coffee as a beverage was used 
but rarely ; chocolate for morning and evening, or thickened milk 
for children. Cookery in general was plainer than now. In the 
country morning and evening repasts were generally made of milk, 
having boiled therein, or else thickened with, pop-robins — things 
made up of flour and eggs into a batter, and so dropped in with 
the boiling milk. 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 225 

It will mucli help our just conceptions of our forefathers and 
their good dames to know what were their personal appearances. 
Men wore three-square or cocked hats, and wigs, coats with large 
cuffs, big skirts lined and stiffened with buckram. None ever saw 
a crown higher than the head. The coat of a beau had three or 
four large plaits in the skirts, wadding almost like a coverlet to 
keep them smooth, cuffs very large up to the elbows, open below 
and inclined down, with lead thei-ein ; the capes were thin and 
low, so as readily to expose the close-plaited neck-stock of fine 
linen cambric and the large silver stock-buckle on the back of the 
neck ; shirts with hand rutiles, sleeves finely plaited, breeches 
closely fitted, with silver, stone, or paste gem buckles ; shoes or 
pumps with silver buckles of various sizes and patterns, thread, 
worsted and silk stockings. The poorer class wore sheep or buck- 
skin breeches close set to the limbs. Gold and silver sleeve-but- 
tons set with stones or paste of various colors and kinds, adorned 
the wrists of the shirts of all classes. The very boys often wore 
wigs, and their dresses in general were similar to that of the men. 
The women wore caps (a bare head was never seen), stiff stays, 
hoops from six inches to two feet on each side, so that a full- 
dressed lady entered a door like a crab, pointing their obtruding 
flanks end foremost; high-heeled shoes of black stuff, with silk 
or thread stockings, and in the miry time of winter they wore 
clogs, galoshes, or pattens. The days of stiff coats, sometimes 
wire-framed, and of large hoops, were also stiff and formal in man- 
ners at set balls and assemblages. The dances of that day among 
the politer class were minuets, and sometimes country dances ; 
among the lower order hipsesam was everything. 

As soon as the wigs were abandoned and the natural hair was 
cherished, it became the mode to dress it by plaiting it, by queuing 
and clubbing, or by wearing it in a black silk sack or bag adorned 
with a large black rose. In time the powder, with which wigs 
and the natural hair had been severally adorned, was run into dis- 
repute by the then strange innovation of " Brutus heads;" not 
only then discharging the long-cherished powder and perfume, and 
tortured frizzle-work, but also literally becoming "Round Heads," 
by crop])ing off all the joendant graces of ties, bobs, clubs, queues, 
&c. At one time young men of the highest fashion wore swords; 
so frequent, it was. as to excite no surprise when seen. They 
wore also gold-laced cocked hats, and similar lace on their scarlet 
vests. Their coat-skirts were stiffened with wire or buckram, and 
la])ped each other at the lower end in walking. In that day no 
man wore drawers, but their Ijreeches (so called unreservedly) 
Were lined in winter, and were tightly fitted. Very few then 
could get coats to set in at the back. Laced ruffles depending over 
the hand were a mark of indispensable gentility. The coat and 
breeches were generally desirable of the same material, of " broad- 
cloth " for winter, and of silk camlet for summer. JNo kind of 
15 



226 CHEONICLES OF BALTIMOEE. 

cotton fabrics were then in use or known ; hose were, therefore, 
of thread or silk in summer, and of fine worsted in winter; shoes 
were square-toed, and were often " double channelled." To these 
succeeded sharp toes as peaked as possible. When wigs were 
universally worn, gray wigs were powdered, and for that purpose 
sent in a wooden box frequently to the barber to be dressed on his 
block-head ; but " brown wigs," so called, were exempted from 
the white disguise. Coats of red cloth, even by boys, were con- 
siderably worn, and plush breeches and plush vests of various 
colors, shining and slipping, were in common use. Everlasting, made 
of worsted, was a fabric of great use for breeches and sometimes 
for vests. The vest had great depending pocket-flaps, and the 
breeches were very short above the stride, because the art of sus- 
pending them by suspenders was unknown. It was then the boast 
of a well-formed man that he could by his natural form readily 
keep his breeches above his hips, and his stockings without gart- 
ering above the calf of the leg. With the queues belonged frizzled 
side-locks, and toupes formed of the natural hair, or, in defect of a 
long tie, a splice was added to it. Such was the general passion 
for the longest possible whip of hair, that sailors and boatmen, to 
make it grow, used to tie theirs in eel-skins to aid its growth. 
Nothing like surtouts were known, but they had coating or cloth 
great-coats, or blue cloth and brown camlet cloaks, with green 
baize lining to the latter. In the time of the Eevolution, many of 
the American officers introduced the use of Dutch blankets for 
great-coats. The sailors in the olden time used to wear hats of 
glazed leather or of woollen thrumps, called chapeaux, closely woven 
and looking like a rough-knap ; and their " small clothes," as we 
would say now, were immense wide jjetticoat-breeches, wide open 
at the knees, and no longer. At one time our workingmen in the 
country wore the same, having no falling flaps, but slits in front; 
they were so full and free in girth that they ordinarily changed 
the rear to the front when the seat became prematurely worn out. 
In sailors and common people, big silver brooches in the bosom 
were disj^layed, and long quartered shoes with extreme big buckles 
on the extreme front. Gentlemen in the olden time used to wear 
mufflers in -winter ; it was in eff'ect a little woollen muff" of various 
colors, just big enough to admit both hands, and long enough to 
sci'een the wrists, which were then more exposed than now ; for 
they then wore short sleeves to their coats, purposely to display 
their fine linen and plaited shirt-sleeves with their gold buttons, 
and sometimes laced ruffles. The sleeve cuff's were very wide, and 
hung down depressed with leads in them. It was not uncommon 
to see aged persons with large silver buttons to their coats and 
vests — it was a mark of wealth. Some had the initials of their 
names engraved on each button. Sometimes they were made out 
of real quarter dollars, with the coinage impression still retained ; 
these were used for the coats, and the eleven-penny bits for 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 227 

vests find breeches. Others often used conch-shell buttons, silver 
mounted. 

"When the ladies first began to lay off their cumbrous hoops 
they supplied their place with successive succedaneums, such as 
these, to wit: First game bishops, a thing stuffed or padded with 
horse-hair; then succeeded a smaller affair under the name of cue 
de Paj'is, also padded with horse-hair. Next they supplied their 
place with cut cork, and Avith silk or calimanco, or russell thickly 
quilted and inlaid with wool, made into petticoats ; then these 
were supplanted by a substitute of half a dozen petticoats. Then 
we had the " skimmer-hat," made of a fabric Avhich shone like 
silver tinsel ; also the " horse-hair bonnets," the " musk-melon," 
the " calash bonnet," " w'agon bonnet," and the " straw bee-hive 
bonnet." The ladies once wore " hollow-breasted stays " ; then 
came the " straight stays." At one time the gowns Avorn had no 
fronts. The design was to display a finely quilted Marseilles, silk, 
or satin petticoat, and a bare stomacher on the waist. In other 
dresses a white apron was the mode ; all wore large pockets under 
their gowns. As a universal fact, it may be remarked that no other 
color than black was ever made for ladies' bonnets when formed of 
silk or satin. Fancy colors were unknown, and white bonnets of 
silk fabric had never been seen. The first innovation was the 
bringing in of blue bonnets. 

It was very common for children and workingwomen to wear 
beads made of Job's teai's, a berry of a shrub. The use of lace 
veils to ladies' faces is but a modern fashion, since 1800. In olden 
times none wore a veil but as a mark and badge of mourning, and 
then as now, of crape in preference to lace. It was no unusual, 
thing for ladies to attend balls, parties^ &c., in full dress on horse- 
back. Ancient ladies in early life wore blue, red and green stock- 
ings of very striking appearance. Until the period of the Revo- 
lution every person who wore a fur hat had it always of entire 
beaver. Every apprentice at receiving his " freedom " received a 
real beaver, at a cost of six dollars ; their every-day hats were of 
wool, and called felts. 

In the old time shagreen-cased watches of turtle-shell and 
pinchbeck were the earliest kind seen ; but watches of any kind 
were much more rare than now. It was so rare to find watches 
in common use that it was quite an annoyance at the watch- 
maker's to be so repeatedly called on by street passengers for the 
hour of the day. Gold chains would have been a wonder then ; 
silver and steel chains and seals were the mode, and regarded good 
enough. 

The use of boots has come in since the War of Independence ; 
they were first with Ijlack tops after the military, strai)i)ed uj) in 
union with the knee-bands; aflervyards briglit tops were intro- 
duced. Ladies shoes were then made mostly of white or russet 
rands, stitched very line on the rand with white waxed thread; 



228 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE, 

and all having wooden heels, called crosscut, common and court 
heels ; next came in the use of cork, plug, and wedge, or spring 
heels. The sole-leather was all worked with the flesh side out. 
The materials for the uppers were of common woollen cloth, or 
coarse curried leather, afterwards of stuifs. such as cassimere, 
everlasting, shalloon, and russet; some of satin and damask, 
others of satin lasting and florentine. All elderly gentlemen had 
gold-headed canes ; it was their mai'k of distinction. 

Before the war of Independence, marble mantels and folding 
doors were not known, neither were sofas, carpets, side-boards, or 
girandoles. A white floor sprinkled with clean white sand, large 
tables and heavy high-back chairs of solid walnut, or mahogany, 
decorated a parlor sufiiciently enough for anybody. Sometimes a 
carpet, not, however, covering the whole floor, was seen upon the 
dining-room. There was a show-pai'lor up stairs, not used but 
upon gala occasions, and then not to dine in. Pewter plates and 
dishes were in general use. China on dinner-table was a great 
rarity, in fact from the old documents prior to 1700 we find no 
mention of China dishes at all. Plate, more or less, was seen in 
most families of easy circumstances, not indeed in all the various 
shapes that have since been invented, but in massive silver waiters, 
bowls, tankards, cans, &c. Glass-tumblers were scarcely seen. 
Punch, the most common beverage, was drunk by the company 
from one large bowl of silver, pewter, or china, and beer from a 
tankard of silver. When china was first introduced among us in 
the form of tea-sets, it was quite a business lo take in broken 
china to mend. It was done by cement in most cases; but gene- 
rally the larger articles, like punch bowls, were done with .silver 
rivets or wire. 

The use of stoves was not known in primitive times, neither in 
fa,milies nor in churches. Prior to 1800 there was not over half a 
dozen four-wheeled carriages kept in the city. Even the chai'acter 
of the steeds used and preferred for riding and carriages has un- 
dergone the change of fashion too. In old time the horses most 
valued were pacers, now so odious deemed ! To this end. the 
breed was propagated with care, and pace races were held in 
preference. Formerly, livery stables and hacks (things of modern 
introduction) were not in use. Those who kept horses and 
vehicles were much restricted to those only whose establishments 
embraced their own stables. The few who kept their horses with- 
out such appendages placed them at the taverns. They who de- 
pended upon hire were accustomed to procure them of such per- 
sons as had frequent use for a horse to labor in their business, 
who, to diminish their expense, occasionally hired them in the 
circle of their acquaintance. 

The conveniences of pumps were rarely seen for many years in 
the primitive city ; even wells for the use of families were gen- 
erally public and in the sti^eets. In early days of the city almost 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 229 

all the houses of good condition were provided with balconies, now 
so rare to be seen, one of which still remains in Baidv lane, between 
St. Paul and Calvert streets. Before the invention of " ten plate 
stoves" and the like, the more prudent or feeble women carried 
with them to church in winter seasons " foot-stoves," on which 
to place their feet to keep them warm. They were a small square 
box of wood or tin, perforated with holes, in which was placed a 
small vessel containing coals. 

The present generation is scarcely aware of how little their 
forefathers knew of many vegetables, fruits, and flowers which 
are now seen to be so abundant. These have been success- 
fully increased among us by the many gardeners, florists, &c. 
Tomatoes, ochra, and artichokes were first encouraged by the 
French emigrants, and had but very slow favor from ourselves. 
Afterwards came in cauliflowers, head salad, Qg<f plants, oyster 
plants, cantelopes, mercer and foxite potatoes, rhubarb, sweet corn, 
&c. The seed of the cantelope was brought to this country from 
Tripoli, and distributed b}^ Com. James Barron. Formerly we had 
only a few fox and other grapes ; we have since several foreign 
varieties, and have discovered and propagated among ourselves 
the Elsinboro, Catawba and Isabella. Once we had only one sort 
of small strawberries, and now we have many kinds and large. We 
had only the small blue plum, and now we have them and gages 
of great size. We have now greater varieties of pears, peaches, 
apricots, and apples. The peaches were wholly unmolested by the 
worms. Our tbrmer garden flowers and shrubberies wei'c conflned 
to lilacs, roses, snow balls, lilies, pinks and some tulips. Jerusalem 
cherries was a plant once most admired, aud now scarcely seen. 
Now, we have greatly increased our garden embellishments, by 
such new things as altheas, seringas, cocoras, geraniums, verbenas, 
and numerous new varieties of roses, including champigneas and 
cluster roses, with many new beauties in the class of tuli])s and 
other bulbous roots. In olden time, the small flower-bed stood 
"solitary and alone" in most family gardens, and sun flowers, 
and gay and rank hollihoeks, and other annual productions, were 
the chief articles for a greater display. Morning glories and the 
gourd vine were the annual dependence for cases of required 
shade. 

The dancing assembly among the gentry had high vogue after 
the Revolution. The subscription was .£3 15s.; admitting no 
gentleman under 21 years, nor lady under 18 years. The Hup[)er 
consisted of tea, chocolate and rusk. Pjverything was conducted 
by rule of si.x marrie<l managers, who distriliuted places by lot, 
and partners were (Migaged for the evening, leaving nothing to 
the success of forwardness or favoritism, (jcntlemen always drank 
tea with the j)arents of the lailies who were their partners, the day 
after the assemi)ly — a sure means of producing a more lasting ac- 
quaintance, if mutually desirable. It is worthy of remark, now 



230 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

that we have such elegant devices in the form of visiting and ad- 
mission cards, that nearly all the cards of those early days were 
written or printed upon common playing cards ; this from the cir- 
cumstance that blank cards were not then in the country, and none 
but playing cards wei'e imported for sale. We have, at least, a 
dozen in our possession which ai*e very curious. One of these is an 
invitation from a leading gentleman of that day requesting Miss 
Cox's company, written on the back of the queen of hearts — no 
doubt a proper compliment to a charming belle of the past. 
Another is an invitation of the "Juvenile Amicable Society" to the 
same young lady, printed on the back of the deuce of diamonds, 
requesting her company " at a ball to be held at six o'clock P. M., 
at the room formerly occupied by the Sociable Society, in Lovely 
lane," signed by E. Towson and T. Fisher, managers, and dated 
March 22, 1793. Miss Cox, November 22, 1792, received an invi- 
tion "to Mr. Curley's ball, at 6 P. M.," printed on the back of the 
four of spades. The " honor of Miss Cox's company " is also re- 
quested in red letter printing and border on the back of the six 
of diamonds, date not specified. On the 30th of April, 1794, Miss 
Cox is invited to Mr. Mansell's ball by J. Nichols, J. Scott, J. Whit- 
tington, J. Einggold, printed in black on the nine of hearts. One 
invitation of the Baltimore Dancing Assembly, November, 1797, is 
printed on plain card-board, from which it appears that Miss Cox's 
company " is requested for the season at Mr. Bryden's Fountain 
Inn," signed by M. Pringle, C. Eidgely of H., W. Van Wyck, E. 
Kruson, Jr., S. Walker, J. Carruthers, J. Sterett and J. S. Buchanan, 
managers. It was one of the features of the times that guests 
often rode to balls in full dress on horseback. A favorite place of 
assembly was in the hall then opposite to and controlled by the 
Fountain Inn, on Light street, next door to the old Light Street 
Methodist church, both of which have been swept away. It was 
not unfrequent that the gay people of the world and the austere 
men and women of religion held assemblies on the same evening 
next door to each other, the singing of praise and the growl of the 
bass viol intermingling in curious discord. Two other prominent 
assembly i-ooms were on Lovely lane, which, since the late South- 
ern war, have been obliterated by German street. Lovel}^ lane 
was the site of many of the fine residences of Baltimore in the 
village days. 

Mr. Eddis, in his letters written before the Revolution from An- 
napolis to London, says ; " Besides our regular assemblies, every 
mark of attention is paid to the patron saint of each parent do- 
minion ; and St. George, St. Andrew, St. Patrick, and St. David, 
ai*e celebrated with every partial mark of national attachment. 
General invitations are given, and the appearance is alwaj^s nu- 
merous and splendid. The Americans on this part of the continent 
have likewise a saint, whose history, like those of the above vener- 
able charactez's, is lost in sable uncertainty. The first of May is, 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 231 

however, set apart to the memory of Saint Tamina, on which oc- 
casion the natives wear a piece of a buck's tail in their hats, or in 
some conspicuous situation. During the course of the evening, and 
generally in the midst of a dance, the company are interru])ted by 
the sudden intrusion of a number of persons habited like Indians, 
who rush violently into the room, singing the war-song, giving the 
whoop, and dancing in the style of those people ; after which cere- 
mony a collection is made, and they retire well satisfied with their 
reception and entertainment." 

In a pleasant colloquial lecture, entitled " Baltimore Long 
Ago," delivered a few years since, Mr. John P. Kennedy reverts to 
the aspect and social traits of his native city, in the days of his 
youth, with much zest and humor: 

" It was a treat to see this little Baltimore town just at the ter- 
mination of the War of Independence," he writes, " so conceited, 
bustling and debonair, growing up like a saucy chubby boy, with 
his dumpling cheeks and short grinning face, fat and mischievous, 
and bursting incontinently out of his clothes in spite of all the 
allowance of tucks and broad salvages. Market street had shot, 
like a Nuremberg snake out of its toy box, as far as Congress Hall, 
with its line of low-browed, hip-roofed wooden houses in disor- 
derU' array, standing forward and back, after the manner of a reg- 
iment of militia with many an interval between the files. Some 
of these structures were painted blue and white, and some yellow; 
and here and there sprang up a more magnificent mansion of brick, 
with windows like a multiplication table and great wastes of wall 
between the stories, with occasional court-yards before them ; and 
reverential locust trees, under whose shade bevies of truant school- 
boys, ragged little negroes and grotesque chimney-sweeps, ' shied 
coppers ' and disported themselves at marbles. 

" In the days I speak of, Baltimore was fast emerging from its 
village state into a thriving commercial town. Lots were not yet 
sold by the foot, except perhaps in the denser marts of business ; 
rather by the acre. It was in the rus-in-urbe categoiy. That fury 
for levelling had not yet possessed the souls of City Councils. We 
had our seven hills then, which have been rounded off since ; and 
that locality which is now described as lying between the two 
parallels of Xorth Charles street and Calvert street, presented a 
steep and barren hill-side, broken by rugged clifts and deep ravines, 
washed out by the storms of winter into chasms which were 
threaded by paths of toilsome and difficult ascent. On the summit 
of one of these cliffs stood the old church of St. Paul's, some fifty 
paces or more to the eastward of the present church, and sur- 
rounded by a brick wall that bounded on the present lines of Charles 
an<l Lexington streets. This old building, ample and stately, 
looked abroad over half the town. It had a belfry tower detached 
from the main structure, and keeping watch over a grave-yard full 
of tomb-stones, remarkable to the observation of the boys and 



232 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

girls, who were drawn to it by the irresistible charm of a popular 
belief that it was ' haunted,' and by the quantity of cherubim- 
that seemed to be continually crying about the death's-heads and 
cross-bones at the doleful and comical epitaphs below them — 
images long since vanished, without a trace left ; devoured by the 
voracious genius of brick and mortar. The rain-washed ravines 
from this height supplied an amusement to the boys which seemed 
to have been the origin of a sport that has now descended to their 
grandchildren in an improved and more practical form. These 
same hills are now cut down into streets of rapid descent, which 
in Mnnter, when clothed in ice and snow, ai'e filled with troops of 
noisy sledders, who shoot with the speed of arrows down the 
slippery declivity. In my time the same pranks were enacted on 
the sandy plains of the cliff, without the machinery of the sled, 
but on the protected breeching of corduroy ; much to the discon- 
tent of mothers who had to repair the ravage, and not always 
without the practice of fathers upon the same breeching by way 
of putting a stop to this expensive diversion, j^fter all, give me 
the antiques ! Perhaps it is in the vanity of mine age that I speak 
it ; but in sober seriousness, the belles of the days of the old court- 
house, and the court-house days themselves, have had more spice 
than all the rest besides. Those glorious days when Old Francis 
played Harlequin and bounded after Columbine through hogsheads 
of fire, and w^ien the cobbler lived in his little shop, like the tub 
of Diogenes, on the brow of the precipice which overhung the 
Falls. ' 

" This was a famous building, this old court-house, which to 
my first cognizance suggested the idea of a house perched upon a 
great stool. It was a large ding}'- square structure of brick, ele- 
vated upon a massive basement of stone, which was perforated by 
a broad arch. The buttresses on either side of the arch supplied 
8j)ace for a stairway that led to the Hall of Justice above, and 
straddled over a pillory, whipping-post, and stocks which were 
sheltered under the arch, as symbols of the power that was at 
work up stairs. This magisterial edifice stood precisely where 
the Battle Monument now stands on Calvert street. It has a 
notable history, that old court-house. When it was first built it 
overlooked the town from the summit of the hill some fifty feet 
or more above the level of the present street, and stood ujjon a cliff 
which, northward, was washed at the base by Jones Falls — in that 
primitive day a pretty rural stream that meandered through 
meadows garnished with shrubbery and filled with browsing cattle, 
making a pleasant landscape from the court-house windows. The 
new court-house arose, a model of architectural magnificence to 
the eye of that admiring generation, only second to the national 
Capitol, and the old one was carted away as the rubbish of a past 
age. Calvert street struggled onward to the granite hills. People 
wonder to hear that Jones Falls ever rippled over a bed now laden 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 233 

with rows of comfortable dwcllinii;s, and that cows once browsed 
upon a meadow that now produces steam-engines, soap and candles, 
and lager beer," 

The following extracts from the reminiscent discourse of Mr. 
Kennedy bring clearly to our minds the life and manners of that 
day, and the changes which the author lived to witness and record : 
" As communities grow in density and aggregation, the individu- 
alit}' of men diminishes. People attend to their own concerns and 
look less to their neighbors. Society breaks into sets, cliques, and 
circles, and these supersede individuals. In the old time, society 
had its leaders, its models and dictators. There is always the 
great man of the village — seldom such a tbing in the city. It was 
the fashion then to accord reverence and authority to age. That 
is all gone now. Young America has rather a small opinion of its 
elders, and does not patronize fathers and mothers. It knows too 
much to be advised, and gets by intuition what a more modest 
generation found it hard enough to get by experience. If we could 
trace this notion through all its lodgments, we should find that this 
want of reverence and contempt of obedience is the deepest root 
of this mad rebellion. Baltimore had passed out of the village 
phase, but it had not got out of the village peculiarities. It had 
its heroes and its fine old gentlemen, and its accomplished lawyers, 
divines and physicians, and its liberal, public-spii-ited merchants. 
Alas ! more then than now. The people all knew them and treated 
them with amiable deference. IIow sadly we have retrograded 
in these perfections ever since! Society had a more aristocratic 
air than now — not because the educated and wealthy assumed 
more, but because the community itself had a better appreciation 
of personal worth, and voluntarily gave it the healthful privilege of 
taking the lead in the direction of manners and in the conducting 
of public affairs. This was, perhaps, the lingering characteristic of 
colonial life, which the Ilevolution had not eff'aced, — the, as yet, 
unextinguished traditional sentiment of a still older time, of which 
all traces have been obliterated by the defective discipline of suc- 
ceeding generations. 

" I have a long score of pleasant recollections of the friend- 
ships, the popular renowns, the household charms, the bonhomie, 
the free confidences and the personal accomplishments of the day. 
My memory yet lingers with afi'ectionate delay in the wake of past 
notaliililies, male and female, who have finished their voyage, and 
long ago, I trust, found a sale mooi-ing in that happ}' haven where 
we fondly expect to find them again when we ourselves shall have 
furled our sails and secured an anchorage on that blessed shore. 
In the train of these goodly groups came the gallants wlio uphfhl 
the chivalry of the age — cavaliers of the old school, full of starch 
and powder: most of them the iron gentlemen of the Revolution, 
with leather faces — old campaigners renowned for long stories ; not 
long enough from the camp to lose their military brui^qucrie and 



234 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

dare-devil swagger ; proper roystering blades, who had not long ago 
got out of harness and begun to affect the elegancies of civil life. 
Who but they! — jolly fellows, fiery and loud, with stern glance of 
the eye and brisk turn of the head, and swashbuckler strut of 
defiance, like game-cocks, all in three-cornered cocked-hats and 
powdered hair and cues, and light-colored coats with narrow capes 
and marvellous long backs, with the pockets on each hip, and small- 
clothes that hardly reached the knee, with striped stockings with 
great buckles in their shoes, and their long steel watch-chains that 
hung conceitedly half-way to the knee, with seals in the shape of a 
sounding-board to a pulpit; and they walked with such a stir, 
striking their canes so hard upon the pavement as to make the 
little town ring again. I defy all modern coxcombry to produce 
anything equal to it — there was such a relish of peace about it, 
and particularly when one of these weather-beaten gallants ac- 
costed a lady in the street with a bow that required a whole side 
pavement to make it in, with the scrape of his foot, and his cane 
thrust with a flourish under his left arm till it projected behind, 
along with his cue, like the palisades of a chevaux-de-frise ; and 
nothing could be more piquant than the lady as she reciprocated 
the salutation with a curtsey that seemed to carry her into the 
earth, with her chin bridled to her breast and such a volume of 
dignity." 

" This avenue [Market street] was enlivened with apparitions 
of grave matrons and stirxnng damsels, moving erect in stately 
transit like the wooden and paste-board figures of a puppet-show 
— our present grandmothers, arrayed in gorgeous brocade and 
taffeta, luxuriantly displayed over hoops, with comely boddices, 
laced around that ancient of armor the stay, disclosing most 
perilous waists, and with sleeves that clung to the arm as far as 
the elbow, where they took a graceful leave in rufiles that stood off 
like the feathers of a bantam. And such faces as they bore along 
with them ! so rosy, so spirited and sharp ! with the hair all drawn 
back over a cushion, until it lifted the eyebrows, giving an amaz- 
ingly fierce and supercilous tone to the countenance, and failing in 
cataracts upon the shoulders. Then they stepped away with such 
a mincing gait, in shoes of many colors, with formidable points to 
the toes, and high tottering heels fancifully cut in wood; their 
tower-built hats garnished with tall feathers that waved aristo- 
cratically backward at each step, as if they took a pride in the slow 
paces of the wearer. 

" It was a comfort itself to see a good housewifely matron of 
that merry time trudging through town, in bad weather, wrapped 
in her great roquelaire, with both ai'ms thrust into a muff, and a 
huge tippet wound about her neck in as many folds as the serpent 
of Laocoon, with her beaver hat flapped down over her ears, and 
her feet bound in pattens that lifted her some inches above all im- 
pediments of ice and rain, clanking on the pavement with the foot- 
fall of the 'Bleeding Nun.' 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 235 

" Even the seasons were on a seale of grandeur unknown to our 
(lay. There were none of your soft Italian skies and puny aflec- 
tation of April in December. But winter strutted in like a peremp- 
torj'- swaggerer into a bar-room, that knew his rights and kept 
possession in good earnest, flinging his snowy cloak upon the 
ground to lie there until he chose to take it up and continue his 
journey. And the nights seemed to be made on purpose for 
frolics — they were so bright and brisk — while the mad-cuji spirits 
of the time, crowded in sleighs, sped like laughing phantoms 
through ever}- highway, echoing back the halloes of groups of boys 
and vacant apprentices who shouted from the corners as they 
passed amid volley's of snow-balls, and the horse-bells jangling out 
the music of revelry from many a distant quarter, told of the uni- 
versal thoughtlessness and mirth that marked the career of the 
old-fashioned winter." 

1784. The winter of 1783-4 proved exceedingly severe; the bay 
was. closed by ice almost to the mouth of it, and the harbor, which 
closed the 2d of January, was not clear to admit vessels until the 
25th of March — nor then, but with much labor in cutting passages — 
which was sixteen days later than in 1780. At both periods much 
injury was sustained by the shipping in the bay and on the coast, 
and considerable sums were collected to relieve the poor. It was 
stated that the winter had been very moderate in Nova Scotia, 
while at New Orleans the river Mississippi was fast closed with 
ice. which had not been known there before. During the j'ear, the 
Koman Catholic congregation having much increased, the Rev. Mr. 
Charles Sewall settled in Baltimore, and a considerable addition 
was made to their church on Saratoga street. 

"William Murphy, a bookseller, succeeded in establishing a cir- 
culating library on the south side of Baltimore street, one door 
east of Calvert, which was soon after purchased and continued by 
Mr. Hugh Barkley. 

Peter Carnes, Esq., exhibited the novel spectacle of raising a 
balloon from Howard's Park. 

Up to this period, the old and single market-house at the corner 
of Gay and ]ialtimore streets had sufficed for Baltimore, but now 
the inhabitants of Old Town and Fell's Point, those on Howard's 
Hill, and those in the centre of the settlements, liegan to dispute 
ahout the site for enlarged accommodations for the traffic in pro- 
visions. Jt was soon seen that one market would no longer satisfy 
the three widely-separated classes of ])()pulation, and it was there- 
fore wisely resolved that each should be accommodated. In early 
times it had been intended to get rid of " the marsh " on Mv. Har- 
rison's ])roperty at the junction of Ifarrison and Baltimore streets, 
by thoroughly excavating it so as to form a dock connecting with 
the Hasin, and extending the whole distance thence to our prin- 
cipal street. This scheme was now abandoned, and the executors 
of Mr. Harrison offering to appropriate the space in Harrison 



236 CHEONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

street, the inhabitants of the neighborhood 8ubscril)ed money to 
erect a market-house on the site of our present Maryhxnd Insti- 
tute. It was accordingly resolved to build one market-house in 
Hanover street, one at Fell's Point, and the chief and largest of the 
three on Harrison street upon the bed of the old swamp. These 
improvements were undertaken and completed at once. A great 
beneftiction was conferred upon the town by the draining of the 
marsh, which was successfully accomplished. A large foi'ce of ma- 
sons and carpenters was employed to raise the building, and lo ! 
where the bulrush and the water-lily grew, and the wild fowl fed, 
and the ortolan and rail flocked amongst reeds, a grand structure 
arose and loomed upon the sight of admiring citizens. A vast 
roof, supported on brick pillars, spread out its broad shelter over a 
pavement of brick ; and behold, a new architectural glory ! Full 
many a good-living, provident townsman, fond of creature com- 
forts, and skilful to discern their qualities, has, since that day, re- 
plenished his basket and store Avith the choicest of this world's 
dainties at the stalls of the Marsh market; officially this is known 
as the Centre market, but the draining of the swamp lingered so 
strongly upon the memory of the last genei'ation, and so struck its 
fancy, that they were not willing to give up a name which so sig- 
nificantly suggested its origin. The three market-houses yet sur- 
vive, enlarged and improved, to contribute to the comfort of the 
city, and to remind us of the thrift and foresight of our ancestors. 

A new survey was now ordered to be made of the town, and 
the inhabitants began to discuss the necessity of a charter. 

Messrs. G-arts and Leypold erected a sugar refinery on Peace 
alley, the east side of Hanover street, between Conway and Cam- 
den streets ; and John Frederick Amelung arrived with a number 
of glass manufiicturers from Germany, and erected an extensive 
factory on the Monocacy, and in 1799 was established by his son 
on the south side of the basin. 

We have heretofore mentioned that young Barney was the 
first individual to unfurl the banner of the Union in his native 
State, in October, 1775 ; it is a remarkable coincidence that he 
was also the last officer to quit its service, in July, 1784, having 
been for many months before the only officer retained by the 
United States. His native city, Baltimore, was the scene of both 
incidents. 

Mr. James Rumsey, of Cecil county, procured the exclusive 
privilege of this State for making and vending boats to be propelled 
with or against currents by steam, then lately invented. During 
this year a man navigated a large canoe from the Susquehanna into 
the basin, by turning a crank with a water-wheel on each side, 
which mechanism, as then applied, is like the construction of our 
present steamboats. Five years after Mr. Cruse erected a steam 
mill near Pratt street wharf, but the experiment failed. 

The Marquis de la Fayette visiting General Washington, was 



CHKONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 237 

entertained in Baltimore hy a public dinner on the first of Sep- 
tember, and received and answered the following congratulatory ad- 
dress from the citizens ; at which time the Legislature declared 
the Marquis and his heira male forever citizens of Maryland : 

"/SY/'.- — While the citizens of Baltimore embrace the present 
occasion of expressing their pleasure in again seeing you among 
them, they feel the liveliest emotions of gratitude for the man)' 
services you have rendered their country. They can never forget 
the earl}' period in which you engaged in our cause, "when our dis- 
tressed and precarious situation would have deterred a less noble 
and resolute mind from so hazardous an enterprise: nor the per- 
severance and ibrtitude with which you shared the fatigues and 
sutt'erings of a patriotic army. They especially shall never cease 
to remember that the safety of their town is owing to those 
superior military virtues which you so conspicuously displayed 
against a formidable enemy during your important comnuuul in 
Virginia. But your love for this country has not terminated 
with the war. You have laid us under fresh obligations by your 
successful representations, to free trade from those shackles that 
abridge mutual intercourse. To that profound veneration and 
gratitude which we entertain for the singular interposition of your 
nation and its illustrious monarch, we have only to add our sincere 
wishes that you may long enjoy that glory which you, in particu- 
lar, have so justly merited. 

"In the name and behalf of the citizens of Baltimore, we have 
the honor to be, with sentiments of the greatest respect, Sir, your 
most obedient servants, 

"John Smith, 
" Samuel Purviance, 
"James Calhoun, 
" Tench Tilghman, 
" Nicholas Eogers." 

The General's answer: 

" Gentlemen : — Your aifectionate welcome makes me feel doubly 
happy in this visit, and I heartily enjoy the flourishing situation 
in which I find the town of Baltimore. Amidst the trying times 
which you so kindly mention, permit me with a grateful heart to 
remember, not only your personal exertions as a volunteer troop, 
your spirited prejiarations against a threatening attack, lut also a 
former pei'iod when, by your generous support, an important part 
of the army under my command was foi'warded — that aimy to 
whose perseverance and Ijravery, not to any merit of mine, you are 
merely indebted. Attending to American concerns, gentlemen, it 
is to me a jjiece of duty as well as a gratification to my leelings. 
In the entVanchisement of four ])orts and their peculiar situation, 
it was jdeasing to France t() think a new convenien(;e is thereby 
i)fiered to a commercial intercourse, which evei-y recollect ion must 



238 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

render pleasing, and which from its own nature and a mutual good- 
will, cannot fail to prove highly advantageous and extensive. 
Your friendly wishes to me, gentlemen, are sincerely returned, 
and I shall ever rejoice in every public and private advantage that 
may attend the citizens of Baltimore. 

"With every sentiment of an affectionate regard, I have the 
honor to be, gentlemen, your obedient humble servant, 

"La Fayette." 

During the j^ear it was found necessary to secure the ground 
in front of the First Presbyterian Church, on the corner of North 
and Fayette streets, with a brick wall. It was at first sloped and 
graded, and enclosed with a wood paling, and then the brick wall 
was erected, and the steps and paved walks were made. 

A company was incorporated to cut a canal from the basin at 
Charles street to the cove in Ridgely's Addition, and which could 
have been then effected, as was then supposed, by the brick-makers 
of the vicinity, free from expense to the public, if not opposed by 
some of the proprietors of the ground through which the canal 
would pass. 

In November the General Assembly passed an Act for the estab- 
lishment and regulation of a night watch, and the erection of lamps 
in Baltimore town. 

1785. John O'Donnell, Esq., arrived from Canton in the ship 
Pallas, on the 9th of August, with a full cargo of China goods, be- 
ing the first direct importation from thence into this port, the value 
of which he i-ealised here. Mr. O'Donnell gave the name of Can- 
ton to that section of Baltimore still called so from its Chinese 
rival. 

Eegular packets to and from Norfolk, Va., were established by 
Capt. Joseph White, and others of this place, during this year. 

Mr. Harrison's wharf before spoken of, was extended each side 
of South street, by Daniel Bowley, one of his executors, and it 
thence became known by the name of Bowley's wharf Messrs. 
Purviance, McLure, Thomas, and Samuel Hollingsworth, William 
Smith, and Jesse Hollingsworth's wharves, and the private whar*ves 
generally, with Cheapside, were extended, and piles, with the ma- 
chine for driving them, were introduced by the builders of wharves. 

During this year, steps were taken by the First Presbyterian 
Church for procuring the burial-ground on the corner of Greene 
and Fayette streets. 

Richard Eidgely, Esq., Avho had moved from Anne Arundel 
County, and been some time a member of the Baltimore bar, was 
appointed one of the delegates of this State in Congress. 

Col. Howard, and George Lux, Esq., presented the commis- 
sioners a lot of ground on the west side of the town, for the inter- 
ment of strangers, which is sanctioned by Act of Assembly. 

JMo companies were yet chartered for insuring vessels and pro- 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 239 

pertv at sea, but policies prepared by llerenles Courtenay were 
subscribed by merchants and other individuals, to very large 
amounts. Similar insurances were effected afterwards on policies 
prepared by Capt. Keeports. 

dipt. Philip Graybell was elected sheriff for the ensuing year, 
by a ])oll for the town and county of 084 votes, after a severe con- 
test Avith Henry Stevenson, who had 859 votes, and Capt. Edward 
Oldham 837, and several other candidates ; but no opposition was 
made to the return of the sitting members of the Assembly. 

The genei'al meetings of the Society of Friends, or Quakers, 
in Maryland continued to be held at AVest River and Treadhaven 
until the 4th of the 6th month, 1785, when, in accordance with a 
minute of adjournment of the previous yearly meeting at Third- 
haven, as it was now called, it was for the first time held at Balti- 
more Town. It had now become strictly an annual or yearly 
meeting, and was held the next year, 1786, at Thirdhaven ; in 
1787 again at Baltimore Town ; in 1788 at Thirdhaven ; and in 
the 6th month, 1789, for the third time at Baltimore Town, and 
from that period has continued to be held in this city, the 
autumn being chosen for the time, instead of early summer 
as heretofore. The present meeting-house, at the corner of Ais- 
quith and Faj'ctte streets, was built in 1780, and the particular 
meeting moved thereto in January, 1781, from an older house 
which stood on the site of the Quaker burying-ground on the 
Uarford turnpike, a short distance beyond the present city limits. 
The older meeting was called " Patapsco," and the lot of ground 
it occupied was given by Joseph Taylor. This meeting is first 
mentioned in the old manuscripts in 1703 ; but it was then prob- 
ably held at a private house. Mr. John Giles, the first of the family 
of that name, who have since occupied a prominent position in 
the State of Mar^dand, settled near the present site of Baltimore 
about 1700, and at his house the Quakers held their meetings. 
His son, Jacob Giles, erected a large brick dwelling about three 
miles from Havre de Grace, which is still standing, and in its octa- 
gon hall the Friends of Harford County held tlieir meetings for 
many years. No vestige of the building known as Pata])sco Meet- 
ing now remains; but the ground is still used as a cemetery by 
both of the sections into which the Society is now divided. Aged 
])ersons recollect the earliest yearly meetings in this city, when 
the throngs attending were so great that a large tent was erected 
for tlieir accommodation on the then green lots south of the present 
site of the Second Presbyterian Chui'ch, at the corner of East 
Baltimore and Lloyd streets. The (Quaker meeting-house on the 
south side of Lombard street, between Howard and Kutaw streets, 
was erected in 1805, and the one at the northwest intersection of 
Saratoga and Courtland streets was erected in 1830. 

1786. At the extreme northern end of Calvert street, one sees 
at this date, 1873, on a bank elevated some twenty feet or mure 



240 CHROmCLES OF BALTIMOEE. 

above the level of the street, a spacious and venerable mansion. 
It consists of a stately pile in the centre two stories in height, 
with a colonnade or portico in the rear, connecting with a wing on 
either hand, these wings themselves as large as many of the modern 
dwelling-houses. Thisnobleresidenceat once arrests the eye, stand- 
ing as it does at cross angles with the lines of the adjacent streets ; it 
further interests the visitor as a buildiiig which dates back to Revo- 
lutionaiy days, erected as it was b}^ Colonel John Eager Howard, 
one of the famous officers of the " old JMaiyland Line." Shorn of 
its former wide domain, it still seems to bid defiance to the enclos- 
ing city, from which it Avas once remote, although it is evident 
that its destruction is only a question of time. Some prosaic city 
surveyor will at length condemn it, for the line of Calvert street 
passes directly through the site of the house ; and some ruthless 
commissioner of paving will drive his carts and set his cui'b-stones 
beneath the spot on which the mansion stands. Bounded by the 
square formed by North, Chase, and Eager streets, and on the 
north by an alley; with some few lordly forest-trees still remain- 
ing like guardians of the past, is all that yet belongs to the once 
princely estate of " Belvedere." 

When Col. Howard, at the successful close of the Eevolutionary 
war, came back to his ancestral seat, laying aside the sword for 
the peaceful pleasures of the country gentleman, he determined on 
building a "proper house and home," and accordingly the north 
wing of the present mansion was erected in 1786. The family re- 
sided in this and the southern wing for some years, the centre or 
main house not being completed until 1794. The front of the 
mansion laced the northwest, the colonnade in the rear looked to 
the southeast, but in all directions noble vistas of park scenery 
opened to the view. The vast estate, jjart of the original " How- 
ard's Patent," stretched from near the line of Pratt street to South 
street and Eutaw streets inclusive, thence northerly to the lines 
of Jones Falls; and although the growing "Baltimore Town" 
had greatly encroached on this domain, still at the period when 
Col. Howard built his house it was a country seat, the forest trees 
covei'ing all the lines of the present North, Mulberry, and Eutaw 
streets ; while to Jones Falls and far beyond no speculators in cor- 
ner lots had dreamed of a city. In 1781 the Duke de Lauzan's 
legion encamped where the Cathedral now stands, and even a num- 
ber of years later one of the principal gates to Belvedere was on 
the line of Franklin street, and about where the Maryland Club 
now stands. Had the Howard family been possessed of the com- 
mercial spirit of the Eothschilds or the Marquis of Westminster, 
their estates this day would be worth many millions of dollars, 
for all the great lines of Eutaw, Howard, Park, Cathedral, Charles, 
St. Paul's, Calvert and North streets, with the crossing avenues, 
peopled by the wealthiest men of Baltimore, would produce pro- 
digious sums in ground rents alone. But in this couutry at least, 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 241 

it is rare that vast landed estates are managed with that skill and 
foresight which ensure wealth to successive generations. 

Uniting the triumphs of the patriot soldier to princely fortune, 
Colonel Howard was most hai)py in his domestic relations. Ilia 
wife. Margaret Chew, was the daughter of Mr. Benjamin Chew, of 
Philadelj)hia, who was of loyalist principles during the lievohition. 
She was a lady of much animation of character and of genial man- 
ners, so that Belvedere was celebrated dui-ing her lifetime for the 
kindly welcome of its hostess to all who had the right of entree. 
It is an interesting fact, and one bj^ no means generally known, 
that the most friendly relations existed between her and the cele- 
brated and unfortunate ]\Iajor John Andre, Adjutant-General of the 
British army, and the lamented victim of Arnold's treason. J\Iajor 
Andre visited her father's house on terms of the most cordial inti- 
macy, and he wrote for her a full account of the " Meschianza," or 
the celebrated tournament and festival which the British officers in 
Pliihidelphia planned and consummated for the amusement of their 
fair admirers. This description of the revel, entirely in Major 
Andie's own handwriting, is now in possession of Col. Howard's 
grandson, Mr. Wm. George Head of Baltimore. 

Not less hospitable than his wife. Col. Howard took the great- 
est delight in his friends and in stranger visitors. Very few 
houses in the country', and certain!}' none in Maryland, have re- 
ceived as many distinguished personages as Belvedere. It was 
long before the days of steamboats and railroads, and hospitality 
was then part of the religion of wealth. Not only all the best so- 
ciet}' of Baltimore itself thronged the halls of the mansion, but all 
worthy strangers from the North or South, representatives of noted 
families, were entertained there. The friends and fellow-soldiers of 
the rievolution were welcomed ever; there were Generals Williams, 
Smith, Smallwood, Gist, &c., of the ohl Maryland Line; Judge Samuel 
Chase, the bosom friend of Col. Howard ; the illustrious Can-oil, 
destined to be the last surviving signer of the Declaration of Inde- 
pendence ; the Catons, afterward united to British nobles; and all 
the flower of Maryland. Then there were as stranger sojourners 
the Middletons, the Pinckneys, the Lowndeses, the lingers and the 
Rutledges of the South ; the (^uincys, the Adamses, the Winthrops 
and the Otises of the North. La Fayette, on his second visit to 
America in 1823, was entertained at an elegant dejeuner; and 
scarce a Senator or Representative of note from the Eastern States, 
on their i>erio(lic visits to Washington, but delighted to visit this 
chosen seat. The earlier Archbisiiops of Baltimore, and eminent 
Protestant clergymen, Bishop Kemp and Dr. Alliso;i, and the bi-il- 
liant lights of the Baltimoi'e bai', Pinkney, Harper, Wirt, Wimler 
and Tuncy, were frecpiciit guests. Indeed nearly every ceh'brity, 
whether of local or foreign reputation, found a welcome. The lat(>r 
heroes of the war of 1812 won the cordial triendship of the old 
vi(;tor of Covvpens and Eutaw, and it was not until 1827 that ho 
ceased forever to dispense his hospitality. 
IG 



242 CHEONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

His son, the late General Benjamin C. Howard, inherited Bel- 
vedere, and for a number of years continued the same generous 
mode of living to which he was born. At length in 1841, the 
estate passed out of the possession of the family, being purchased . 
by the late John S. McKim. By this time it had become much 
curtailed: the enclosing city, like an enemy investing a fortress, 
mined and entrenched and carried by assault outwork after out- 
work, still drawing his lines continually closer around the doomed 
citadel, the grand old mansion. Only some twenty years have 
elapsed since the great forest trees filled what is now Charles 
street north of Madison street ; and on the very line of Charles 
street, near the corner of Read street, the ancient spring-house 
and dairy of Belvedere were buried intact, when the grade of the 
modern avenue left them some fifteen feet beneath the surface. 

All the modern glories of "Druid Hill " can never comjiensate the 
venerable and middle-aged Baltimoreans for the delights of dear old 
" Howard's Park." The haunts of our childhood, the sweet lawns and 
the shaded dingles, the rambles on the hill-sides, the picnics in the 
dells, the leafy nooks where lovers whispered, and the broad spaces 
where troops manoeuvred, are known no more forever ; and even the 
very bounds of the estate can hardly now be recalled to memory. 
In close proximity to Belvedere was the ruined Chase house, 
destroyed by fire very many years before, picturing in its de- 
solation those lines of Rogers : 

" Mark yon old nmnsion frowning thro' the trees, 
Whose hollow turret wooes the whistling breeze. 
The mouldering gateway strews the grass-grown court, 
Once the calm scene of many a simple sport; 
When all things pleased, for life itself was new, 
And the heart promised what the fancy drew." 

Those too were the days of processions and encampments and 
fourth of July orations, when the speakers really believed in the 

f lories of the Republic, and all these things belonged to " Howard's 
ark ; " as well as the great political gatherings, including the 
famous "Jackson Barbecue," when an ox was roasted whole, and 
even the little truant school-boys were welcome to carve and come 
again. But now, in closing the sketch of this interesting and 
historic mansion, which must erelong wholly disappear, it is 
with a feeling of deep regret that so much of the brilliant life 
which illumined its salons for half a century had not been 
chronicled in a complete and worthy manner by the late Gen. 
Benjamin C. Howard, as he intended doing; and that except 
in our imperfect record, the long array of noble names con- 
nected with Belvedere must fade away. 

After Mr. Harrison's addition to the town in 1747, it became 
the pi*actice to dispose of lots by leases for long terms, mostly 
ninety-nine years, renewable for ever. 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 243 

The youth of Baltimore intended for the learned professions 
hitherto were sent abroad, and mostly to schools in Pennsylvania; 
but now an academy was estahlished under the ])atronag-e of the 
Rev. Doctors Carroll, West and Allison, on Charles street, where 
Edward Langworthy tau<;ht the classics, and Andrew Ellicott of 
Joseph, Surveyor of the United States, the mathematics, natural 
philosophy, itc, Avhich unfortunately was not 1om<^ continued. 

James McHenry resigned his seat in the Senate early in 1786. 
He was succeeded by Daniel Bowley, and at the senatorial election 
afterwards, John Smith was re-elected, with Captain Charles 
Ilidgelv, Col. John E. Howard, and Kichard Eidgely electors 
for this county and town ; and in 1788, James Carroll, Avho had 
moved here from Annapolis, was chosen to fill a vacanc}^, and 
in November, 1789, Daniel Eowley w^as again chosen to fill another 
in the Senate. 

Died on Wednesday, February 22d, Richard Moale, in the 46th 
year of his age. 

Jesse Hollingsworth, Esq., was elected one of the delegates in 
the place of Mr. Sterrett. 

On the 12th of March, 1786, died at his residence in the county, 
Andrew Buchanan, many years Presiding Justice of the County 
Court, General of the militia, and a most mcretorious citizen and 
merchant of Baltimore. William Fell, Esq., son of Edward whO' 
laid out the Point, and lately a delegate in the Assembly, also 
died. 

Owing to the great impositions which daily arose from the ex- 

{)ortation and sale of unsound salted provisions, and there not 
)eing any regulations for the prevention of such frauds, the 
General Assembly passed an Act for the inspection of salted pork, 
beef and fish exported and imjiorted from and to the town of Bal- 
timore. 

According to the Gazette of this year, there were entered in 
the port of Baltimore 50 ships, 57 brigs, and 160 schooners and 
sloops ; there were cleared for foreign i^orts 20 ships, 57 brigs, and 
150 schooners and sloops. 

On Friday, the 3d of March, a number of the citizens of Balti- 
more Town assembled at Grant's tavern, and formed a society 
for the purpose of " encouraging and improving agriculture and 
other biiinches of rural economy." Harry Dorscy Gough was ap- 
pointed president, and Zebulon Hollingsworth secretar3^ Alter 
the adoption of a constitution, the follovving committee was ap- 
pointed to prepare an address to the public, after which the meet- 
ing adjourned : Hon. Daniel Bowlcy, Hon. Benjamin Nicholson, Col. 
Nicholas Rogers, Zebulon Hollingsworth, Hon. Richard Ridgely, 
Harry J>orsey Gough, Samuel Purviance. 

The Association of Ti-adcsmen and Manufacturei-s in Balti- 
more Town, from a true patriotic sj)irit, detcnnini'd to clotho 
themselves with home manufactures. To i)romote a valuable but 



244 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

much neglected manufacture, they ordered a considerable number 
of buckskin breeches to be made for the use of the Association, 
" who hope to iind American woollen and linen sufiicient to clothe 
their families." 

The following is taken from The Maryland Gazette, of October 
10th, 1786 : " It would far exceed the limits of our time and paper 
to give an ample detail of the devastation made by the dreadful 
swelling of the rivers and runs, by means of the late rains, on 
Thursday evening last, October 5th, in that part of this town near 
Jones's Falls, and in the country adjacent. Indeed, there are few 
pens in any degree capable of giving a just description of so awful 
a scene, and which so strikingly evidences the power of that great 
Being who bade the waters flow. At present we can oidy observe, 
in general, that this alarming flood, which deluged several streets 
in the town, hath far exceeded, by its destructive progress, any 
event of the kind that hath taken place in these parts in the 
memory of the oldest inhabitant living, and that the damage to 
this town, in houses, stores, bridges, wharves, merchandise, and 
other valuable property, and to the countr}' within the compass of 
25 miles, in mills, mill-dams, bridges, lumber, stock, &c., &c., &c., is 
estimated, by competent judges, at one hundred thousand pounds, 
specie, at least. But the loss of the lives of several hapless people, 
who were hurried into eternity b}^ the resistless force of the mighty 
waters, is an affecting addition to the calamity. It is much to be 
lamented that the new German Calvinist Church, an elegant dome, 
which hath lately arisen to adorn the town, near the spot where 
Market street bridge lately stood, was amongst the buildings which 
were materially injured by the recent flood." Among the unfortu- 
nate persons who perished, we find the names of the ibllowing: 
Mr. Alexander Grant, cooper; Mr. John Boyce, attorney-at-law ; 
and Mr. Edward Ryan, butcher. 

Colonel Tench Tilghman took an early and active part in the 
great contest that secured the independence of the United States 
of America. He was aide-de-camp to his Excellency General 
George Washington, commander-in-chief of the American armies, 
and was honored with his friendship and confidence in an unusual 
degree. He died after a short illness in this citj^ on the 18th of 
April, 1786, in the 42d year of his age, and his remains were interred 
in St. Paul's churchyard. Several of General Washington's 
correspondents spoke of his death with much warmth of feeling. 
Robert Morris said : " You have lost in him a most faithful and 
valuable friend. He was to me the same. I esteemed him ver}" 
much, and I lament his loss exceedingly." Lieutenant-Colonel 
Tilghman, whilst aide to Washington, rode express to Philadelphia 
to carry the dispatches of the chief, announcing the joyful tidings 
to Congress of the surrender of Cornwallis. It was midnight 
when he entered the city, October 23d, 1781. Thomas McKean 
was then president of the Continental Congress, and resided in 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 245 

High street, near Second. Tilgiiman knocked at his door so vehe- 
mently that a watchman was disposed to arrest him as a disturber 
of the peace. Mr. Kean arose, and presently the glad tidings wei'e 
made known. The watchmen throughout the cit}' proclaimed the 
hour, adding " and Cornwallis is taken ! " The annunciation ring- 
ing out upon the frosty night-air, aroused thousands from their 
beds. Lights were seen moving in almost every house, and soon 
the streets were thronged with men and women all eager to hear 
the details. It was a night of great jo}' in Philadelpliia,'for the 
peo]iIe had auxiousl}' awaited intelligence fx-oni Yorktown. The 
old State House bell rang out its notes of gladness, and the first 
blush of morning was greeted with the booming of cannon. Con- 
gress assembled at an early hour, and the grave orators of that 
august body could hardly re])ress their huzzas. Secretary Thomp- 
son read the letter from Washington announcing the capitulation 
of Cornwallis. On motion of Edmund llandolph. Congress re- 
solved to go in procession at two o'clock the same day, October 
2-lrth, to the Dutch Lutheran Church, "and return thanks to Al- 
mighty God for crowning the allied armies of the United States 
and P"" ranee with success." 

1787. Li this j'car Messrs. Septimus Noel, Isaac Vanbibber, 
Robert Henderson, Thomas Johnson, Jcretniah Yellot, James 
Clarke and Thomas Elliot, were constituted a board to examine 
and license pilots, with power of renewals, &c., and the rates of 
pilotage were established. 

The Clrand Jury, Stephen Wilson, Esq., foreman, had re- 
presented the state of the roads as a public grievance, and 
that the usual method of repairs was insufficient. The evil 
had increased, and the Fredei-ick, Reisterstown and York roads 
were laid out anew, for which special and permanent taxes 
were laid and turnpike gates established with rates of toll, 
towards defraying the expense of the county in making and 
repairing them. 

It was also in 1787 that Bait imoi-e street was extended west- 
wardl}' beyond Col. Howard's addition, and an attempt was made 
to raise a company to introduce into the town a copious supply 
of wholesome water by jiipes, but was not effected for several 
years. 

Mr. Asbury and the council of the Methodist Church make 
some )»rogress in establishing Sunday schools Ibr persons of all 
dcscriplions, free of e.xpense. 

To procure the country a greater unanimity in council, the 
protection of domestic manufactures and security to its iTvenue 
and intercourse with foreign nations, a new form of confederacy 
was happily resorted to, and the (Constitution of the present tiencral 
(iovernmeiit, which was formed in 1787, was signed by James 
McHenry, Ksq., of this city, one of the members of the coiivcniion, 
though oi)[)Osed by his colleague Mr. Martin. 



246 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMOEE. 

On the 1st of January, 1787, died John Sterett, late Delegate 
and formerly Captain of the Independent Company. 

Captain G. P, Keeports is appointed Notary Public, Samuel 
Chase, Esq., having moved from Annapolis, is elected delegate in 
the place of Mr. Ilollingsworth, and Col. Howard appointed mem- 
ber of Congress. 

On the 31st of December, Mr. D. Stodder is robbed between 
town and Point, and after pursuit, five persons were taken and 
tried, and two, Donelly and Mooney, were condemned and executed. 

On the 15th of May, an Act was passed by the General Assembly 
"for the more effectual remedy to extinguish fire in Baltimore 
Town." By this Act, every householder was obliged to keep two 
leather buckets hung up near the door of his house, and the 
commissioners of the town were authorised to dig wells and expect 
pumps on the sides of the streets. 

On Saturday, November 24th, was launched at Harris Creek, in 
this town, by Mr. Stodder, the ship Goliath, of six hundred tons, 
the property of Abraham Vanbibber, who destined her for the 
East India trade. 

Mr. Oliver Evans' newly invented steam carriage, elevator and 
hopper-boy, were patented by the Assembly, and the two last gener- 
ally introduced into the mills about Baltimore, although some of 
the mill-owners clai^ned originality. 

At a meeting of the committees from the several fire companies 
in Baltimore Town, viz.: The Mechanical, Mercantile, Union, and 
Friendship, at the house of Mr, Daniel Gi'ant, on Saturday evening, 
March 17th, 1787, William Smith, Esq., in the chair, they ''Resolved, 
That this committee recommend to the inhabitants of this town, 
that they put lights in their windows in time of fire in the night, 
not only near where the fii'e is, but generally throughout the 
town, for the convenience of those who are repairing to the fire. Re- 
solved, That it be recommended to every housekeeper, where one of 
the family is not enrolled in some fire company, to provide, as soon 
as possible, two good leather buckets, marked with the owner's 
name, and that they send them to the place of fire immediately on 
the alarm being given. Resolved, That each fire company appoint 
any number of men of their own companj^, for lane-men, who 
shall each be distinguished by a white staff eight feet long, whose 
business it shall be to form lanes for the purpose of handing the 
water. Resolved, that each fire company appoint any number of 
men of their own company, for property-men, who shall each be 
distinguished by having the crown of his hat painted white, and 
whose business it shall be to take the charge of property to be re- 
moved in time of fire. The secretary of each company is desired 
to transmit to each secretary of other companies, a list of the 
names of those who shall be appointed to the offices of lane-men 
and property-men of his company. John Weatherburn, Secretary." 

About this year a military company was raised by Captain, 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 247 

afterwards Col. Mackenheimer, of the Continental army, Avhich 
company was afterwards commanded for many years by Captain 
John Schrira. The uniform was light-blue, faced with white; 
They paraded on the ground now covered by the P"'ront Street 
Theatre, and when the Western insurrection broke out, they vol- 
unteered their services in a body, and served through that short 
campaign, occupying the honorable post, it is said, of Washington's 
bod3^-guard. They took the name of " The First Baltimore Light 
InfanUy," which name they retained for a great number of j'cars, 
and occupied the right of the first battalion of the old 5th regi- 
ment. About the year 1792 several companies were raised. 
Among these were the Independent Com])any, Capt. Strieker; the 
Mechanical Company, Captain Coulson ; the Baltimore Sans 
Culottes, Capt. Jas. A. Buchanan ; a lliflc Company, Capt. Jessup; 
and some other names not now known. These, when the State 
militia was organized, constituted the Fifth Hegiment. About the 
same time another association was formed, which had the name 
of" The First Baltimore Battalion," under the command of Major, 
subsequently Col. Lowry. This contained a companj- of grena- 
diers, Capt. Hugh Thompson ; two companies of batmen (as they 
were called) wearing cocked-hats ; and a company of light in- 
fantry-, Capt. Wm. Robb. This association adopted a beautiful 
French uniform — blue, faced with red and edged with white, 
white vest and breeches, black knee-bands, short-laced boots, and 
white cotton hose. There was associated with them a troop of 
horse, commanded by Captain Jehu Bowen ; uniform green, faced 
with i*ed. This body on parade made a splendid appearance, and 
were drilled twice a week in citizen's dress, on the west side of 
Harford run, near old Trinity Church — this afterwards became 
the 27th Regiment. The first rifle company adopted the dress of 
Morgan's Riflemen of the Continental army — hunting shirt, with 
a prufu.sion of fringe. The second rifle company was raised by 
Capt. Reese, father of Mr. John Reese, who was for many years 
President of the Firemen's Insurance Company; uniform green 
faced with yellow. There was also at this time a splendid troop 
of horse, commanded by Captain Ruxton Moore ; uniform blue 
and buft". In this troop were several gentlemen who had belonged 
to Pulaski's Legion. The uniform of the Sans Culottes, after- 
wards called the Independent Blues, was copied from the marine 
uniform of the frigate Astrea, then lying in our j)ort. It was worn 
buttoned close to the body, with the cailouche-bolt inside. It was 
the first company that adopted pantaloons, breeches and stockings 
being then universally worn. 

\n the year 179-t the Western insurrection broke out, and a re- 
quisition for Jialtimorc troops was made by the (Jovernor, in con- 
Bcquence of a rcj)ort that tlie insurgents, as they were called, had 
assembled in consideraljle numbers near Cumberlanil, and that their 
design was to seize the arms belonging to the State, deposited in 



248 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMOKE. 

an arsenal near Frederick. The order came on Sunday while the 
people were at their several places of worship; and Gen. Samuel 
Smith, who was in the First Presbyterian Church, was called out 
by an express. When the service was over the drums were beat- 
ing to arms, and the troops were ordered to assemble on the 
parade-ground near Harford run ; the Governor's letter was read, 
and the several companies volunteered on the spot. Those of the 
Fifth Regiment were ordered to parade at the court-house on Mon- 
day morning at nine o'clock, and to furnish themselves with knap- 
sacks and blankets. They paraded according to order, and took 
up the line of march under the command of Colonel Strieker ; the 
Twenty-seventh Regiment followed on Tuesday morning. Knap- 
sacks of coarse linen were made on the spur of the occasion (for 
the troops were not at that time furnished with them), and 
marked with the members' respective names in ink. 

In the year 1798, on a prospect of a war with France, a con- 
siderable revival took place among the volunteers ; old companies 
were filled up and new ones were formed, A meeting of the Sans 
Culottes was called, the name changed to " The Baltimore Inde- 

Eendent Blues," and a number of new members added. Captain 
uchanan having been promoted to a major, Lieutenant Reuben 
Etting was chosen captain, and Standish Barr}- lieutenant, and 
Swallon Barr}" ensign. Shortly after a band was formed in the 
company, which made it very popular, and it continued to increase 
more and more until the attack on the Chesapeake in 1806, when 
another revival took place, and shortly after it became necessary 
to form it into two companies. Additional officers were elected, 
and the eompanj^ provided themselves with painted knapsacks, 
numbered and lettered. It was in the year 1798, when on his way 
to Trenton to organize the army, that the troops were reviewed 
by General Washington. The line was formed in Market (now 
Baltimore) street, the left resting on the corner of Light street, 
and the right near South street. The General, accompanied by 
Generals Smith and Svvaini, passed the line on foot. He was not 
in uniform, but in a plain suit of black, with his hair in a black 
silk bag with a rosette. The line afterwards passed him while 
standing on the steps of the Fountain Inn, then kept by Briden. 

1788. The ship Chesapeake, of Baltimore, was the first Ameri- 
can vessel allowed to hoist the colors of the United States in the 
river Ganges, and to trade there. This was in the fall of 1788. 
Lord Cornwallis was then Gov.-General of the British possessions in 
India, and being, at the time of the ship's ai'rival, at a great dis- 
tance in the interior, he was applied to by letter to know in what 
manner the flag of the new nation of America was to be received. 
He answered, on the same footing with those of other nations. 

On Saturday, May 17th, Capt. John de Corse was killed in a 
schooner belonging to him, employed as a pacUet between this city 
and Chestertown. Two men, Patrick Cassidy and John Webb, 



• CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 249 

were shortly after arrested for the commission of the deed, and 
were executed. 

The Letjishituro elected Col. Howard, Governor of the State in 
November, 1788, and he was re-elected th"e two succeedino; 3-ears. 

James Mclienry and Doctor John Coulter were elected to the 
Assembly after a warm contested election, 600 to 500 votes, and 
Thomas Eutter was elected sherilf. 

On the 6th of July, the lightning killed a woman and two chil- 
dren between town and Point, 

A criminal court was organized for the county and town, con- 
sisting of five justices, Samuel Chase being appointed chief justice, 
John Moale, William Kussell. Otho H. Williams, and Lydo Good- 
win ; and last of whom Avere George Salmon, George G. Presl)ury, 
Job Smith, and Nicholas Kogers. William Gibson, clerk of the 
county, was clerk and the sheritf for the time being, and sheriff of 
this court also. This court a])pointed the constables, and super- 
intended the night-watch, &c., &c. 

On the 17th of September, 1787, the delegates from the several 
States, Avho had been appointed to meet in convention at Pliila- 
delphia for the purpose of forming a constitution for the United 
States, completed their work, and sent it forth to their respective 
constituents for approval or rejection. In the State of Mar^dand, 
there was found a powerful party opposed to the adoption of the 
constitution, and in the election of delegates to a State convention, 
by whom the im))ortant question of concurrence was to be decided, 
the contest between the Federalists, or those who were in favor of 
ailopting the constitution, and the Anti-Federalists, or those who 
were for rejecting it, was carried on with a warmth and violence 
that threatened to break asunder all social ties and rehations. 
General Washington, writing to Thomas Johnson of MarAdand, 
says: ''I have but one public wish remaining. It is, that in j^eace 
and retirement, I may sec this countr}^ rescued from the (hmger 
that is pending, and rise into respectability, maugre the intrigues 
of its public and private enemies." At length the da}- of election 
came, and the Federalists were victorious ; a delegate (Mr. Mc- 
lienry) friendly to the proposed constitution was elected to the 
convention by a large majority, which was considered a triumph 
over tlie enemies of the country. On the 28th of April, 1788, the 
State convention, after an able and animated del)ate, which forms 
a rich and lasting monument of the talents that then adorned and 
enlightftied the councils of Maryland, passed a resolution to adopt 
the constitution without amendments. In July of the same year, 
eleven of the States having in the meantime declared in favor of 
tlie adoption, the instrument was confirmed and ratificvj l»y ('on- 
grcss. The ])eople everywhere testified their jo}' at this ha|>py 
event by some public demonstration ; in lialtimore, a jjroccssion 
was fV)rnied on Philpot's Jlill under the direction of Cajitains Moore 
and Piunket, in which both parties, Ibrgotting their recent feuds, 



250 OHEONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

joined in fraternal harmon3^ The mechanical trades, the liberal 
professions, all united in the procession, and respectively displayed 
their appropriate banners. Commodore Barney performed a con- 
spicuous part on this occasion. He had a small boat fifteen feet in 
length, completely rigged and perfectly equipped as a ship, which 
was called the Federalist, which being mounted upon four wheels 
and drawn by the same number of horses, took its place in the 
procession ; he conimanded the ship, and was honored with a crew 
of captains, who at his word and the boatswain's pipe went through 
all the various manoeuvres of making and taking in sail, to the 
great delight of the crowded w^indows, doors, and balconies by 
which they passed. The ship was immediately followed by all the 
captains, mates and seamen at that time in the port of Baltimore. 
It was paraded through all the principal streets of Fell's Point, and 
the other portions of the city, and ^wiiWy anchored on the beautiful 
and lofty bank southwest of the Basin, which from that occurrence 
received, and has ever since borne the name of ^^ Federal Hill." 
On this spot a dinner had been provided, at which four thousand 
persons sat down togethei^, and made the welkin ring with shouts 
of *' huzza for the constitution ! " This idea of carrying a full rigged 
ship in procession, originated entirely with Captain Barney. 
The evening was ushered in by a bonfire on Federal Hill, and fire- 
works. After the pageant was over, it was resolved to present 
the ship to General Washington in the name of the merchants and 
ship-masters of Baltimore. It was launched and navigated by 
Commodore Barney, down the Chesapeake Bay to the mouth of 
the Potomac, and thence up the river to Mount Vernon. General 
Washington received it with the following letter : 

" To William Smith and others, of Baltimore : 

" Mount Yernon, 8t.h June, 1788. 
" Gentlemen : — Captain Barney has just arrived here in the 
miniature ship, called The Federalist, and has done me the honor to 
otfer that beautiful curiosity as a present to me on your part. I 
pray you, gentlemen, to .accept the warmest expressions of my 
sensibility for this specimen of American ingenuity, in which the ex- 
actitude of the proportions, the neatness of the workmanship, and 
the elegance of the decorations, which make your present fit to be 
preserved in a calnnet of curiosities, at the same time that they 
exhibit the skill and taste of the artists, demonstrate that Amer- 
icans are not inferior to any people whatever in the use of me- 
chanical instruments, and the art of ship-building. The unanimity 
of the agricultural State of Maryland in general, as well as of the 
commercial town of Baltimore in particular, expressed in their re- 
cent decision on the subject of a general government, will not, I 
persuade myself, be without its due efficacy on the minds of their 
neighbors, who, in many instances, are intimately connected, not 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 251 

only by the nature of their produce, but by the ties of blood and 
the habits of life. Under these circumstances, I cannot entertain 
an idea, that the voice of the Convention of this State, which is 
now in session, will be dissonant from that of her nearly allied 
sister, who is only separated by the Potomac. You will permit 
nie. ii;entlonien, to indulge my feelings in reiteratitig the heart-felt 
wish, that the happiness of this country may equal the desires of 
its sincerest friends, and that the patriotic town, of which you are 
inhabitants, and in the prosperity of which I have always found 
myself strongly interested, niay not only continue to increase in 
the same wonderful manner it has formerly' done, but that its trade, 
manufactures, and other resources of wealth, may be ])hiced per- 
manently in a more flourishing situation than they have hitherto 
been in. I am, with respect, &c., 

" Geo. "Washington." 

Intelligence having been received in Baltimore town on Satur- 
day, June 28th, of the adoption of the Federal Constitution by the 
Virginia Convention, the news was received wnth the greatest 
demonstrations of patriotic joy. A discharge of artillery took 
place on Federal Hill, and on board several vessels in the harl)or, 
with a display of fire-works from the court-house. After which a 
number of citizens partook of an elegant entertainment at the 
Fountain Inn, where a number of patriotic toasts were drunk on 
the happy occasion. 

On Wednesday, July 23d, this town was the scene of one of 
the most violent storms ever experienced here. The wind at E. 
N. E., blew with unabated fury, accompanied with heavy rain for 
upwards of twelve hours, which occasioned a most dreadful inun- 
dation of the sea, that deluged all the wharves, stores, and low 
grounds near the basin and at Fell's Point ; producing a scene of 
devastation and horror never before known. "The industrious 
merchant beheld with unavailing regret the fruits of his toil and 
enterprise, in one moment, destro^'.ed by the rage of combined ele- 
ments. Immense quantities of sugar, rice, salt, dry-goods, and 
other valualjle merchandise were entirely ruined. Tlie damage 
cannot at present be ascertained with precision, but it is estimated 
at titty thousand pounds, s])ecie." Mr. Janies Mackintosh unfortu- 
nately lost his life in crossing a wharf overtlowed with water, lie 
was swept by the force of the waves into an adjacent dock where 
he perished. It is asserted that 40 sail of vessels, large and small, 
were on that day forced ashore at Norfolk, Va. 

1789. General Washington, having been unanimously chosen 
President of the United States, arrived in Baltimore on his way to 
Congress at New York, on the 17th of April, with Charles Thomson, 
Ksq., utid Colonel Humphries. He was met some miles from town 
by a large bod3^ of res])ectable citizens on horsebaek, and conducted, 
under a discliarge of cannon, to .Mr. Grant's tavern through crcnvds 



252 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

of admiring spectators. At six o'clock, a committee chosen in 
consequence of a late notification to adjust the preliminaries 
for his reception, waited upon him with an address which is 
given hereafter. A great number of citizens were presented, 
and were graciously received by this illustrious and truly great 
man. Having arrived too late for a public dinner, he accepted 
an invitation to supper, from which he retired a little after 
ten o'clock. The next morning he was in his carriage at half 
past five o'clock, when he left town under a discharge of cannon, 
and attended as on his entrance, by a body of citizens on horse- 
back. These gentlemen accompanied him seven miles, when 
alighting from his carriage, he would not permit them to pro- 
ceed any further, but took leave, after thanking them in an 
affectionate and obliging manner for their politeness. 

Address to the President of the United States of America : 
" Sir : — We feel the honor you have this day conferi*ed on 
the town of Baltimore by favoring it with your presence, in- 
finitely heightened and enhanced by the desirable event which 
has produced it. Happy to behold your elevation, permit ua 
to reassure you of our purest love and affection. In consider- 
ing the occasion that has once more drawn you from scenes 
of domestic ease and private tranquillity, our thoughts naturally 
turn on the situation of our countiy previous to the expedient 
of the late general convention. When you became a member 
of that body which fi-amed our new and excellent constitution, 
you dissipated the fears of good men who dreaded the disunion 
of States, and the loss of our liberties in the death of our en- 
feebled and expiring confederation. And now. Sir, by accepting 
the high authorities of President of the United States of America, 
you teach us to expect every blessing that can result from the 
wisest recommendations to Congress, and the most prudent 
and judicious exercise of those authorities ; thus relieving us 
in the one instance, from the most gloomy apprehensions, iis 
when, in a different capacity, you recrossed the Delaware ; 
and in the other opening to our view the most animating 
prospects, as when you captured Cornwallis. But it is from 
the tenor of your whole life, and your uniform and upright 
political principles and conduct, that we derive the fullest as- 
surance that our hopes will be realized. 

"Believing that a faithful performance of public engagements 
is essential to the prosperity of a people, and their implicit reliance 
on the promises of government to its stability, we recollect with 
pleasure your well-known sentiments on this subject; and have 
no doubt but the other branches of Congress will concur with 
you in placing public credit on the most solid foundation. We 
have also every reason to conclude, that under the administration 
of a Washington, the useful and ingenious arts of peace, the 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 253 

agriculture, commerce and manufactures of the United States 
will be duly favored aiid improved, as being far more certain 
sources of national wealth than the richest mines, and surer 
means to promote the felicity of a people than the most 
successful wars. Thus, Sir, we behold a new era sj)ringing out 
of our independence, and a field displayed where your talents 
for governing will not be obscured by the splendor of the 
greatest military exploits. Wo behold, too, an extraordinary 
thing in the annals of mankind: a free and enlightened people, 
choosing by a free election, without one dissenting voice, the 
late Commander-in-Chief of their armies, to watch over and 
guard their civil rights and privileges. 

" We sincerely pray that you may long enjoy your pi'csent 
health, and the citizens of the United States have frequent 
opportunities to testify their veneration of your virtues, by 
continuing you through many successive elections in the 
first station of human honor and dignity. In these expressions 
of affection and attachment, we are sensible we do not speak 
the wishes of a town only, but the united feelings of a whole 
people. 

'•In behalf of the citizens of Baltimore, we have the honor to 
be, &c., &c., 

" James McHenry, R. Smith, 

" Nicholas Rogeks, O. H. Williams, 

" Joshua Barney, Thorowgood Smith, 

"Paul Bentalau, William Clemm, 

" John Bankson, J. Swan." 

"Isaac Griest, 

President Washington gave to the committee, the following 
answer : 

" Gentlemen : The tokens of regard and affection which I have 
often received from the citizens of this town, were always accept- 
able, because I believed them always sincere. Be pleased to re- 
ceive my best acknowledgments for the renewal of them on the 
present occasion. If the afi'ectionate partiality of my fellow-citi- 
zens has prompted them to ascribe greater effects to my conduct 
and character than were justly due, I trust the indidgent sentiment 
on their j»ai-t will not produce any presum])tion on mine. 

" 1 cannot now, gentlemen, resist my feelings so much as to 
withhold the communication of my ideas respecting the actual 
situation and j)rospect (jf our national affairs. It apj)ears to me 
that little more than common sense an<l coinmon honesty in the 
transactions of the community at large, would be necessary to 
niake us a great and happy nation. For if the general govcrn- 
nient, lately adoj)ted, shall l>e ai'i'anged and administered in such a 
manner as to acquire the lull confidence of the American peoj)le, I 



254 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

sincerely believe they will have greater advantages from their 
natural, moral and political circumstances, for public felicity, than 
any other people ever possessed. In the contemplation of those 
advantages, now soon to be realized, I have reconciled myself to 
the sacrifice of my fondest wishes, so far as to enter again the 
stage of public life. I know the delicate nature of the duties inci- 
dent to the part which I am called to perform, and I feel my in- 
competence, without the singular assistance of Providence, to dis- 
charge them in a satisfactory manner. But having undertaken the 
task from a sense of duty, no fear of encountering difficulties, and 
no dread of losing popularity, shall ever deter me from pursuing 
what I conceive to be the true interests of ray country." 

In a report made on the 2Gth of May by Robert "VYalsh, 
John Hammond, Leonard Harbough, George Franciscus, and 
Michael Diftenderffer, Commissioners of Baltimore town, we 
find — " For amount of expenses paid from 10th January, 1788, 
to 18th Ma}", 1789, for paving and repairing the streets, buildings, 
and repairing bi'idges, surveys, clerk and collectors' wages, &c., 
£2,799." 

James McHenry and Samuel Sterritt were elected without 
opposition delegates to the General Assembly. 

The wife of General Washington arrived in Baltimore town on 
Tuesday evening. May 19th, and set out early next morning to join 
her husband in New Yoi'k. She was met at Hammond's Ferry by 
several of the citizens, and received with great demonstrations of 
affection and respect as her short stay admitted. Fire-works were 
discharged before and after supper, and she was serenaded by " an 
excellent band of music conducted by gentlemen of the town. We 
shall only add, that, like her illustrious husband, she was clothed 
in the manufacture of our country, in which her native goodness 
and patriotism appeared to the greatest advantage." 

Died on Monday, June 1st, Dr. Charles Frederick Wiesenthal, 
in the 63d year of his age, after having practised physic in this 
town for 34 years. 

During this year the inhabitants of the town had recourse to 
lotteries on every occasion, to raise means for private and public 
improvements. We find the following, with the sums proposed to 
be raised : 

The Episcopal Parsonage house £2000 

Pratt St reel Wharf 600 

George Dowiiig's Plate Lottery 14U0 

Fell's Point— Paviug Streets. .'. 6500 

German Parsonage house 1750 

Grist Mill to be worl^ed by a Steam Engine 2C00 

Circulating Library 2737 

Centre Market 2727 

Presbyterian Cluu-ch 2780 

Baltimore Canal (straightening Jones Palls) 965 

George Dowing's Second Lottery • 2000 

Set of Bells, German Reformed Church 637 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 255 

The physicians of Btiltimore, ngrccaljly to notice, met on the 
6th of November for the purpose of forming themselves into a 
bod}' which they agreed to distinguish by the name of " The 
Medical Society of Baltimore," when the following gentlemen 
were elected officers for the first year: President, Doctor Edward 
Johnson ; Secretary, Treasurer and Librarian, Dr. Andrew Wiesen- 
thal ; Court of Correspondence, Dr. John Boyd, lleuben Gilder, 
George Buchanan, George Brown. The body of Cassidy, lately 
executed, was obtained for dissection, but was discovered by the 
populace, and taken from the gentlemen who were then studying 
anatomy and surgery in the town. Dr. George Buchanan de- 
livered a course of lectures on obstetrics. The ensuing year 
Dr. Andrew Wiescnthal delivered a course of lectures on anatomy ; 
George Brown, on the theory and pi-actice of physic ; Lyde Good- 
win, on the theory and practice of surgery ; and, by Samuel Coale, 
on chemistry and materia medica. 

During this year a great many persons joined the Methodist 
congregation, and lor the first time a preacher is stationed here, 
and a church built on Exeter near Gay street, which met with 
great success. 

Messrs. Englchard Yeiser and others, owning the gi'ounds, 
cut a new channel for Jones Falls from the lower mill at Bath 
street across the Meadow to Gay street bridge, of which channel 
the bounds are fixed by ordinance of the city in 1803, and the old 
course of the Falls by the court-house gradually filled up. After 
which it became a dispute to whom the ground thus made be- 
longed, which was finally divided between the parties owning the 
adjoining lands where there were distinct owners. 

The first anti-slavery society in the State of Maryland — the 
fourth in the United States, and the sixth in the woi'ld — was in- 
augurated in Baltimore, September 8th, 1798 ; the first society 
having been formed in Philadelphia, April 14, 1775; the second 
in New York, January 25, 1785 ; the third in London, July 17, 
1787 ; the fourth in Paris, February, 1788 ; and the Delaware 
fiocicty the same year. " The Maryland Society for Promoting 
the Abolition of Slavery, and the Eelief of Free Negroes and others 
unlawfully held in Bondage," was organized by the election of the 
following officers: President, Philip Rogers ; Vice-President, James 
Carey; Secretary, Joseph Townsend ; Treasurer, David Jirown ; 
Counsellors, Zebulon llollingsworth, Archibald Pol)inson ; Honor- 
ary Counsellors, Samuel Chase, Luther Martin ; Electing Commit- 
tee, James Ogleby, Isaac (Jreist. (Jeo. Matthews, Geoi'ge Presst- 
man, llenr\' Wilson, John Bankson, Adam Fonerden, James h^ichel- 
berger, William Hawkins, William Wdson, 'J'homas Dickson, (rcr. 
IIo|)kins; Aetjng Ojmmitti-e, John Brown, JOIislia Tyson, Jamea 
McCannon, J'jiias Ellicott, William Trimble, George Dent, in the 
library of the Boston Athemeum there is a pamphlet from the 
library of General Washington which is so rare that after a search 



256 CHEONICLES OF BALTTMOEE. 

of over fifteen years there is but one other copy known to be in 
existence. Its title is: "An oration upon the moral and political 
evil of slavery. Delivered at a public meeting of the Maryland 
Society for promoting the Abolition of Slavery and the relief of 
free ISegroes and others unlawfully held in Bondage. Baltimore, 
July 4, 1791. By George Buchanan, M. D., Member of the Ameri- 
can Philosophical Society, Baltimore. Printed by Philip Edwards, 
MDCCXCllI." Twenty pages, octavo. A Fourth-ot-July oration 
in Baltimore, on the moral and political evils of slavery, only four 
years after the adoption of the Constitution, is an incident worthy 
of historical recognition and a place in anti-slavery literature. 
The following extracts will give an idea of its style and range of 
thought : 

" God hath created mankind after His own image, and granted 
them liberty and independence ; and if varieties may be found in 
their structure and color, these are only to be attributed to the na- 
ture of their diet and habits, as also to the soil and the climate 
they may inhabit ; . and serve as flimsy pretexts for enslaving them. 
"What ! will you not consider that the Africans are men ? That they 
have human souls to be saved? That they are boi-n free and in- 
dependent ? A violation of these prerogatives is an infringement 
upon the laws of God. Possessed of Christian sentiments, they 
fail not to exercise them when opportunity oft'ers. Things pleas- 
ing rejoice them and melancholy circumstances pall their appetites 
for amusements. They brook no insults, and are equally prone to 
forgiveness as to resentments. They have gratitude also, and will 
even expose their lives to wipe oft' the obligation of past favors ; 
nor do they want anj- of the refinements of taste, so much the 
boast of those who call themselves Christians. The talent for 
music, both vocal and instrumental, appears natural to them ; 
neither is their genius for litei'ature to be despised. Many instances 
are recoided of men of eminence among them. Witness Igna- 
tius Sancho, whose letters are admired by all men of taste; Phillis 
AVheatley, who distinguished herself as a poetess; the Physician 
of New Orleans ; the Virginia Calculator; Banneker, the Maryland 
Astronomer, and many others, whom it would be needless to men- 
tion. These are sufficient to show, that the Africans whom you 
despise, whom you inhumanly treat as brutes, and whom you un- 
lawfully subject to slavery, are equally capable of improvement 
with yourselves. This 3'ou may think a bold assertion ; but it is 
not made without I'cflection, nor independent of the testimony of 
many who have taken pains in their education. Because you see 
few, in comparison to their number, who make any exertion of 
ability at all, you are ready to enjoy the common opinion that 
they are an inferior set of beings, and destined to the cruelties and 
hardships you impose upon them. But be cautious how long you 
hold such sentiments ; the time may come when you will be obliged 
to abandon them. Consider the pitiable situation of these most 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 257 

distressed bcini^s, deprived of tlieir liberty and reduced to slavery. 
Cousider also tbat tliey toil not for tbeinselves from tbe rising of 
tbe 8UU to its going down, and you will readily conceive tbe cause 
of tbeii- inaction. Wbat time or wbat incitement bas a slave to 
become wise? Tbere is no great art in billing corn or in running 
a furrow ; and to do tbis tbey know tbey are doomed, wbetber 
tbey seek into tbe mysteries of science or remain ignorant as tbey 
are. To deprive a man of bis liberty bas a tendency to rob bis 
soul of ever}' spring to virtuous actions; and were slaves to be- 
come tiends, tbe wonder could not be great. ' Notbing more as- 
eimilates a man to a beast,' says the learned Montesquieu, ' tban 
being among freemen, bimself a slave ; for slavery clogs tbe mind, 
perverts tbe moral faculty, and reduces tbe conduct of man to tbe 
standard of brutes.' Wbat rigbt bave you to expect greater tbinga 
of these poor mortals? You would not blame a brute for commit- 
ting ravages upon bis prey ; nor ought you to censure a slave for 
making attempts to regain bis liberty, even at tbe risk of life itself. 
Such are tbe etfects of subjecting man to slavery, tbat it destroys 
every human pi-inciple, vitiates the mind, instills ideas of unlawful 
cruelties, and subverts tbe springs of government. Wbat a dis- 
tressing scene is here before us ! America, I start at your situa- 
tion ! These direful effects of slavery demand your most serious 
attention. Wbat! shall a people who flew to arms with the valor 
of Koman citizens when encroachments were made upon their 
liberties by the invasion of foreign powers, now basely descend to 
cherish the seed and propagate the growth of the evil which they 
boldly sought to eradicate? To tbe eternal infamy of our country 
tbis will be banded down to posterity, written in the blood of 
African innocence. If your forefathers have been degenerate 
enough to introduce slavery into your country to contaminate tbe 
minds of her citizens, you ought to bave tbe virtue of extirpating 
it. In tbe tirst struggles for American freedom, in tbe enthusiastic 
ardor of attaining liberty and independence, one of the most noblo 
eentimcnts tbat ever adorned tbe human breast was loudly ])ro- 
claimed in all her councils. Deeply penetrated with tbe sense of 
equality, tbey held it as a fixed principle, 'that all men are by 
nature, and of right ought to be free; that they were created 
equal, and endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights, 
amcMig which arc life, liberty, and the pursuit of bap])iness.' 
^'uvertbeless, when tlie blessings of peace were showered upon 
them; when tbey bad obtained these rights which they had so 
boldly contended for, then the}' became apostates to their princi])le3, 
and riveted the fetters of slavery upon the unfortunate African. 
Fellow-countrymen, let the band of persecution be no longer raised 
against you; act virtuously, 'do unto all men as you would that 
they should do unto you,' and exterminate the pest of slavery Ironi 
tbe land." 

Tbis remarkable oration suggests some interesting questions 
17 



258 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMOEE. 

of historical inquiry. How far do these opinions represent the 
cui-rent sentiments of that time on the subject of slavery? It 
will be seen that they are of the most radical type. We are not 
aware that Wendell Phillips or Wm. Lloyd Garrison ever claimed 
that the negro race was equal in its capacity for improvement to 
the white race. Forty-four years later (October 21st, 1835), Mr. 
Garrison was waited upon, in open day, by a mob of most respect- 
able citizens, while attending a meeting of the Boston Female 
Anti-Slavery Society, dragged through the streets of Boston with 
a rope around his body, and locked up in jail by the mayor of that 
sedate city to protect him from his assailants. On the 4th of July, 
1834, a meeting of the American Anti-slavery Society was broken 
up in New York, and the house of Lewis Tappan was sacked by 
mob violence. A month later, in the city of Philadelphia, a mob 
against anti-slavery and colored men raged for three days and 
nights. On the 28th of July, 1836, a committee of thirteen citi- 
zens of Cincinnati, appointed by a public meeting, of whom Jacob 
Burnet, late United States Senator and judge of the Supreme 
Court of Ohio, was chairman, waited upon Mr. James G. Birney 
and other members of the executive committee of the Ohio Anti- 
slavery Society, under whose direction the "Philanthropist," an 
anti-slavery newspapei', was printed there, and informed them that 
unless they desisted from its publication the meeting would not be 
responsible for the consequences. Judge Burnet stated that the 
mob would consist of five thousand persons ; and that two-thirds 
of the property-holders of the city would join it. The committee 
gave Mr. Birney and his friends till the next day to consider the 
question, when they decided to make no terms with the rioters, 
and to abide the consequences. That night the office was sacked 
and the press of the "Philanthropist" was thrown into the Ohio 
river. But here was an oration delivered in the city of Baltimore 
in the year 1791, advancing the most extreme opinions, and it 
created not a ripple on the surface of Southern society. That the 
opinions of the oration did not offend those to whom it was ad- 
dressed, the official action of the society, which is printed on the 
third page, attests. It is as follows : "At a special meeting of the 
Maryland Society for promoting the abolition of slavery and the 
relief of free negroes and others unlawfully held in bondage, held at 
Baltimore, July 4th, 1791, unanimously Resolved, That the pres- 
ident present the thanks of the society to Dr. George Buchanan, for 
the excellent oration by him delivered this day, and, at the same 
. time, request a copy thei'cof in the name and for the use of the 
society. Signed — Samuel Sterett, president; Alex. McKim, vice- 
president ; Joseph Townsend, secretary." The oration was dedi- 
cated " To the Honorable Thomas Jefferson, Esq., Secretary of 
State." 

Dr. George Buchanan was born in Baltimore county, Septem- 
ber 19th, 1763, and for many years was a practising physician in 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 259 

Baltimore city. He was a son of Amlrcw Buchanan, who was also 
born in Maryland, and was General in the Continental troops of 
Maryland during the Revolution. J)r. (reorge Buchanan studied 
medicine, and took a degree at Phihnieli)hia. He then went to 
Europe and studied medicine at Edinburgh, and later at Paris, tak- 
ing degrees at both places. Jieturning to Baltimore, he married 
on Thursday, June 18th, 1789, Letitia, second daughter of the 
Hon. Thomas McKean, an eminent jurist, who was a member of 
the Continental Congress, one of the signers of the Declaration of 
Independence, and was Governor of Pennsylvania from 1799 to 
180G. In 1806 Dr. Buchanan removed to Philadelphia, and died 
the next 3'ear of yellow fever, in the discharge of his ofltieial duties 
as Lazaretto ph^'sician. His eldest son was paymaster McKean 
Buchanan, senior paj'master of the United States navy, since 
deceased. His ^'oungest son was Franklin Buchanan, Captain in 
the United States navy till he resigned, April 19th, 1801, and went 
into the Confederate navy. He was, with the rank of Admiral, 
in command of the iron-clad Merrimac, and was wounded in the 
conflict of that vessel with the monitor Ericsson at Hamjiton 
Koads, March 9th, 1862, and was later captured by Admiral Far- 
ragut whilst in command of the Confederate fleet in Mobile bay. 
The first convention held by the abolition societies of the 
United States met at Philadelphia in the city hall, January Ist, 
1794, and was several days in session. The " Maryland Society" 
was represented by the following delegates : Samuel Sterett, James 
Winchester, Joseph Townsend, Adam Fonerden, and Jesse Hollings- 
worth. The " Chestertown " (Md.) society was represented by 
Joseph Wilkinson, James Maslin, and Abraham Ridgely. A con- 
vention met in the depth of winter, and as travelling was then ex- 
pensive and ditflcult, it is evidence of a deep interest in the subject 
that the delegates attended. On the 7th of January, 1795, the 
abolition societies again met in Philadelphia, and continued in ses- 
sion till the 14th of that month. The Marjdand society was re- 
presented by Samuel Sterett, Adam Fonerden, Jose]»h Townsend, 
Joseph Thornburgh, George Buchanan, John Bankson, and Philip 
Moore; the Chestertown society by Edward Scott and James 
Houston. The fourth annual convention of the abolition societies 
of the United States was held in the Senate chamber at Philadel- 
phia, May 3d, 17!>7. The Maryland society was represented by the 
following delegates, viz : Francis Johonnett, Jesse Tyson, Gerard 
T. Hojtkins. The several societies reporte<l their menibership in 
1797, and we find the .Maryland society to have two hundred and 
thirty-one members, and the third largest in the United States. In 
1827 there were one hundred and thirty abolition societies in the 
United States, and only four in New England and New York. Of 
these societies, eight were in Virginia, eleven in ^laryland, two in 
l)elaware, two in the District of Columbia, eight in KiMitueky, 
twenty-five in Tennessee, with a member.ship of one thousand, and 



260 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

fifty in North Carolina, with a membership of three thousand 
persons. 

Mr. Eobert Smith was elected one of the eight electors for 
President and Vice-President of the United States. Mr. Wm. 
Smith Avas elected a delegate to Congress. 

The following advertisement appeared in the Maryland Journal 
and Baltimore Advertiser of Peb. 10th, 1789: "We learn with 
pleasure that the merchants and others of this place are sub- 
Bcribing to a provisional loan for the purpose of erecting in this 
town, a house for holding the sessions of Congress, and other 
proper buildings for the great offices of the United States. This 
loan, we understand, is to be handed to our Representatives, to be 
communicated by them to Congress on the first meeting." 

1790. As a relief to the pecuniary distresses of the inhabitants, 
an association was formed by Messrs. Caton, Vanbibber, A. McKim, 
Townsend and others, to carry on the manufacture of cotton upon a 
small scale, and some jeans and velvets were also made. 

At the November session of the Legislature, Messrs. Samuel 
Smith, William Patterson, Jeremiah Yellot, Englehardt Yeiser, 
Robert Gilmor, Thorowgood Smith, Charles Garts, Thomas Hol- 
lingsworth, James Edwards, James Carey, Otho H. Williams, and 
Nicholas Sluby, were authorized to take subscriptions for the Bank 
of Maryland. $200,000 wei-e subscribed in shares of $100 each, in 
fourteen days, being two-thirds of the capital, which was paid in 
during th'^ ensuing year, and the institution went into operation 
upon a portion of the ca])ital — William Patterson being elected 
president, and Ebenezer Mackie cashier. The entire capital of 
$300,000 was afterward paid in. The State granted j^eculiar ad- 
vantages to this institution, which was perpetual, and reserved no 
part of the stock or direction. The exorbitant dividends made by 
this bank indicated the want of another, notwithstanding the loans 
afforded by the office of the United States Bank, which had opened 
a branch here in 1792, of which Mr. George Gale was president, 
and David Harris cashier; but by their means, a much larger sum 
was obtained, with much less difficulty, for a new one. Accoi'dingly, 
in 1795, the " Bank of Baltimore " was chartered, after an inef- 
fectual attempt to increase the capital of the first bank. The 
capital of this was $1,200,000 ; George Salmon president, and 
James Cox cashier. The charter of this bank was limited to 
twenty years, and the State reserved the right to subscribe for 
6000 shares at $300 each, and appointed two of seventeen directors 
anriually chosen. The charter of this baidi has been a model for 
others, and has been itself renewed. By an act passed the same 
session, Messrs. John Ilollins and Joshua Barney were appointed 
auctioneers, and commenced business under the firm of John 
Hollins & Co., after which the limitation was removed, and, by the 
charter, the auctions are licensed by the city. 

On the 7th of May, the first session of the Circuit Court of the 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 261 

United States for this district was held here, b}' John Bhiir, of 
Vir<:;iina, one of the Jiulges of the Supreme Court, and William 
Paca. District Jndti;e. 

Samuel Sterrett was elected one of the six I'epresentatives in 
Coni^ress. David McMechen and Col. San\uel Smith were re- 
turned to the House of Delecjates without opposition. Charles 
Ridi^ely, one of the framers of the Constitution, died at his resi- 
dence near town on the 28th of June. 

On Wednesday, September 8th, President Washincfton and his 
wife, attended by their suite, arrived here from Philadelphia on 
their wa\' to Mount Vernon. On their entrance into town they 
were received and saluted by a federal discharf;e from Ca])tain 
Stodder's artillery company, and such other public demonsti-ations 
were manifested by the citizens as showed the most unfei<;ned af- 
fection and veneration for the ilhistrious travellers. On Thursday 
forenoon the President was waited on by a number of the citizens, 
whom he received with his usual ])oliteness and attention, and at 
four o'clock he honored the niei^chants with his company at an 
elegant entertainment prepared at Mr. Grant's tavern, at whioh 
his suite and several other gentlemen were present. During the 
pame week General Gat^s and wife also passed through this town 
from Virginia, on their way to take possession of their new resi- 
dence on the banks of the East river, in the vicinity of the city 
of New York, 

About this time papering the walls of the houses was first in- 
troduced; whitewash having l)een previouslj- used. 

1791. Messrs. Robert Gilmor, John O'Donnell, Stephen Wilson, 
Charles Ghequiere, John Holmes, and others erected a powder- 
house on Gwinn's Falls, which was continued by the ^ame or 
others until the 17th of September, 1812; it was blown up a 
second time and not rebuilt. Other mills were built on the same 
stream at ditferent times, some of which blew up, and on each oc- 
casion several lives were lost. 

Benjamin Nicholson was apjiointed Chief Judge of Baltimore 
Town, with (ieneral Williams and James Carroll as associates. .Judge 
Nicholson died one year after his a])pointment,and was succeeded by 
Joshua Seney, who resigned in 17I)G, and lleniy Eidgely succeeds. 
In 1792 Col. Howard and William llussell were a])pointed the as- 
sociate judges of this court, and successively Samuel Slen-ett, 
William Owings, William Winchester, Edwai'd Johnson, and Klias 
Glenn, the two last, with Judge H. Pidgely, forming the c(^urL 
when reorganized in 1805. 

Messrs. William Buchanan. Campbell Sinifli and George Chase 
took commissions under the (ieneral (iovernment for the (li'fcnci- 
of the frontiei-s. On the 4th of Nf»vember (Jen, St. Clair with a 
part of his army were suri'onndcd by an immense number of In- 
dians near the ^liami. but dcfciwled themselves with gi'eat bravery, 
and finally fouirbt llieii- wav through the enemy, but lost in killed 



262 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

and wounded above 800 men. Ensign Chase of Baltimore was 
killed and Captain Buchanan wounded. Capt. Smith was after- 
wards wounded under Gen. Anthony Wajme. 

James Calhoun and William Eussell and Colonel N". Rogers 
were appointed Justices of the Orphans' Court for the ensuing 
year. Colonel Smith and Mr/Mechen were again returned to the 
Assembly, and Eobert Gorsuch was elected Sheriff. 

Samuel Sterrett, agent of Messrs. Vanstaphorst & Co., pro- 
cured from the State and paid them the amount borrowed during 
the Revolutionary War. 

At the periodical election of 1791, John O'Donnell was chosen an 
elector of the Senate, and John E. Howard, Samuel Chase and James 
McHenry were elected members of the Senate of Maryland. Mr. 
Chase declined, and Daniel Bowley was chosen in his place, and 
he resigning in 1793, was succeeded by Robert Smith. 

On the 27th of December the General Assembly authorized 
Elisha Tyson, William and Charles Jessop, John EUicott, George 
Leggett, Robert Long, Jacob Hart, and John Strieker, to lay out 
a road, not exceeding forty feet wide, from their mill-seats on 
Jones Falls in Baltimore County to Baltimore Town, now known 
as the Falls road. 

On the 30th of December Alexander Rigdon, John Stump, 
John Carlile, John Weston, Samuel Raine, John Treadway, and 
James Johnson were appointed commissioners by the General As- 
sembly to lay out the Philadelphia, Belair and Harford roads as 
public roads. 

On Friday morning, April 29th, in " Howard's Park," Mr. 
David Sterrett, aged 26 years, was killed in a duel with Mr. 
Thomas Hadfield. 

In the course of the year 1791, there arrived in the port of 
Baltimore as follows: 68 ships and barques, 159 scows and brigs, 
94 schooners, 45 sloops, and 370 coasters, making in the whole 746 
vessels entered at the Custom House ; and there were cleared out 
of that office 387 for foreign poi'ts, and 662 coasters. 

1792. A number of respectable retailers having met on the 4th 
of July and. considered the great inconvenience attending the 
circulation of copper cents, agreed that it would be improper 
to pass them in future for less than four to one. 

In pursuance to notice, the citizens of the town met on the 
27th of July and adopted resolutions expressive of their dis- 
approbation of the proposed treaty with Great Britain (Jay's.) 
David McMechen, Solomon Etting, Alexander McKim, David 
Stodder, James A. Buchanan, Adam Fonerden, and John Steel 
were appointed a committee to forwai'd the same to the President 
of the United States, General Washington. 

Died, Thursday, March 8th, Captain Jacob Keeports, in the 
74th year of his age. He was formerly purchasing agent for 
the State in Baltimore during the Revolutionary War. 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 263 

On the 23d of December, the General Assembly passed an Act 
allowing the Maryland Insurance Compan}^ a number of privileges, 
amongst which was an Act, "To supply the town with water by 
pipes from a sufficient resei'voir or source," and that it may be 
distinguished by the name and style of The Baltimore Water 
Company. An Act was also passed to enable John McKim and 
John Brown, of Baltimore County, to convey a tract of land 
containing about thirty acres, called Darley Hall, in Baltimore 
County, " to the use of the religious' society of people called 
Quakers, in Baltimore town." An Act was also passed on the 
22d of December, regulating the width of chimneys, and im- 
posing a penalty on all cliimneys catching fire within the town — 
of three pounds if a three-stor}' house, of twenty shillings if a two- 
story house, and fifteen shillings if a house of one story. 

The first New Jerusalem Church was, by permission, opened in 
the Court House of this town, by the Rev. Mr. Wiliner, amidst a 
large assemblage of hearers of various denominations. The Hon. 
Judge Chase was present, as well as several other liberal and en- 
lightened gentlemen of the bar. 

Several of the inhabitants petitioned to the General Assembly 
" that there are no other commodious ways for the inhabitants of the 
western part of Baltimore Town, and the parts adjacent, to ap- 
proach the Centre market, but through Baltimore, commonly called 
Market street, which is so often crowded with carts, wagons, and 
drays, that there is not sufficient room for the inhabitants to pass 
and repass to and from the said market, without incommoding and 
mutuall}' obsti-ucting each other, and have prayed that an Act may 
pass, empowering and ajipoiiiting commissioners to extend and 
open the following streets to communicate with each other: that 
is to say, Fayette street, in Howard's addition to the said town, 
to King Tammany street, from thence to Chatham street, and from 
thence to Calvert street, and that by opening the said streets, 
nearly a direct communication with the aforesaid market will be 
obtained." This act was passed on the 22d of December, and 
Messrs. Stephen Wilson, Charles Crookshanks, Hercules Courtenay, 
John Holmes and John ALickle were a])pointed commissioners to 
lay (jff and open the following streets of the width of forty feet: 
that is to say, from Fayette street, winch ran west from Liberty 
street, to King Taniniany street, wiiich ran from Liberty to CharKa 
street, where Cbatliain street l)egan, and thence cast to Calvert 
street. From time immemorial there had been a road leading from 
Baltimore Town to the town of Frederick, by Dillon's field, FUi- 
cott's up])er mills, Cummings' new buildings. Fox's, tbe Red-House 
tavern. Cook's tavern and the P<j|»lar Spring, but it had never been 
made a public road by law, and sundry inhabitants of Baltimore, 
Anne Arundel, and Frederick counties, who had been deprived of 
the benefit and utility of the same, to their great injury and in- 
convenience, petitioned the General Assembly to establish the road 



264 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

as a public one, which was granted ; and on the 22d of December, 
Charles Alexander Warfield, Levin Lawrence, and Thomas Hobbs, 
were appointed commissioners for the aforesaid road for Anne 
Arundel County, and Thomas Worthington, Zacharinh Maccubbin, 
and Daniel Carroll for Baltimore County, who were empowered to 
lay out said road 40 feet wide, &c. 

In October, Mr. Potts resigned the office of Attorney of the 
United States for this district, and was succeeded by Zebulon Hol- 
lingsworth. 

In this year the clergymen and ministers of the different sects 
or churches were incorporated, to receive alms for the poor of 
every society. The Roman Catholic clergy were incorporated 
trustees of that Church this year; also the German Reformed. In 
1797, the German Evangelical Reformed and Presbyterian Churches, 
and in 1798 the Baptist congregation and the vestry of every 
parish ; in 1800 the Methodist and Lutheran, and in 1802 every 
Christian Church in the State. 

Col. Samuel Smith was elected one of the eight members of Con- 
gress the State was entitled to. Messrs. William Smith and J. E. 
Howard were elected two of the ten electors of President for this 
State. 

Seldom more than three of the Justices attended the Orphans' 
Court, and the Governor and Council were dii'ected to appoint that 
number only, any tAvoof whom to act; and, by special commission, 
Colonel JSI. Rogers, G. Salmon, and William McLaughlan were ap- 
pointed. 

John O'Donnell was elected delegate to the Assembly. 

On Wednesday, Oct. 10, President Washington, with his wife 
and suite, arrived in Baltimore from Mount Vernon, on his way to 
Philadelphia, and the same evening favored a number of merchants 
and other gentlemen with his company at an elegant supper at 
Mr. Grant's, at which manj^ patriotic toasts were drunk, amid the 
discharge of artillery by Capt. Stodder's company. Tlie next 
morning the President started on his journej', escorted by Capt. 
Mackenheimer's light infantry company and many citizens. 

Mordecai Gist was born in Baltimore, Maryland, in 1743. His 
ancestors, early emigrants to Maryland, were English. He was 
educated for commercial pursuits, and was engaged in the vocation 
of a merchant when the storm of the Revolution began to lower. 
The young men of Baltimore associated under the title of the 
" Baltimore Independent Company," and elected Gist captain. 
This was the first company raised in Mar3iand for the defence of 
popular liberty. Gist was appointed major of a battalion of Mary- 
land regulars in 1776, and was with them in the battle near Brook- 
lyn, at the close of the summer of that year. In January, 1779, 
Congress appointed him a brigadier in the Continental army, and 
he was honored with the command of the 2d Maryland brigade. 
He fought bravely, and suifereu defeat in the battle near Camden, 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 2G5 

in 1780. Cist was present at the surrender of Cornwallis, and 
afterward joined the Southern army under Greene. AVhen that 
commander remodeled the army in 1782, while lying near Charles- 
ton, he gave General Gist the command of the "light corps." It 
was a part of his command, under Colonel Laurens, that dealt one 
of the last blows upon the enemy, in an engagement upon the 
banks of the Combahee. At the close of the war he retired to a 
plantation which he bought near Charleston, where he resided 
until his death, which occurred in Charleston on the 2d of August, 
1792. General Gist had but two children, sons; one he named 
Independent, and the other States. 

William Smallwood was a native of Maryland, and was among 
the patriots of that colony who earliest expressed their attachment 
to l?epul)lican principles, lie was aj^pointed a Brigadier by the 
Continental Congress in October, 177G, and Major-General in Sep- 
tember, 1780. He was in the battle near Brooklyn, in August, 
1776, where his command suffered severely. It was chiefly com- 
posed of young men from Maryland, many of them members of 
the most respectable families of the State. He was in the Brand}'- 
wine and Germantown battles in 1777. He accompanied Gates to 
the South, and shared in the mortification of defeat near Camden. 
It was a month after that event that Congress promoted him to 
Major-Gcneral. He was elected a delegate in Congress for Mary- 
land in 1785, and the same year was chosen to succeed AVilliam 
Paca as Governor of the State. He was succeeded in office by 
John Eager Howard in 1788. General Snuilhvood died on the 12th 
of February, 1792, at the " Wood-Yard," in Prince George's County, 
aged about 60 years. A distinguished writer says: "Colonel 
Smalhvood's battalion was one of the finest in the army, in dress, 
equipment, and discipline. Their scarlet and buff Uniforms and 
jvell-burnished arms contrasted strongly with those of the New 
England troops," and were "distinguished at this time," says Gray- 
don, " b}- the most fashionable cut coat, the most macaroni cocked 
hat, and hottest blood in the Union." Another writer says : " Small- 
wood's regiment arrived in Philadelphia about the middle of July, 
1776, the day after the York, Pennsylvania, militia got there. I 
happened to be in Market street when the regiment was marching 
down it. They turned up Front street, till they reached the Quaker 
meeting-house, called the Bank meeting, where they halted for 
some time, which I presumed was owing to a delicacy on the part 
of the officers, seeing they were about to be quartered in a ])lace of 
worship. Alter a time they moved forwai'd to the door, where the 
officei-s halted, and their ])latoons came up and stood with their 
bats off, while the soldiers Mith recovered arms marched into the 
meeting-house. The officers then retired, and sought quarters 
elsewhere. The regiment was then said to be eleven hundreci 
strong; and never did a finer, more dignified, and braver body of 
men lace an enemy. They were composed of the flower of Mary- 



266 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE, 



V 



land, being young gentlemen, the sons of opulent planters, farmers 
and mechanics. From the Colonel to the private, all were attired 
in hunting -shirts. I afterwards saw this fine corps on their march 
to join General "Washington. In the battle of Long Island, Small- 
wood's regiment, when engaged with an enemy of overwhelmingly 
superior force, displaj^ed a courage and discipline that sheds upon 
its memory an undying lustre, Avhile it was so cut to pieces that 
in October following, when I again saw the regiment, its remains 
did not exceed a hundred men. The wreck of the once superb 
regiment of Smallwood fought in the battles of the White Plains, 
and the subsequent actions in the Jerseys, and in the memorable 
campaign of 1776, terminating with the battle of Princeton, Jan- 
uary 1777, where the remains of the regiment, reduced to a little 
more than a company, were commanded by Captain, afterward 
Governor Stone, of Maryland." Another distinguished writer says: 
"Smallwood's battalion of Marylanders were distinguished in the 
field by the most intrepid courage, the most regular use of the 
musket, and the judicious movements of the body. When our 
party was overpowered and broken by superior numbers surround- 
ing them on all sides, three companies of the Maryland battalion 
broke the enemy's lines and fought their way through. Captain 
Yeazey and Lieutenant Butler are among the honorable slair. 
The Marjdand battalion lost 200 men and twelve officers — severe 
fate. It is said our whole loss is five or six hundred." 

1793. The agents of the French Convention at Cape Francois 
having tendered liberty to such slaves as should take arms against 
the French government of Hispaniola, General Galbaud and Ad- 
miral Gambis attacked J.he town, and it was plundered and burnt 
by the seamen and negroes on the twenty-first of June ; and on the 
ninth of July, fifty-three vessels bearing about 1000 white and 500 
people of color flj'ing from disaster, arrived in Baltimore. Many 
were quartered in the houses of the citizens, and a committee was 
appointed to solicit subscriptions for their relief, consisting of 
Robert Gilmor, George Presstman, Philip Hogers, Samuel Hol- 
lingsworth, Jeremiah Yellott, James Carey, James McHenry, 
Kobert Smith, Zebulon Hollingsworth, Thomas McElderry, Ste- 
phen Wilson, John O'Donnell, Adam Fonerden, and Thomas 
Coulson. The Vice-Consul of the Republic also appointed the 
following gentlemen to co-operate with him: Col. Daniel Smith, 
Mr. Da\ud"Plunkett, Mr. Samuel Sterrett, Mr. Voucher, Mr. Caza- 
navc, and Mr. Bentalou. They succeeded in raising above $12,000 
for the relief of such as were destitute. Those more fortunate who 
brought capital entered into trade, others introduced new arts of 
cultivation in the neighborhood, and with succeeding arrivals from 
the southern and western parts of the island, contributed to in- 
crease the wealth as well as the population of the town. 

A French sloop-of-wai*, mounting eighteen guns, brought in 
with her as a prize a Dutch ship, which she intercepted on her 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 267 

passage to this port. There were also several other prizes brought 
in by "the French fleet, among which was a Dutch ship loaded with 
cofteo, Arc, &('. 

rhiladelphia being visited by the "yellow fever," Governor Lee 
interdicted all direct intercourse with that city and the admission 
of infected vessels, and appointed Doctors John Eoss and John 
Worthington to be health officers ; a temporar}' hospital to be 
procured for mariners of such vessels; and a duty, confirmed by 
Congress, of one cent per ton was granted towards the expense. 

Messrs. Daniel Bowley and Thomas Yates commenced their 
improvements on the water between the Falls and liaiford run. 
Messrs. Cumberland Dugan and Thomas McElderry commenced 
their whaVves below the Centre Market, extending from Lombard 
street to the north side of the channel, a distance of IGOO feet. 
Nine years after, Judge Chase commenced his wharf, binding on 
the west side of the Falls. 

Since the last notice in 1783, there had been a great accession 
of settlei-s. amongst whom were Messrs. Hugh Thompson, Edward 
Ireland, William Lorman, Thomas Tenant, John Holmes, Joseph 
Thornburgh, Dr. Andrew AitUin, Robert Miller, John Donnell, 
Luke Tiernan, Solomon Birkhead, Solomon Betts, James H. 
McCulloh, Steuart Brown, Leon Changeur, John Carrere, Henry 
Didier, A. McDonald, J. P. Pleasants, Barclay and McKean, S. 
Etting, James Corrie, James Armstrong, &c. 

The subject of a city charter, which had generally occupied 
the writers in the papers and the citizens for nearly ten years, 
was taken up by the Legislature in 1793, and an Act passed on the 
28th of December for consideration ; but the inhabitants of the 
Point, and the mechanics, the carpenters, and re])ublican societies, 
then lately formed for other purposes, took part in opposition, and 
it was not carried into effect. 

There was an effort made by a number of merchants to open 
an exchange for the transaction of business, and the buildings at 
the southwest corner of Lombard and Commerce streets were fitted 
up and used for the purj)Ose, but after some time was discontinued. 

The Vice-Consul for Maryland, Edward Thornton, takes up his 
residence in Baltimore. 

]^y an Act of Assembly' passed December 28th, Messrs. John 
Eager Howard, John O'Donnell, William Smith, Henry Dorsey 
Gough, San)ucl Owings of Samuel, Charles liidgely of William, 
Daniel Jiowley, and Andrew Jlobinson were appointed commis- 
sioners, with full power to purchase ten acres of land, in or near 
Baltimore Town, and to layout the same into small lots, with 
proper enclosures and stalls for the reception of cattle, and Thurs- 
day in ever}' week to be held as a market day for the sale of horses, 
shee]), hogs and live cattle of every kind, and a general mai'ket to 
be held two or more days in each year. 

Men of the present age, seeing the immense use of cigars, 



268 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

might think they were always so used ; but not so. They began 
with the fevers which were very prevalent about this time, and 
were first used along the streets, to keep off the yellow fevei". 

1794. Freemasons' lodges in America are of recent date in com- 
parison with other countries. Upon application of a number of 
brethren residing in Boston, a warrant was granted by the Right 
Honorable and Most Worshipful Anthony Lord Viscount Mon- 
tague, Grand Master of Masons in England, dated the 30th of 
April, 1733, appointing the Right Worshipful Henry Price Grand 
Master of North America, with full power and authority to ap- 
point his deputy and other Masonic officers necessary for forming 
a grand lodge, and also to constitute lodges of Free and Accepted 
Masons as often as occasion should require. In consequence of 
this commission the Grand Master opened a grand lodge in Boston 
(which is sometimes called " The Grand Lodge o^ Modern Masons") 
on the 30th of July, 1733, in due form, and appointed the Right 
AVoi'shipful Andrew Beulcher Deputy Grand Master, the Worship- 
ful Thomas Kennelly and John Quann Grand Wardens. The 
grand lodge being thus organized, under the designation of St. 
John's Grand Lodge^ proceeded to grant warrants for instituting 
regular lodges in various parts of America ; and from this grand 
lodge originated the first lodges in Massachusetts, New ILimp- 
shire, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Mary- 
land, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Barbadoes, Anti- 
gua, Newfoundland, Louisburg, Nova Scotia, Quebec, Surinam, and 
St. Christopher's. In 1775 hostilities commenced between Great 
Britain and America; Boston became a garrison, and was aban- 
doned by many of its former inhabitants. The regular meetings 
of the grand lodges were terminated, and the brethren of St. 
John's Grand Lodge held no assembly until after the re-establish- 
ment of peace. There was at that time also a grand lodge held at 
Boston upon the ancient establishment, under the designation of 
" The Massachusetts Grand Lodge," Avhich originated as follows : 
In 1755 a number of the order residing in Boston, who were An 
cient Masons, in consequence of a petition to the Grand Lodge of 
Scotland, received a dispensation, dated November 30th, 1752, 
from Sholto Charles Douglas, Lord Aberdour, then Grand Master, 
constituting them a regular lodge, under the title of " St. An- 
drew's Lodge, No. §2," to be held at Boston. This establishment 
was discouraged and opposed by the St, John's Grand Lodge, who 
thought their privileges were infringed upon by the Grand Lodge 
of Scotland ; they therefore refused to have any intercourse with 
St. Andrew's Lodge for several years. The pros2:)erous state of 
St. Andrew's Lodge soon led its members to make great exertions 
for the establishment of an ancient lodge in America, which was 
soon eifected in Boston by the assistance of travelling lodges bo- 
longing to the British army who were stationed there. On 
the 27th of December, 1769, when the order was assembled tu 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 269 

celebrate the Festival of the Evangelists, a commission was re- 
ceived from the liight Honoi-able and Most Worshipful George 
Earl of Ualhoiisie, Grand Master of Masons in Scotland, dated tlie 
30th of May, 17G!}, appointing Joseph Warren to be Grand Master 
of Masons in Boston, and he was, accoi-ding to ancient usage, duly 
installed into that office. The Grand Master then appointed and 
installed the other grand officers, and the grand lodge was at this 
time comj)letely organized. Between this period and the year 
1791 this grand lodge granted warrants of constitution for lodges 
to be held in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Connecticut, Ver- 
mont, and New York. In the year 1773 a commission was re- 
ceived from the Kight Honorable and Most Worshijjful Patrick 
Karl of Dumfries, Grand Master of Masons in Scotland, dated 
March 3d, 1772, appointing the Kight Worshipful Joseph Warren, 
Esq., Grand Master of Masons for the Continent of America. In 
1775 the meetings of the grand lodge were suspended by the town 
of Boston becoming a garrison. At the battle of Bunker Hill, 
on the 17th of June, 1775, Masonry and America met with a 
heavy loss in the death of Grand Master Warren, who was slain 
contending for the liberties of his country. His death shed a 
gloom throughout the community. He was exceedingly beloved 
by all classes for the mildness and atfability of his deportment and 
the virtues of his private life. As a statesmen he was able and 
judicious; as an orator eloquent; as a man, of uncompromising in- 
tegrity and undaunted braver}'; and the tirst officer of rank that 
fell in the contest with Great Britain. The glor}* of Bunker Hill 
is interwoven with the reputation of Major-Gcneral Warren. 

Soon alter the evacuation of Boston by the British army, and 
previous to any regular communication, the Masons, influenced by 
a pious regard to the memory of their late Grand Mastei", were in- 
duced to search for his body, which had been rudely and indiscrimi- 
nately buried in the tield of slaughter. They according!}' repaired 
to the place, and by direction of a person who was on the gi'ound 
at the time of his burial, a spot vas found where the earth had 
been recently turned up. Upon moving the turf and opening the 
grave, which was on the blow of a hill, and adjacent to a small 
cluster of sprigs, the remains were discovered in a mangled condi- 
tion, but were easily ascertained b}' an artificial tooth ; and being 
decently raised, were conveyed to the State House in Boston, Irum 
whence, by a large and respectable number of Masons, with the 
lute grand officers attending in procession, they were carried to a 
Htone chapel, where an animated eulogium was delivered by Perez 
Morton of the Masonic order. The body was then deposited in 
ihe silent vault. 

On the 8lh of March, 1777, the Masons who had been dispersed 
in consefjucnce of the war, again assembled and proceeded to the 
formation of a (Jrand Lodge, and elected aiul installed the inosi 
worbhipful Joseph Webb their Grand Master. On the 5th of 



270 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

December, 1791, a committee was appointed agi'eeably to a vote of 
the second of March, 1791, "to confer with the officers of St. 
John's Grand Lodge upon the subject of a complete Masonic union 
throughout the commonwealth," which was consummated on the 
19th of June, 1792, when the officers of the two grand lodges met 
in conjunction, agreeably to previous arrangements, and installed 
the Most Worshipful John Cutler Grand Master; and resolved, 
" that this Grand Lodge organization as aforesaid, shall forever 
hereafter be known by the name of The Grand Lodge of the 
Most Ancient and Honorable Society of Free and Accepted Masons 
for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts" 

The Grand Lodge of New Hampshire was fii-st formed the 8th 
of July, 1789 ; Khode Island was organized on the 25th of June, 
1791 ; Connecticut was constituted on the 8th day of July, 1789, 
by fifteen lodges which then existed in the State ; Vermont was 
constituted at Eutland, on the 14th day of October, 1794 ; New 
York was first constituted by a warrant from the Duke of Atbol, 
dated London, 5th of September, 1781 ; New Jersey was constituted 
at the city of New Brunswick, on the 18th of Decembei", 1786. On 
the 24th of June, 1734, upon the petition of several Masons resid- 
ing in Philadelphia, a warrant of constitution was granted by the 
Grand Lodge of Boston, for holding a lodge in that place ; ap- 
pointed the Et. Worshipful Benjamin Franklin their first Master ; 
which is the beginning of Masonry in Pennsylvania. The Grand 
Lodge of England granted a grand warrant, bearing date the 20th 
of June, 1764, to the M. W. William Bell and others, authorizing 
them to hold a Grand Lodge for the State of Pennsylvania. The 
Grand Lodge of Delaware was established at the Town Hall, in 
the borough of Wilmington, on Friday, June 6th, 1806; Virginia 
began its operations October 30th, 1778; the Grand Lodge of 
Kentucky was established on the 30th of October, 1800 ; the Grand 
Lodge of North Carolina was first constituted by virtue of a 
charter from the Grand Lodge of Scotland, 1771 ; the Grand Lodge 
of the State of South Carolina was inetituted and established at 
Charleston on the 24th of March, 1787 ; the Grand Lodge of Ohio 
was instituted the first Monday of Januaiy, 1808 ; and the Gi*and 
Lodge of Georgia on the 16th of December, 1786. 

Until the year 1783, the lodges in Maryland, which had become 
numerous, derived their authority from and were subordinate to 
the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania ; on the 17th day of June, in the 
same year, a convention was called, who held their session at Tal- 
bot court-house, to take into consideration the propriety of estab- 
lishing a statistical jurisdiction. Among other proceedings a reso- 
lution was unanimously passed, that the convention deemed it a 
matter of riglit, and that they ought to form a Grand Lodge for 
the State of Maryland, indejjendent of any other jurisdiction. At 
a grand convention held at the same place, on the 31st of July, in 
the same year, the respective representatives being clothed witu 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 271 

full powers, proceeded to the formation of a Grand Lodciie, by elect- 
ing grand officers, when the following gentlemen were selected, viz : 
JohnCoates, G. M. ; James Kent, D. G.M. ; Thomas Bourke,vS.G,W. ; 
William Forrester, J. G. W. ; Charles Gardiner, G. S. ; and William 
Perr}', G. T. The Grand Lodge of Maryland continued to hold 
their sessions at the town of Talbot, until the year 1794, when 
Masonry having by this time extended its influence throughout the 
State, a number of lodges having been established in the town of 
Baltimore and on the western shore of the State, it became con- 
venient to remove the Grand Lodge to Baltimore. The first session 
under the new arrangement was held in the month of May, 1794, 
and has since continued to meet here. 

Under the auspices of the llev. John Crawford, M. D., who for 
a long series of years presided as Grand Master, Masonry continued 
to flourish. The death of this venerable seer was attended with 
such circumstances as will not soon be eradicated from the minds 
of his brethren, who, with the community at large with wiiom he 
associated, were wont to respect him for his Christian and Masonic 
virtues ; perhaps, since the da^'S of the celebrated Howard, that 
man has not appeared on the stage of life whose character has so 
nearly api)roached that celebrated j)hilanthropist as Dr. Crawford. 
The circumstances alluded to are as follows : At the last session he 
delivered, as was his custom, an original charge, lengthy and lumin- 
ous, the production of his own rich imagination, couched in the 
most affectionate and parental language, at the conclusion of 
which he intimated to his brethren his wish to retire from office, 
pleading his long services and advanced age. He then resigned 
the Oriental chair to his associate, and passing through the adja- 
cent room, gave the Tyler an affectionate shake by the hand, ob- 
serving that the door which had just closed upon him would never 
again be opened for his reception, wishing him at the same time 
hapj)iness here and hereafter. The fii-st act of the Grand Lodge, 
and it was the spontaneous act of each individual composing it, 
was to give him a unanimous vote of continuance; but Heaven 
had decreed what the venerable man seemed to have a full presenti- 
ment ol', that his work was finished; for the same Grand Lodge 
who heard his valedictory address, who unanimously recalled him 
to the chair, were called ui)on before the session adjourned to 
follow his remains to the tomb. He was born in Ireland on the 
'M of >May, 174(j, and rendered up his soul to his Creator on the 
9th of May, 181-3. 

A company of mounted volunteers put themselves under the 
command of Capts. Plunkct and Moore, of which Samuel Jlollings- 
worth, who had been an officer in the troop, became commander. 
A volunteer company of artillery was formed, commanded by 
Cai)tain Stodder, and a company of riflemen by Captain James 
Allen. 

The neutrality being much infringed by the maritime powers 



272 CHEONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

at war, tlie President announced a general embargo for thirty 
days by Congress ; and the news was received here with much 
satisfaction on the twenty-eighth of March — on the expiration of 
which, a Captain liamsdell, who in a fit of intoxication had hoisted 
his colors half mast, was violently seized by the populace and tarred 
and feathered, as well as a young ship-carpenter named Siutoru, 
who had been an apprentice of Mr. Stodder. 

The extraordinary pretensions and naval power of the British 
rendered them most obnoxious, and it was thought a war with 
them could scarcely be avoided ; but as the surest means of pre- 
serving peace with honor, the President invited serious preparations 
here, both for offence and defence, whilst his minister, Mr. Jay, 
with the terms of accommodation prescribed, w^as waiting in 
Jjondon their acceptance. The fort at Whetstone Point was 
repaired by the inhabitants of the town, and the Star Fort of brick- 
work added. The ground was afterwards ceded to the United 
States, and the work called Fort McIIenry, in honor of Colonel 
James McHenry of MaryUind, then Secretary of War. 

Agreeably to the Act of Congress of the year before, and the 
provisions made by the Legiskiture, Governor Stone appointed 
Colonel Smith Major-Gen eral of the Third Division, — Colonel Hall 
and Howard declining; and Colonel Swann and Charles Eidgely of 
Hampton, Brigadier-Generals ; the first for the Third Brigade and 
the latter for the Eleventh Brigade of Mar^dand Militia, and a 
general enrolment takes place. In 1807, a new law was passed, 
and General Svvann's declining health obliged him to resign, when 
Colonel Strieker was appointed Brigadier-General in his place, 
the cavalry being placed under their own field officers. In 1809 
General Kidgely resigned, when he was succeeded by Tobias E. 
Stansbury. 

Captain Barnej'^ having resigned the oifice of Clerk of the Dis- 
trict Court, took command of a merchant vessel, in which he w^as 
made prisoner by the British. They took him to Jamaica, con- 
demned his vessel, and affected to try him for piracy ; but he was 
acquitted at the moment he was demanded by the President, and 
indemnity was received for the vessel afterwards. Capt. Barney 
was selecied to command one of the frigates to be built by the 
General Government, but not being satisfied in respect to rank, he 
declined soon alter, and went to France, where he entered into the 
service of that republic. Commanding, in 1797, on the St. Domingo 
station, he visited the Chesapeake, eluded the British and returned 
to the capes in safety. Capt. Barney was succeeded by Philip 
Moore as-Clcrk of the District Court. 

The Government intending to fit out several vessels of war at 
this port, Capt. Jeremiah Yellot was appointed navy agent, and Mr. 
David Stodder builder. 

The Criminal Court was abolished in this year, the Justices of 
the county court being then Joshua Seney, Chief Justice ; William 
BuBsell, and William Owings, associates. 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 273 

President Washington having called upon MaiyLand for lier 
quota of militia to quell the " Whiskey Insurrection of Pennsyl- 
vania," over five hundred men from Baltimore assembled at Cum- 
berland under the conimand of Maj.-Gen. Smith, the whole under 
the command of Gen. Pichard Henry Lee, or Light Iloise Harry 
of the Pevolution, as he is sometimes called. The march of the 
army produced a salutary effect; a bloodless victory was every- 
where obtained, many of the ringleaders were taken, and the in- 
surrection having been completely crushed, the troops were dis- 
missed to their homes. Gen. Lee acknowledged the services of the 
Maryland troops in the following letter to Governor Lee, which 
has never hefore been published : 

" Headquarters, Nov. 2Gth, 1794. 

" Sir : — The period having arrived when the army entrusted to 
my direction by the President of the United States, having accom- 
plished the object of their advance into this country, are about to 
return home. 1 should commit violence on my own feelings were 1 
not to express to your Excellency my very high ideas of their 
merit. Suddenly brought into the field, they were unprepared for 
the hardships which they encountered. Nevertheless disregarding 
the distress, to which they were consequently in a greater degree 
exposed, they continued to evidence, with firmness and zeal, the 
purity of the principles by which they were moved, and terminated 
their campaign in perfect correspondence with the pati'iotism which 
impelled them to exchange domestic enjoyments for the toils and 
privations inseparable from military life. To all is due the tribute 
of applause wbich ever attends the faithful and animated discharge 
of duty ; but to one class something more is due. Those inesti- 
mable and friendless citizens who fill the ranks seem to have been 
scarcely noticed in the legal provisions for compensation. 

" H' the example exhibited by my companions in arms is deemed 
worthy of attention, 1 derive great consolation from my hopes 
that the State Legislature will take into consideration the inequality 
which at present exists in tlic pay allowed to the officers and to 
the soldiers ; and so far as respects the faithful army under my 
orders, will be pleased to manifest their sense of the conduct of 
the troops, by rendering the pecuniary compensation of the soldier 
proportionate to that given to the officer. The justice and policy 
of such interposition are alike evident, and will be peculiarly ac- 
ceptable. 

" Another point, in which both officers and soldiers are inter- 
ested, claims, in my humble opinion, legislative notice. Although 
the wise and temperate system adopted by the President of Llio 
United Slates averted the heaviest of all human calamities, and 
saved the ellu.sion of blood, yet the sullerings which the army 
experienced from the extreme severity of the weathei" have 
deprived many families of their dearest friend and chief .^iuppurt, 
18 



274 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

To alleviate their miseries, by extending to thera, with equity and 
liberality, the public aid, is the only possible retribution which can 
be made by the community, and I flatter myself it is only necessary 
to make known the existence of such cases to secure to the suiferers 
the requisite legal provision. 

" I forbear to gratify my affectionate attachment to my fellow- 
citizens in arms with me, by yielding to my solicitude for their 
welfare, and subjoining the many observations which my knowledge 
of their virtue and sufferings crowds upon my mind, in the confi- 
dence that their conduct best bespeaks their worth, and that the 
General Assembly will take pleasure in manifesting their respect 
to real merit. 

" I have the honor to be with great respect, your most obt. 
servt, JRcH. Hy. Lee." 

The following unpublished letter was written to Gov. Lee by 
Alexander Hamilton, then Secretary of War : 

" War Department, November 24:th, 1794. 

"Sir : — I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of a letter 
of the 18th instant from the Executive Council of Maryland, and 
to congratulate you and them on the disappearance of the insur- 
rection in Maryland. 

" The President has seen with great satisfaction the laudable 
vigor with which it was met by the Government, the excellent 
disposition manifested by the citizens, and the speedy termination 
of the disturbance. Such an example cannot but have the best 
effect. 

•' Though severity towards offenders is to be avoided as much 
as can consist with the safety of society, yet impunity in such 
cases is apt to produce too much promptitude in setting the laws 
at defiance. Repeated instances of such impunity in Pennsylvania 
are perhaps the principal cause of the misfortune which now af- 
flicts itself, and through it the United States. The disturbers of 
the peace familiarly appeal to the past experience of unpunished 
offences as an encoui'agement to the perpetration of new ones. 
This general reflection will no doubt be duly adverted to by the 
judiciary and other authorities of Maryland. 

" With great respect and esteem, I have the honor to be, Sir, 
your most obedient servant, Alexander Hamilton. 

" His Excellency Thomas Sim Lee, Governor of Maryland." 

Before the departure of the troops from Baltimore to suppress 
the " Whiskey Insurrection," the yellow fever made its appear- 
ance in the town, and Messrs. Gustavus Scott, George Salmon, Jos. 
Townsend, Alexander McKim, Jesse Hollingsworth, Thomas John- 
son, and Thomas Dixson were appointed a Committee of Health. 
There were 344 deaths by the fever and other diseases during the 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 275 

months of August and September. The malady did not cease until 
the 15th of October. Capt. James Allen, who had conducted his com- 
pany of riflemen as far as Frederick to protect the State Arsenal 
from the insurgents, returned an invalid, and with other meritorious 
citizens fell a victim to the fatal disease. The Commissioners of 
Health selected a site for the hospital from Capt. Yellot, which 
was improved and continued to be used as a hospital for strangers 
and seafaring men until 1808, when it was leased on certain con- 
ditions to Doctors Smyth and Mackenzie. It was at this period, 
and particularly on accouut of the fever, that many citizens fled 
from the town with their families, where it appears the fever did 
not reach them, and some of them erected country residences 
which now ornament the vicinity. 

On the 25th of December the General Assembly passed "An 
Act to alter such parts of the Constitution and form of govern- 
ment which prevented persons conscientiously scrupulous of tak- 
ing an oath from being members of the Legislature, electors of 
the Senate, or to hold offices of profit and trust." By this Act a 
member of either of the religious sects or societies called Quakers, 
Menonists, Tunkers or Nicolites, or New Quakers, by atfirming 
may hold office, &c. 

Otho Holland Williams was born in Prince George's county,. 
Maryland, in March, 17-49. His ancestors were Welsh, and camQ 
to America soon after Lord Baltimore became proprietor of tho 
province of Maryland. He was left an orphan at twelve years of 
age. He was a resident of Frederick county when the war of the 
Eevolution began, when he entered the military service as lieu- 
tenant of a rifle corps under Colonel Michael Cresap, and with that 
oflSccr he went to Boston in 1775. He was afterwards promoted 
to the command of his company. In 1776 he was promoted to 
major, and fought at Fort Washington with distinction. In that 
engagement he was wounded and captured, and for fifteen months 
experienced the horrors of the provost prison of New York. He 
was afterwards exchanged for Major Ackland, captured at Sara- 
iDga. During his captivity he was appointed to the command of a 
regiment in the Maryland Line. He was Gates' adjutant-general 
during the campaign of 1780. When Gates collected the remnant 
of his army, scattered at Camden, tho Marylanders were formed 
into two battalions, constituting one regiment. To Williams was 
assigned the command, with John Eager Howard as his lieutenant. 
When Greene assumed the command of the S(Mithern army ho 
perceived the value of Williams, and ai)i)ointo(l him adjutant- 
general. In Greene's memorable retreat, and the subsefpient battle 
at Guilford, Williams greatly distinguished himself, and at Eutaw 
Springs he led the celebrated charge which swept tho field and 

gained the bloody victory. Congress promoted him to tho raidc of 
rigadier, and at tho close of the war he received tho aiii)oiiitment 
of collector of customs at Baltimore, which office he held until his 



276 CHEONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

death, which occurred on TueBday, the 15th of July, 1794, at Mil- 
lerstown, in Virginia, when on his way to the Sweet Springs for 
the benefit of his health, in the 46th year of his age. His body 
was conveyed to Springfield, now Williamsport, and deposited in 
the fiimily graveyard. Gen, Williams left a widow and four small 
children, all sons. Upon Major Otho Williams receiving the ap- 
pointment of Colonel, he wrote the following characteristic letter 
to Governor Johnson : 

" Fred'k Town, March 6th, 1778. 

" Sir : — The very honorable appointment which the Assembly 
of the State of Maryland hath been pleased to make me, adds an 
obligijtion to my natural duty and inclination to serve my country 
with my best abilities. I have not been able to obtain a state 
of the regiment which I expect the honor to command, but from 
the best information learn there is not above one hundred effec- 
tive men with Lt.-Col. Ford, and those very indifterently clothed. 
The laws for recruiting and equipping men in this State (of them- 
selves deficient) I find very badly executed, and I, could wish it in 
my power to afford some assistance, which I cannot possibly do 
until I am instructed where to get cash and how to subsist the re- 
cruits till they are equipped and fit for duty. It would give me 
great pleasure to be advised on this subject. I heartily desire to 
join the army as soon as possible, but certainly it had better be re- 
inforced by a regiment without a colonel than by a colonel without 
a regiment. . 

" I am your Excellency's most obedient, humble servant, 

" Otho H. Williams. 
-" His Excellency Thomas Johnson, Esq., Governor of Md." 

iGeneral Williams was one of the most distinguished ofiicers of 
the Eevolutionary period, and was beside, in private life, a truly 
lovable and interesting character. He was a man of very decided 
genius, of noble and magnanimous nature, singularly handsome in 
person, a warm friend, and fondly affectionate in all his family re- 
lations. He was succeeded as Collector of the Port by EobeA 
Purviance. 

George G. Presbury was appointed one of the justices of the 
Orphans' Court. 

Alexander McKim and James Winchester are elected delegates 
to the Assembly, and Henry Stevenson is again elected Sheriff". 

Died, on the ninth of June, John Smith, one of the framers of 
the Constitution, and lately a Senator in the State Legislature. 

Col. Nathaniel Ramsay becoming Naval Officer in the place of 
Mr. Purviance, promoted to Collector, Jacob Graybell is appointed 
Marshal of this district. He was succeeded by Messrs. Heuben 
Etting, Thomas Ruter, and Col. Paul Bentalou. 

On the 26th of December the General Assembly passed an Act 
to incorporate " The Baltimore Equitable Society "for insuring 
houses from loss by fire. 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 277 

1705. Died at New York, on Wednesday, September 30th, Col. 
Eleazer Oswald, lately one of the editors of the Maryland Journal. 
He served in the array of France under Dumonrur, and gained 
merited ajiplause at the famous battle of Jemmape. He also 
served gallantly in the Continental ai'my. 

In this year, Judge Jones, wlio resided at North Point on.tlie 
Patapsco, counted, in passing to Baltimore, no less than 109 ships, 
162 brigs, 350 sloops and schooners, and 5,464 of the " bay craft," 
or small coasters so well known in the traffic between the eastern 
and western shores of the Chesapeake. The shad, herring, oyster 
and other fisheries had grown to consequence, as may be judged 
from the large number of these smaller vessels; and, according to 
the published reports, the value of merchandise entered at our 
Custom House for exportation from 1st October 1790 to Ist 
October 1791, was 81.690.930 ; same period in 1792, $1,782,861; in 
1793, $2,092,060; in 1794, $3,456,421 ; in 1795, $4,421,924;— making 
in all 813,444,796; while the exports from the whole State of Mary- 
land for the same time were 820,026,126; showing that our town 
alread}'- exported two-thirds of the whole amount sent forward by 
the State. 

The demand abroad for our flour stimulated the " milling 
interests," and the abundant water-power on Jones Falls was 
taken advantage of by the erection of a new mill within a 
mile of navigation, while Gwynn's Falls was also improved by a 
mill-race, with sufficient fall in succession for at least three mills 
wiUiin three miles of the city's wharves. In consequence of these 
enterprises of the Penningtons, Ellicott's, Taggerts, Tysons, and 
HoUingsworths, the manufacture of flour was greatly increased, 
80 that but little wheat in bulk was subsequently exported from 
our city. Nor should we forget in this enumeration of the material 
progress of Baltimore, that our merchants and intellectual men 
did not neglect their minds, nor the minds of their children, in 
this prosperous period. The Right Rev. Bishop Carroll, the Rev. 
Doctors Patrick Allison and Joseph (r. J. Bend, Doctor Geoi-go 
Brown, Messrs. Richard Caton, Thomas Poultney, James Carroll, 
George AV'^. Field, Robert Gilmor, Nicholas Brice, David Harris, 
and others, established the old Library Company, and made that 
splendid collection of the best works of the day and age which, 
within a few years past, was merged, and is still preserved iu the 
collections of the Maryland Historical Society. 

John B. Bernabeau was appointed French Consul for Maryland, 
and resided here. 

David McMechan was elected one of the delegates to the Gen- 
eral Assembly in the place of Alexander McKim. 

An Act was passed by the (General Assembly, on the 24th of 
December, to incorporate the Bank of Baltimore ; and on the same 
day the Maryland Fire Insurance Cinnpaiiy was also iiicorpoi-ated. 

On the 27th of July, a town meeting was held at the court- 



278 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMOEE. 

house, and a committee was chosen to address the President on 
the subject of a treaty with England, adverse. to the ratification. 
The answer of the President referred the citizens to his answer to 
the select men of Boston ; in which, being disposed to adopt the 
treaty, he appeals to the principles of conscious rectitude contained 
in his answer to the address of this town on his first election to 
the Presidency, and hopes that experience will justify him. 

1796. The following letter was written by President Washing- 
ton to Col. James McHenry, of Baltimore, formerly private secre- 
tary on his 8ta£f during the Eevolution: 

*' Philadelphia, 20th January, 1796. 

*' My Dear Sir : — Let this letter be received with the same friend- 
ship and frankness with which it is written. Nothing would add 
more to the satisfaction this would give me, than your acceptance 
of the offer I am going to make. Without further preface, then, 
will you suffer me to nominate you to the office of Secretary of 
War? That I may give evidence of the candor I have professed 
above, I shall inform you that, for particular reasons, more fit for 
an oral than a written communication, this ofiice has been offered 
to General Pinckney, of South Carolina, Colonel Carrington, of 
Virginia, and Governor Howard, of Maryland, and that it would 
now give me sincere pleasure if you would fill it. After making 
this declaration, I can press you no farther ; but I press for an im- 
mediate answer, as the public service is suffering much for want of 
a head to the department of war. If you consent to this nomina- 
tion, prepare to come on as soon as it is made, for the reason just 
mentioned ; although, at this season of the year, and in the present 
state of the roads, you should not find it convenient to bring Mrs. 
McHenry and your family along with you. Sound, I pray you, 
and let me know without delay, if Mr. Samuel Chase would ac- 
cept a seat on the supreme judicial bench of the United States, 
made vacant by the resignation of Mr. Blair. If his decision is in 
the affirmative, he will at once perceive the necessit)'' of being here, 
if possible, by the first Monday in the next month, at which time 
that court is to sit in this city. Although these subjects are both 
of an interesting nature, I will add no more on them at present, 
but assure you of the sincere friendship and affectionate regard of, 
&c., George Washington." 

Mr. McHenry and Mr. Chase both consented to the proposal, 
and were accordingly appointed. 

The Baltimore Library Company opened their library for the 
use of the members on the evening of October 22d, at the house 
of Mr. Williams, Lemon street. 

Messrs. Thompson and Walker issue the first directory published 
in Baltimore, containing the names, occupations and places of 
abode of the inhabitants of Baltimore Town and Fell's Point. 
Messrs. Pechin & Co., printers. 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 279 

On the 20th of November, 1783, the officers of the Maryland 
Line, agreeably to the request of Major-General Smallwood, met 
at Mr. Mann's tavern, in Annapolis. In consequence of the ab- 
Benco of General Smallwood and General Gist, the two senior offi- 
cers, the meeting was adjourned to the evening of the following 
day. The aforesaid officers not appearing. General Otbo Holland 
Williams was called to the chair, and Lieutenant-Colonel Eccleston 
appointed secretary. The institution of the order of " The Society 
of the Cincinnati " was read and adopted, when they proceeded to the 
election of officers. Whereupon Major-General Smallwood was 
elected president ; Brigadier-General Gist, vice-president ; Briga- 
dier-General Williams, secretary ; Colonel Eamsey, treasurer ; and 
Lieutenant-Colonel Eccleston, assistant treasurer. The represen- 
tatives elected to the General Society wei-e General Smallwood, 
General Williams, Governor Paca and Colonel Karasey. The first 
meeting of the members of the society in Baltimore was held at 
the "Indian Queen " hotel, which stood on the southwest corner 
of Sharp and Baltimore streets, then kept by Mr. William Evans, 
on the 4th of Jul}^ 1796. At this meeting Colonel John H. Stone 
was re-elected president, and Colonel John Eager Howard, vice- 
president; Robert Denny was re-elected secretary and treasurer. 
The officers of the Maryland society at the present day are : Tench 
Tilghman, president ; William Williams, vice-president ; W, Carvel 
Hall, treasurer ; and Richai'd J. Manning, secretary. 

On Sunday, December 4th, Baltimore Town witnessed such a 
scene as to threaten at one time the destruction of a greater part 
of it. About four o'clock in the afternoon a fire broke out in a 
frame building on the west side of Light street, occupied as a 
shop by Dr. Goodwin. The flames immediately caught the frame 
buildings of Messrs. Wilkinson & Smith's cabinet manufactory on 
the south side, and Mr. Hawkins' two three-story brick houses. 
On the north they communicated to the " magnificent structure," 
the Baltimore Academy, and the Methodist meeting-house. The 
fierce element had now got to such a height as to put it out of the 
power of the citizens to save the six buildings on fire ; and there- 
fore, to prevent its spreading still further, they threw down the 
roof of the Rev. Mr. Heed's house and demolished some back 
buildings, by which means the flames were got under control. 
"Mr Bryden's Fountain Inn, directly opposite, was with difficulty 
preserved by wetting the roof, and spreading wet l)lankets by a 
gentleman traveller, (Mr. Francis Charlton, of Yorktown, Va.) on 
a shed adjoining the inn, which was on fire several times previous 
to this experiment." The fire originated with some boys, who 
set fire to some shavings in the back part of the house. 

Judge Seney resigned, and Henry Ridgely was appointed Chief- 
Justice of the judicial district. Dr. Andrew Wiesenthall is ap- 
jioiiited one of the Judges of the Orphans' Court. 

The Charitable Marine Society was formed and incorporated 



280 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

in the name of Thomas Elliott, David Porter, Thomas Cole, 
Daniel Howland, and others, masters of vessels, or their friends. 

At length, on the last day of the year 1796, a law is passed to 
constitute the town a city, and incorporate the inhabitants by the 
name of " The Mayor and City Council of Baltimore " ; and that 
the best means were sought by our legislators to restrain the 
errors and promote the happiness of a numerous and mixed so- 
ciety, is proved by the enlightened views which they have con- 
cisely expressed in the following preamble : " Whereas, it is found 
by experience that the good order, health and safety of large 
towns and cities cannot be preserved, nor the evils and accidents 
to which they are subject avoided or remedied, without an internal 
power competent to establish a police, and regulations fitted to 
their particular circumstances, wants and exigencies." It required 
no little exertion of the talents and influence of Messrs. McMechen, 
McHenry, Robert Smith, and Winchester, the Senators and Dele- 
gates at the time, to reconcile the citizens to the charter, such as 
it was, especially those of the Point, or Deptford Hundred, who 
were conciliated by an exception from any tax towards deepening 
the upper harbor or basin. Still the Act was introduced as an ex- 
periment for a year only, and another was passed the ensuing 
session to give it perpetual duration, with an enumeration of some 
of the principal powers. 

James Winchester was chosen Elector of the Senate for the 
City. Col. Howard and Charles Ridgely of Hampton were elected 
members of the Senate of the State, but the Colonel having been 
appointed a member of the Senate of the United States, is suc- 
ceeded by David McMechen. Eobert Smith was elected to the 
House of Delegates in the place of Mr. McMechen. 

An Act of Assembly was passed on the 30th of December, 
authorising the filling up of the west side of the Basin from Forrest 
(now Charles) to the east side of Light ftreet, and the extension of 
Lee, Barre, Conway, and Camden streets to Light. Also on the 
31st of December, an Act was passed by the General Assembly to 
lay out and establish a turnpike road from the City of Washington 
to Baltimore town. 

1797. " In virtue of an appointment by the Governor and Council, 
bearing date the 5th day of January, 1797, to divide the City of 
Baltimore into eight wai'ds, agreeably to the Act to erect Baltimore 
town, in Baltimore county, into a city, and to incorporate the in- 
habitants thereof, we have made, and do declare the following 
division of the said city into eight wards, — viz. : 

" The first ward to comprise all that part of the City of Balti- 
more to the westward of Hanover street and McClellan's alley, in- 
cluding the west side of said street and alley, and all the west side 
of Charles street north of the place where said alley intersects it. 

"The second ward : the east side of Hanover street and McClel- 
lan's alley, to the west side Light street and St. Paul's lane in- 
clusive. 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 281 

" The third ward : the east side of Lif^ht street and St. Paul's 
lane, to the west (side of Calvert street inclusive. 

" The fourth ward : the east side of Calvert street to the west 
side of South street and North lane inclusive. 

" The fifth ward : the east side of South street and North lane, 
to the west side of Gay street inclusive. 

" The sixth ward : the east side of Gay street to Jones Falls 
inclusive. 

'' The seventh ward: the east side of Jones Falls and the north 
Bide of Wilkes street inclusive. 

" The eicrhth ward : all that part of Fell's Point to the south- 
ward of Wilkes street, including the south side of said street. 

" Given under our hands in the City of Baltimore, this 9th day 
of January, 1797: 

"John Stricker, Alexander McKim, 

"Philip Rogers, James Calhoun, 

"Emanuel Kent, James Stodder." 

Agreeably to the Act of Assembly for incorporating the City 
of Baltimore, the inhabitants of the several wards met on the 16th 
of January, 1797, for the purpose of electing two councilmen for 
each ward and eight electors for the choice of a Mayor; when 
the following gentlemen were returned as duly elected : 

First Ward Councilmen: — James Carey, Ephraim Eobinson. 
Elector, George Reinecker. 

Second Ward: — Dr. George Buchanan, Samiicl Owings. Elec- 
tor, AVilliam Gibson. 

Tliird Ward: — Zebulon Hollingsworth, James McCannon. 
Elector, Jesse Hollingsworth. 

Fourth Ward: — Hercules Courtenay, William AVilson. Elector, 
Jeremiah Yellott. 

Fifth Ward : — Thomas Hollingsworth, Adam Fonerden. Elec- 
tor, Philip Rogers. 

Sixth Ward : — James A. Buchanan, Peter Frick. Elector, 
Englehard Yeiser. 

Seventh Ward: — James Edwards, David Brown. Elector, John 
Brown. 

Eighth Ward: — Joseph Biays, William Ti-imble. Elector, John 
Coulter. 

The General Assembly, on the 20tli of Januar}-, passed an Act 
incorporating "The Library C<jm])any of Baltimore," now merged 
in the ^laryland Historical Society. On the same day the As- 
sembly incoi-pcn-atc "The Presbyterian ("hurch,in the city of Balti- 
more," with a committee consisting of William Smith, Robert 
Purvianco, James Calhoun, David Stewart, Robert Gilmor, Samuel 
Smith, William Patterson, C'hristopher Johnson, George Brown, 
John Swann, William Robb and James A. Buchanan. 

A meeting was held on the 2l8t of February, of the electors of 



282 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMOEE. 

a Mayor and eight members for the Second Branch of the City 
Council, when the following gentlemen were declared to be duly 
elected : James Calhoun, Mayor. First Ward, "William Goodwin ; 
Second Ward, Col. Nicholas Rogers ; Third Ward, John Merryman ; 
Fourth Ward, Henry Nicholls ; Fifth Ward, Eobert Gilmor ; Sixth 
Ward, Eichard Lawson ; Seventh Ward, Edward Johnson ; Eighth 
Wai'd, Job Smith, who chose John Merryman their President. On 
the same day the citizens for the several wards held an election for 
sixteen members of the First Branch of the City Council, when the 
following gentlemen were elected : First Ward, James Carey and 
Ephraim Robinson : Second Ward, Samuel Owings and Dr. George 
Buchanan; Third Ward, ZebulonHollingsworth and James McCan- 
non ; Fourth Ward, Hercules Courtenay and David McMechen ; 
Fifth Ward, Thomas Hollingsworth and Adam Fonerden ; Sixth 
Ward, Baltzer SchaefFer and Peter Frick; Seventh Ward, James 
Edwards and Frederick Schaeffer ; Eighth Ward, Joseph Biaj^s and 
William Trimble. Hei-cules Courtenay, Esq., was chosen President 
of this Branch. 

On the 20th of January the General Assembly passed an Act " to 
lay out and establish a turnjiike road from the City of Baltimore 
through Frederick-town in Frederick county, to Elizabeth-town 
and Williams-port in Washington county." Luke Tiernan, Peter 
Hoffman, and Hezekiah Claggett, were appointed managers for 
taking subscriptions for stock in Baltimore City. 

One of the first acts of the Corporation was an expression of 
approbation, gratitude, and good wishes toward Gen. Washington, 
passing through the city homeward after the expiration of the 
second period of his presidential term, in an address dated the 14th 
of March, of which the following is a copy : 

" To George Washington, Esq. : 

'^ Sir : — To partake of the prosperity arising from your un- 
wearied attention to the welfax'e of your country — to admire that 
firmness which has never been disconcerted in the greatest difii- 
culties, and which has acquired vigor in proportion to the exi- 
gency — to feel that honorable ascendency you have obtained in 
the well-founded opinion of your fellow-citizens, by a wise adminis- 
tration, and the exercise of the virtues of a private life, and to 
suppress our admiration and acknowledgment, would be wanting 
to our own individual sensation, and the just expectation of those 
we represent. 

" Permit, therefore, the Mayor and City Council of Baltimore, 
amongst the fii'st exercises of their corporate capacity, to gratify 
themselves and their constituents, in the sincere expressions of 
regret for your retirement ; their lively gratitude for your public 
services, their affectionate attachment to your private character, 
their heartfelt farewell to your person and family, and their un- 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 283 

ceasing solicitude for your temporal and eternal happiness. In 
behalf of the corporation of the city of Baltimore, 

" James Calhoun, Mayor." 

To which was returned the following reply : — 

*• To the Mayor and City Council of Baltimore : 

^^ Gentlemen: — 1 receive with grateful sensibility the honor of 
your address. 

" To meet the plaudits of my fellow-citizens for the part I have 
acted in public life, is the highest reward, next to the consciousness 
of having done my duty, to the utmost of my abilities, of which 
my mind is susceptible; and I pra}^ you to accept my sincere 
thanks for the evidence you have now given me of your approba- 
tion of my past services. For these regrets which you have ex- 
pressed on the occasion of my retirement to private life, and for 
the affectionate attachment j^ou have declared for my person, let 
me reciprocate most cordially all the good wishes you have been 
pleased to extend to me and my family, for our temporal and 
eternal happiness. " George Washington." 

Eichard H. Moale was appointed by the Mayor and City Council 
to " receive for safe-keeping the records, papers, proceedings, and 
accounts of the commissioners of Baltimore town, port wardens, &c., 
until the corporation shall further order." William Gibson was 
appointed to " receive for safe-keeping all the moneys in the hands of 
the commissioners of Baltimore town, &c., until the corporation 
shall further order." 

At the navy-yard of David Stodder, Harris Creek, on the 9th 
of September, was launched the United States frigate Constellation, 
of 36 guns. Capt. Thomas Truxton was appointed to command 
her. 

Captain David Porter, Sr,, established the signal-house on 
Federal Hill, opposite, but near to, and in sight of the town, by 
which the approach of public and private vessels to the Bodkin and 
North Point is immediately known. 

In this year a subscription was gotten up for a hall for dancing, 
and the building was erected and is still standing on the north-east 
corner of Fayette and Holliday streets, from a design by Colonel 
N, Rogers — Messrs. Kobert C. Long, .Tames Donaldson, Hessington, 
and Lander, builders — which was called the " Assembl}^ lioom." 

Mr. George Keating published a small plan of the city, and two 
years alter another was published by Mr. Charles Yarle, which in- 
cluded some of the environs, with views of the buildings. Messrs. 
Dugan and McElderry commenced their improvements in Market 
Space. 

Colonel Howard having completed the senatorial term, is re-ap- 
pointed Senator of the United States for the ensuing six years. 
Adam Fonerden, Esq., is elected a delegate to the Asseml)ly in the 
place of Mr. McMcchen ; and Cornelius II, Gist is elected sheriff. 



284 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

Died in this city, on the 19th of March, at an advanced age, 
Daniel Dulaney, barrister, formerly secretary of the Province and 
member of the Council, and of the Upper House under the Proprie- 
tary government. 

An Act was passed on the . 20th of January, by the General 
Assembly, incorpoi'ating the Eeisterstown Turnpike Company, and. 
authorizing Samuel Smith, Joseph Thornburgh, Jesse Hollingsworth, 
and Philip Grable, to receive subscriptions to the stock in Balti- 
more City. 

On the same day, the General Assembly appointed Samuel 
Owings, James Carroll, John Merryman, James Carey, and Nicholas 
Rogers, commissioners for the purpose of erecting a new jail, and they 
purchased ground and built on the site of the present one. An Act 
was passed at the next session to sell the ground now occupied by 
the City Court, formerly old Masonic Hall, and the proceeds to 
be applied in the erection of the new jail on the east side of Jones 
Falls. It was finished and occupied in 1802. 

1798. The diflSculties which had arisen in Europe out of the 
French Eevolution, soon extended themselves in this country. The 
cloud soon passed away, and nothing was heard but distant rum- 
blings. 

On the 7th of I^ovember, Gen. Washington, who had accepted 
the command of the army again, designated Col. Howard to be one 
of the Brigadier-Generals, and arrived here and reviewed General 
Swann's brigade. On this last visit of the beloved chief and brother, 
the R. W. Mr. William Belton, Grand Master of the Grand Lodge 
of Maryland, presented a copy of their constitution then just re- 
vised, and an address, to which the General returned an answer 
highly commendatory of the benevolent purposes of the institu- 
tion. 

Two new companies of volunteer cavalry were raised, one %n 
the Point, commanded by Captain James Biays, and one in town 
by Captain Paul Bentalou. 

In July, Congress voted an addition to the army and naval 
forces, and authorized the seizure of French vessels which were 
armed. The ships Baltimore and Montezuma, merchant vessels of 
this port, were fitted out with twenty guns each, the first com- 
manded, by Captain Isaac Philips, and the last by Captain Alex. 
Murray. On the 16th of November, the Baltimore having 
convoyed a number of American vessels near Havana, was met by 
a British squadron under Admiral Loring, who invited Captain 
Philips on board his ship, and in his absence, had above fifty men 
brought away from the Baltimore, as British seamen, which Cap- 
tain Philips resented strenuously and offered up his ship. Upon 
this Loring returned all the men but five, and Captain Philips be- 
ing without a commission for his ship, and thinking the Government 
would find some better means of redress, hoisted his flag and pro- 
ceeded, but was dismissed the service on his return without a trial 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 285 

by an order of the Secretary of the Navy. John Eogers and An- 
drew Stei-ett were appointed Lieutenants in the navy, and David 
Porter, Jr., Midshipman, were on board the Constdlation and con- 
tributed by their gallant behavior to the capture of the Insurgente 
French frigate, on the 9th of February, 1799. Besides the above 
Baltimore gentlemen, there also entered the navy about this period, 
Messrs. John Ballard, William Peterken, Charles Ridgely, John 
and Joseph Nicholson, and George Levely ; and another ship was 
fitted out and called the Fatapsco, to be commanded by Captain 
Geddes. 

To relieve the county courts from duties not judiciary, Levy 
courts were organized, by law, and eleven justices appointed for 
this city and county, who took charge of the property and finances. 
The tobacco inspectors formerly nominated by the vestries, and 
latterly by the courts of justice, are now by this court, as are the 
county constables and overseers of the roads. The Legislature 
also i^assed an Act to prevent abuses in the practice of medicine 
and surgery, the want of which had been announced ten years be- 
fore, incorporating the faculty, prohibiting any from commencing 
practice thereafter without a license from a board of examiners. 
This restriction was so far modified in 1816 as to permit the gradu- 
ates of reputed seminaries or colleges to practice without other 
license. 

The form and dimensions of bi-iek for building or sale were es- 
tablished. 

The property of the city subject to taxes was valued at £699,- 
519 9s. 2d., pursuant to a general assessment law, and five com- 
missioners for the city, and five for the county, appointed. 

At a town meeting on the 7th of September, it was resolved 
that a subscription should be opened for money to aid the distressed 
inhabitants of Philadelphia, then afllicted by the yellow fever, and 
on the 15tb the Mayor suspended communication between the two 
cities. 

Wm. Wilson and Archibald Buchanan, Esqs., arc elected dele- 
gates. 

On the 5th of July, John Moale, Esq., many years presiding 
justice of the county court, and member of the convention in 1774 
for the county, departed this life at an advanced age ; on the 
eleventh of September, also at an advanced age, Alexander Lawson, 
Esq., formerly clerk of Baltimore county court; and on the 
twentieth of October, at his then residence in Queen Anno 
County, Joshua Seney, Esq., late chicf-justico of this district, and 
formerly member of Congress. 

An Act was passed by the General Assembly, on the Ifith of 
January, to extend and open Sharping lane, now called Second 
street, to the breadth of forty-nino feet six inches from Gay to 
South street. 

1799. Agreeably to the powers of the corporation, an addition 



286 CHKONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

was made to the city of a small parcel of ground situated north of 
Saratoga street, and the bounds of Harford street and Canal were 
fixed, together with the channel of the Basin. 

On the 28th of May a very destructive fire broke out on the 
west side of South street, in the bake-house of Patrick Millian, and 
consumed fourteen warehouses, and much valuable property be- 
tween that street and Bowley's wharf The following persons 
were the principal losers: James Piper, William Jessop, William 
Woods, V. Kapff & Anspach, Benjamin Williams, Eogers & Owens, 
Solomon Betts, James Corrie, Eedmond Berry, M. Larew, William 
Eyland, John McFadden, A. W. Davey, Mrs. Lawson, John Strieker, 
Pat. Millian, Jarard Toepken, J. Masey, Lewis Pascault. 

In this year the Rev. John Hargrove, who had espoused the 
doctrines of Baron Swedenborg, and others of that faith, erect the 
New Jerusalem Temple at the corner of Baltimore and Exeter 
streets, which was dedicated the ensuing year. 

Heretofore the citizens had witnessed much confusion and tur- 
bulence by the multitudes of people assembled at elections for the 
town and county. The Legislature therefore changed the constitu- 
tion in this respect, by dividing both into districts, the wards of 
the city serving for districts ; two years after, the manner of vot- 
ing was limited to ballots, instead of voice, and these seasons ceased 
to be riotous as they had been. 

At the session of 1799, a new Court of Oyer and Terminer is 
organized for Baltimore city and county, and Walter Dorsey ap- 
pointed chief-justice; George Presbury and Job Smith, associate 
justices. In 1808 Judge Dorsey resigns, and is succeeded by John 
Scott, who, dying in 1813, is succeeded by Luther Martin. In this 
year James Winchester was appointed judge of the district court, 
in place of Mr. Paca deceased. 

The In^tirgente, a French frigate, was captured by Captain 
Truxton, U. S. N., brought here and fitted out, but was, with 
Capt. Patrick Fletcher and all the crew, lost at sea the ensuing 
winter. 

On the petition of the proprietors, Pratt street from Franklin 
Lane was directed to be opened to the Falls, and it was then opened 
from Frederick street, and a bridge erected by ordinance of the 
corporation to connect Pratt street with the one called Queen, now 
Pratt street, east of the Falls. Pratt street had been opened west- 
wardly as early as 1795, and in 1811 a law was passed for extend- 
ing it eastwardly across Cheapside, Hollingsworth, and EUicott's 
docks, but this was not effected until another one was passed in 
1816, including that part of the new street only which runs from 
Light street to Franklin lane, — when another law was passed to 
open and extend North lane, which was called Belvedere, now North 
street; and another, to extend Lombard street eastwardly, which 
was not carried into effect for a number of years after. In 1807 
an Act was passed to open Centre street eastwardly from Howard 



CHEONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 287 

street to the Falls, and a bridge was built there; and in 1811, St, 
Paul's, now Saratoga street, was extended from Charles to Fish, 
now Saratoga, in front of the African Bethel Chui-ch. In 1809 
Mr. Christopher Hughes obtained a license to extend his grounds 
on the south side of the Basin, northward to Leo street, and from 
Forest, now Charles, to Johnson street eastwardly. 

The port wardens had determined the width of the Falls, before 
the city was chartered, at 60 feet above Baltimore Street bridge 
and 80 feet below it, and now complete the survey of the harbor, 
which the corporation confirmed in 1805 and 1807 ; and in 1815, a 
resolution was passed to sanction the deepening of the bed and 
walling in the sides of the Falls. 

Archibald Buchanan and George Johannot, Esqs., are elected to 
represent the town in the House of Delegates. 

On the 15th of December, the sad news arrived of the decease 
of General Washington, which ha^Dpened the day before, and on the 
1st of January, 1800, funeral rites were celebrated. The military, 
including the regulars then stationed at Fort McHenry, and the 
citizens, including many from the county, formed a procession at 
the head of Baltimore street, when an appropriate address was de- 
livered by the Eev. Dr. Allison. From thence the procession re- 
turned to Christ Church, and when the bier had entered, the 
funeral service was performed by the Eev. Dr, Bend before an 
immense concourse, deeply aifected at the loss which they had 
sustained, and anxious to manifest the grateful sentiments by which 
they were animated towards the memory of the hero who had so 
often testified his regard for them, and rendered the most important 
services to their country. 

On ^londay, June 3d, the United States sloop-of-war Mary- 
land was launched from the ways at Price's ship-yard. Fell's 
Point. This vessel carried 20 guns, and was built by the merchants 
of Baltimore and presented to the United States Government. 

On Tuesday, June 4th, the Baltimore races commenced at the 
new course on Whetstone Point. There was an immense number 
of spcctator.s present of both sexes and all conditions. Mr. Hanson's 
horse Hamlet was the winner of the four-mile race in seven 
minutes and forty-seven seconds. 

On Friday, June 20th, was launched from the ways at Do Roch- 
broom's ship-yard. Fell's Point, the U. S. sloop-of-war Chesapeake. 

On ilonday morning, July 1st, a number of seamen, lately be- 
longing to the Constellation, to evince their respect to their former 
lieutenant, John Kogers, carried him through tlie principal streets 
of Baltimore on a chair elegantly decorated. On passing Market 
street (Broadway), Fell's Point, the procession was saluted by a 
discharge of cannon. 

On the 24tli of July, the folh)wing gentlemen having been ap- 

f>ointed a committee on behalf of the citizens of Baltimore, pub- 
ished an appeal to raise by subscription among the citizens of the 



288 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

city sufficient means to finish the fortification (Fort McHenry) at 
Whetstone Point : Eobert Gilmor, George Sears, Robert Oliver, 
"William Patterson, David Stewart, Jeremiah Yellott, Mark Pringle, 
Archibald Campbell, Thomas Coale. 

A summary description of Baltimore as taken from an old paper 
of the year: 

" Baltimore, the largest and most flourishing commercial city 
in the State of Maryland, is situated in a county of its own name, 
and on the N. W. branch of Patapsco river. It extends from Har- 
ris's creek on the S. E., until it reaches a branch of the western 
branch, over which there are three wooden bridges. In the city 
the streets extend from east to west, along the north side of the 
basin, and these are again intersected by others at right angles, 
extending north from it; excejjt a few which run in different di- 
rections. At Fell's Point the streets also in general extend from 
east to west, and are crossed by others at right angles ; but imme- 
diately on the Point there are a few which run in various dii-ections, 
as circumstances would admit of. On the side Jones Falls, there 
are some which extend parallel to it, and vary their course from 
the former. The number of streets, lanes and alleys, is about 
130; but several of these are yet without a building. The build- 
ings are principally placed between Howard street and the Falls. 
The main street is 80 feet wide, and extends from east to west 
about three-quarters of a mile, and is called Baltimore street. 
Pratt, Water, Second and East street (Fayette) have the same di- 
rection, and are from 40 to 60 feet wide. These are intersected at 
right angles by Market street, 150 feet wide, Frederick, Gay, South, 
Calvert, Charles, Hanover, and Howard streets, which are from 66 
to 80 feet wide, and compactly built. There are others partly 
built, as Holliday street 100 feet wide, where the new theatre 
stands. Lovely and St. Paul's lanes thirty feet wide, &c. The 
public buildings are a court-house, jail, market-houses, a poor- 
house, which stands on the northwest side of the town, besides 
three banks and exchange, and a theatre already mentioned : 
these last are private propei'ty. The Bank of Maryland stands 
in South street, between Walnut street and Lovely lane, and was 
incorporated in 1791 ; its capital is $300,000. The branch Bank 
of the United States stands at the corner of Second and South 
Gay streets. The Baltimore Bank stands in Baltimore street — 
No. 154. The court-house is a brick building erected upon an 
arch in the north end of Calvert street. In the next square, a 
little to the northwest, is the jail (now record-office). The houses 
for public worship are eleven, viz : one for Episcopalians, one fur 
Presbyterians, one for German Lutherans, one for German Cal- 
vinists, one for the Eeformed Germans, one for Nicolites or New 
Quakers, one for Baptists, one for lioman Catholics, and two for 
Methodists, one of which stands at Fell's Point. The Presbyte 
rian church stands in East sti"eet (northwest corner of North and 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 289 

Fayette streets), has a handsome portico, and is supported bj' six 
pillars in front. It is well-finished, and is one of the most ele<;ant 
ohurclu's in America. The houses as numbered in 1787 were 1955 ; 
about 1200 of these were iu the town and the rest at Fell's Point. 
The number of houses at ])resent is about 3500: the greater part 
of these are brick, and many of tliem liandsome and elegant. 
The number of warehouses is about 170, chiefly placed contiguous 
to the harbor; and the number of inbabiiants, according to the 
census taken in 1791, was 13,758, of whom 1255 were slaves; but 
this must be far short of the |)resent number. 

'• The basin is on the south side of tlie town, in which the water 
at common tides is from eight to nine feet deep. The harbor at 
Fell's Point is deep enough to admit ships of 500 tons burthen. 
The situation of part of the town is low, and was unhealthy until 
a large marsh was reclaimed about twenty-seven years ago, since 
which time the town has been as healthy as any other in the 
United States. Where the marsh formerly was there is a market 
space 150 feet wide, which we have mentioned above ; on each 
side is a row of buildings, with the market-house in the centre. 
Perhaps the increase of houses, and consequently of smoke, to- 
gether with the improvements which have been made in paving 
the streets and keeping them clean, may also have contributed iu 
rendering it so healthy. The articles manufactured here are sugar, 
I'um, tobacco, snuff, cordage, paper, wool and cotton-cards, nails,, 
saddles, l»oots, shoes, ship-building in all its various branches, be- 
sides a variety of other articles. AVithin eighteen miles of the 
town there are fifty capital merchant-mills, one powder-mill, and 
two paper-mills, besides several furnaces and two forges. Twelve 
of the merchant-mills are within four miles of the town, on Jones 
Falls, and four others are about the same distance on two other 
streams. Adjoining the town is a large mill, with four pairs of 
stones six feet in diameter, capable of manufacturing 150 barrels 
of fl(mr in a day ; the water-course is about a mile in length, one- 
tliird part of which is cut out of the solid rock : in this distance 
the water gains sixty-live feet fall. The rapid increase of iialti- 
more has even surprised its friends, and it now ranks as the third 
commercial port in the Union. Thei-e were belonging to it in 
i790.*27 ships, 1 scow, 31 brigantines, 3-4 schooners, and 9 sloops: 
total 102 vessels, containing 13,504 tons. In the year etuling the 
last day of December, 1797, the shi])ping amounted to 59,837 tons. 
The exjtorts in 1790 amounted to ^2,(i27,770, and the imports to 
81.945,899; balance in favor of Baltimore, '$81,971. In the year 
ending 8ej)tember, 1794, the expoi'ts amounted to 85,094,248, and 
in 1798, ending Sei)tember 30th, §12,000,000 and upwards. Mr. 
Morse, in hi.s Gazetteer, says of IJaltimore: 

'' On what authoi-it}' he makes the first part of bis publications 
We know not. In looking int(; his own observations, we fiml ho 
contradicts himself; for he allows a greater poi)ulation to Charles- 
19 



290 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

ton, which, when the census was taken in 1791, was the fourth in 
size, and contained about three thousand people more than Balti- 
more. We believe Baltimore has, since that period, increased more 
in wealth and population than any town in the United States; but 
whether it exceeds Charleston in population at the present day, he 
has no authorit}' we presume for saying it, because no census was 
taken since 1791, and therefore it must be, with him, mere con- 
jecture. With respect to his asserting it is 'in commerce the fifth 
in rank in the United States;' he in this discovers either a want of 
recollection, or a total ignorance of the subject. In looking over 
the exports of the United States, published by Mr. Coxe, commis- 
sioner of the revenue, in 1796, for five years ending September 
30th, 1795, we find, in a commercial view, Pennsj^lvania ranks first, 
New York second, Massachusetts third, Maryland fourth, and South 
Carolina fifth. Massachusetts has more sea-ports than any State 
in the Union, from which commerce is carried on with foreign 
countries. These necessarily lessen the exports of Boston, so that 
we find in 1794, Baltimore exported to the amount of $2,512,545 
more than Boston, and $1,447,856 more than Charleston, the ex- 
ports of which exceed Boston $1,064,689; yet Boston he ranks as 
the third commei-cial town in the Union. Perhaps he will, in the 
next edition of his Gazetteer, make another advance towards truth, 
and place Baltimore in its proper rank as the third commercial 
cit}^ in the United States. It is peopled from various parts of the 
Union, and from different countries in Europe. The inhabitants 
by mixing together in a social and fi-iendly manner, have a polite- 
ness in their address and conversation which renders them pleasant 
and agreeable companions. It contains more men of wealth and of 
probity in commercial transactions, in proportion to its population, 
than any of the seaport towns in the Union. This is demonstrated 
from its exports being greater than either Boston or Charleston, 
each of whose population was more numerous in 1791. Its exports 
are much larger in proportion to its population than either Phila- 
delphia or New York; for if population be the standard of wealth, 
each of these cities ought to export twice the amount that Balti- 
more does. This reasoning is obvious, and j'l'oves what we have 
stated, that Baltimore possesses a larger proportion of men of 
wealth or of probity in commercial affairs than any of the scraport 
towns, as its trade is so much greater in proportion to its popu- 
lation ; for it is self-evident that all commercial transactions are 
carried on by. means either of wealth or of credit, which last is 
founded on probity and punctuality; and when the commerce of a 
people surpasses the ordinary proportion, it is of itself a proof that 
they possess either one or other of these in a great degree. 

" Baltimore was incorporated and declared a city by an Act of 
the Legislature of Maryland, passed on the 31st day of December, 
1796. It is governed b}- a Mayor, and City Council consisting of 
two Branches. The First Branch is composed of two members 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 291 

from each ward ; at present there are sixteen members in this 
Branch, The Second Branch consists of eight members. A mem- 
ber of the First Branch must be twenty -one years of age, a citizen 
of the United States, three years resident in Baltimore before his 
election, and rated on the assessor's books at one thousand dollars. 
The voters for this Branch must have tbe same qualifications as 
those who vote for members of the Crencral Assembly of Maryland. 
Tbe election is annual, and made viva voce. A member of the 
Second Branch must be twenty-five years of age, a citizen of tbe 
United States, four years a resident in the city previous to his 
election, and rated on the assessor's books at two thousand dollars. 
The members of this Branch are chosen every second year by the 
First Branch. The Mayor, who is elected by the First Branch 
also, continues in office two years, must be twenty-five years of age, 
ten years a citizen of the United States, and five years a resident 
of the place before his election. Ilis salary is fixed by an ordi- 
nance of the corporation: last year it was two thousand four 
hundred dollars. He appoints all officers of the corporation ; the 
Second Branch, in case of a vacancy, nominates two citizens, one 
of whom the Mayor commissions." 

1800. President Adams passed through the city on the 15th of 
June, from the seat of government, then lately moved to AVashing- 
ton, and the corporation presented him an address of congratula- 
tion. 

Doctor John B. Davidge, who had been educated in Europe, 
and some time settled in Baltimore, commenced a course of lec- 
tures on the principles and practice of Midwifery, to which the 
next session he added practical surgery, and the third session 
demonstrative anatomy. These lectures were delivered at his 
residence ; and though they were never attended by a dozen 
students, the Doctor erected an anatomical hall near the south- 
east corner of Liberty and Saratoga streets, being joined by Doctor 
James Cocke in tbe lectures on anatomy and physiology, and 
by Doctor John Sbaw, wbo delivered lectures on chemistry at bis 
own dwelling. The anatomical lectures had scarcely commenced 
in the new hall when a clamor was raii^ed by some ignorant neigh- 
bors ; it was demolished by the populace, and the Doctor's prepa- 
rations destroyed, upon wbich, and ibr two or three years alter, tbe 
anatomical and surgical lectures were delivered at the county alms- 
house. 

Mr. Marcus McCausland erects a brewery in Ilolliday street, 
and a new powder magazine is erected on the south side of the 
river by the corporation. 

A number of gentlemen form a society, which they call "Tbe 
Society of St. George," to relieve emigrants from England; and 
the Kt. Kev. liisiiop Carroll, tbe llev. Dr. Bend, Mr. James Priestly, 
Doctor Crawford, and others form a society by the name of " The 
Maryland Society lor promoting useful knowledge," both of which 
BOcietics were discontinued after a few years. 



292 CHEONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

Eobert Smith and James II. McCullocb, Esqs., are elected dele- 
gates, and James "Wilson, Esq., sheriff. 

By the new census, the city, without the precincts, contained 
white males, 11,294; females, 9,606; other free persons, 2,771; 
slaves, 2,843 ; precincts supposed, 5,000 ; total, 31,514, being an in- 
crease of 18,011 persons in the last ten years. 

In this year an agreement was made by the First Presbyterian 
Church and the city authorities with refei*ence to opening North 
lane and reducing the ground. This ground had been used for a 
number of years for burial purposes. The congregation reserved 
the right to continue the parsonage in the bed of the present 
North street as long as it suited them, not exceeding ten years. 
They retained it till 1805. 

An Act was passed by the Legislature, on the 19th of Decem- 
ber, "to enable the Mayor and City Council of Baltimore to intro- 
duce water into the said city." 

1801. Innoculation with vaccine matter having been discovered 
as a preventative from small-pox by Dr. Jenner five years before, in 
1801 Mr. William Taylor, merchant, received from his brother, Mr. 
John Taylor, then in London, a quantit}^ of matter for propagation ; 
and being delivered through Dr. M. Littlejohn, phj^sician of Mr. 
Tajdor, to Dr. James Smith, he introduced it generally and 
successfully. Upon the application of Dr. Smith, the Legislature 
of Maryland became the first to sanction the distribution ; and in 
1809 he is granted a lottery to raise a certain compensation for 
the distribution of matter gratuitously during six years; and in 
1810, the Eev. Dr. Bend, Wm. Gwynn, Dr. Smith, and others form 
a society for promoting vaccination generally ; but this society was 
discontinued and another erected in 1822, of which Dr. James 
Stewart was President. 

In 1801, the Legislature authorised the building of a Lazaretto, 
which was accordingly put up by the corporation on the point 
opposite Fort Mcllenry, which has since become one of the bounds 
of the city eastward. 

Messrs. Emanuel Kent, Elisha Tj^son, William Maccreery, 
Eichardson Stewart, and others, formed a society to furnish 
medicinal relief to the poor gratuitously, which, in 1807, was 
incorporated by the name of the " Baltimore General Dispensary," 
and relief for drowning persons provided, there having been since 
the foundation and to that time 6263 patients. This society, for a 
charitable purpose of all others the most intei-esting perhaps, has, 
by great exertions, outlived most of its contemporaries. 

The following letter was written by President Thomas Jefferson 
to General Samuel Smith, tendering him the appointment of Sec- 
retary of the Navy in his Cabinet, which he accepted for a short 
time. When he retired, his bi'other, Eobert Smith, was appointed 
in his place : 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 293 

'• Washington, March Ofh, 1801. 

" Dear Sir : — By the time you receive this, you will have been 
at home lonsc enough, I hope, to take a view of the possibilities and 
of the arr: ng.'ments which may enable 3-ou to dispose of your 
private affairs us to take a share in those of the public, and give 
us your aid as Secretary of the Navy. If you can be added to the 
udininistralion I am forming, it will constitute a mass so entirely 
possessed of the public confidence that I shall fear nothing. There 
is n )thing to which a nation is not equal, when it pours all its 
energies and zeal into the hands of those to whom they confide the 
direction of their force. You will bring us the benefit of adding in 
a considerable degree the acquiescence at least of the leaders who 
have hitherto opposed us. Your geographical situation too is 
peculiarl}' advantageous, as it will favor the policy of drawing our 
naval resources towards the centre, from which their benefits and 
protection may be extended equally to all the parts. But Avhat 
renders it a matter not only of desire to us, but permit me to say, 
of moral dut}' in you is that, if you refuse, where are we to find a 
substitute? You know that the knowledge of naval matters in 
this country is confined entirely to persons who are under other 
absolutely disqualifying circumstances. Let me then, my dear Sir, 
entreat you to join in conducting the aff'airs of our country, and to 
prove, by consequence, that the views they entertained in the 
change of their servants are not to be without effect. In short, if 
you refuse, I must abandon, from necessity, what I have been so 
falsely charged of doing from choice, — the expectation of procuring 
to our country such benefits as may compensate the expenses of tbeir 
navy. I hope therefore you will accede to the proposition ; every- 
thing shall be yielded which may accommodate it to your afi'airs 
Let me hear from you favorably and soon. Accept assurances 
my Iftgh and friendl}* consideration and esteem. 

"Thomas Jefferson. 

" To Gen'l Samuel Smith." 

John Scott, who had lately removed from Kent County, and 
Thomas Dixon, are elected delegates to the Assembly. James II, 
McCidloch was chosen elector for the city. 

1802. Mr. Benjamin Ilenfrey, an Englishman, had lately dis- 
covered and attempted to bring into use a species of coal from 
(Jen. Kidgely's lands, al)Out six miles northeast of the town, but 
did not succeed. Mr. Ilenfrey was, however, more suceessfid soon 
after in discovering a method of creating light by gas from wood. 
He exhibited experiments iiere, and actually lighted Jiichinond, 
Virginia, before any similar discovery was known. 

On the 28th of August, 1802, during a hailstorm, the flag-slalf 
at Fort McIIenry and a house in Gay street were struck by light- 
ning. 

A nuiiilicr of the rnernliers of St. Paul's Church, attached to the 



294 CHEONICLES OF BALTIMOEE. 

Eev. Geo. Dasliield, commenced a church called St. Peter's, which 
stood until lately at the S. E. corner of German and Sharp streets, 
and soon after erected in the rear of the same a free school for chil- 
dren of that society. 

After the census of 1800, Maryland was entitled to nine repre- 
sentatives in Congress, and the electoral districts were again altered 
by Act of Assembly. Baltimore city and county became the fifth, 
to elect two, one to be a resident of each, jointly elected ; and Gen- 
eral Smith and Col. Nicholas A. Moore were elected ; but the Gen- 
eral being appointed a Senator of the United States, William Mac- 
creery is elected to Congress in his place. James Purviance is elected 
a member of the Assembl}'- in the place of Mr. Scott. 

On the 21st of August, departed this life, aged 62 years, the 
Eev. Dr. Pati'ick Allison, founder of the Fii"st Pi*esbyterian Church 
in this city, who was succeeded by the Eov. James Inglis, a very 
eminent minister. Died, also in this city, on the 2d of November, 
aged 63 years, Edward Langworthy, deputy naval officer, and for- 
merly member of Congress from the State of Georgia. 

The first regular meeting of The Female Humane Association for 
the relief of indigent women was held at the residence of Bishop 
Carroll, on the 7th of January. 

1803. A new Act having passed for the inspection of tobacco 
in 1801, the public wai'ehouse on the Point having become insuffi- 
cient for the quantity of that article brought to Baltimore, the 
Levy Court had been authorised to license another warehouse in 
1799, at the instance of Judge Chase, on terms he disapproved 
and declined. But James Calhoun obtained another license on 
similar terms, and erected one at the southwest corner of Pratt 
and Light streets in 1803, and a similar license was granted to 
Messrs. Dugan and O'Donnell to erect another at the end of their 
wharves. *" 

In this year the Eight Eev. Bishop Carroll, and Mr. James 
Priestly, who had been sometime Principal of a respectable semi- 
nary in Paul's lane, and others, procui-cd a charter for the Balti- 
more College, which, b}^ aid of a lottery, was erected on a plain but 
convenient style, on Mulberry street, the Bishop being appointed 
president of the trustees. 

The 7th day of February was remarkable in this city for a great 
fog in the atmosphere ; and toward night, a porter employed at 
Messrs. Peters and Johnson's brewery being found in the basin with 
his horse and dray, was supposed to have missed the way, and 
driving over the end of Bowly's wharf was drowned. 

Thomas Dixon and Cumberland Dugan w^ere elected delegates 
to the Assembly, and Thomas Baily sheriff. Thomas Eutter was 
appointed a Justice of the Orphans' Court. 

In the Federal Gazette of Tuesday, the 27th of December, we 
find the following marriage notice : " Married on Saturda}'' evening 
last, by the Eeverend Bishop Carroll, Mr. Jerome Bonaj)arte, 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 295 

yonngest brother of the First Consul of the French Kepul)lic, to 
Miss Elizabeth Pattei'sou, eldest daughter of William Patterson, 
Esquire, of this city." 

1804. E.xperiments having l)een made in some other places to 
reduce the number of public offences committed, by substituting 
contiuement and labor instead of jjublic and degrading punish- 
ment, which it was thought had proved successful, the Legislature 
had as earl}' as 1801 published a plan for a similar change in the 
criminal law of this State, to supersede the " wheelbarrow law," 
us it was commonly called, and now resolved to erect a penitentiary 
in Baltimore. Messrs. John E. Howard, Thomas Dixon, Josias 
Penington, Thomas McElderry, Robert C. Long, Levi Hollings- 
■wortb, Daniel Conn, Samuel Sterett, and George Warnei-, commis- 
sioners, purchase ground and erect buildings on Madison street 
near the York road, Mr. Conn being the architect and builder. In 
1809 a new criminal code was adapted to the institution, leaving 
the commission of murder, arson, rape, and treason only, liable to 
the punishment of death. 

In this 3'car the Union Bank of Maryland is organized and 
chartered; William Winchester is chosen president, and Ralph 
Iligginbotham cashier. In 1807 the directors build a spacious 
banking-house ou the S. E. corner of Fa3'ette and Charles streets, 
of which Mr. Robert C. Long was architect, and Mr. W. Stewart 
and Col. Mosher builders; Messrs. Chevalier Andrea and Franzoni 
performed the sculpture. The proposed capital was $3,000,000 i 
and §2,312,150, including §42,400 by the State, were paid; but 
shares to the amount of §224,250 were purchased by the corpora- 
tion itself, and losses sustained previously, a law was obtained in 
1821 reducing the capital 25 per cent. In the meantime, the Me- 
chanics' Bank is incorporated in 180G, and in 1812 they erected their 
banking-house at the southeast corner of Calvert and East, now 
Fayette street. The capital intended for this bank was one mil- 
lic^n, of which, §040,000 were paid, including §94,025 by the State, 
all of which, in consequence of losses sustained, were reduced 40 
per cent, by Act of 1821. 

Edward J(dinson is chosen elector of President, and Andrew 
Ellicott and John Stephens delegates. 

Died at Xew York, in his G9th year, Commodore James Nichol- 
son, formerly of this town, and commander of the public ships 
iJifencii, Vir(juii(i, Trumbull, &C., in the war of Independence; and 
on the 19th of September, aged 72 years, William Buchanan, Esq., 
formerly one of the justices of the county, and Commissary Gen- 
eral of purchases for the Continental army. 

On the 30th of April, Samuel Smith, W. Cooke, E. Ellicott, 
Robert G. Ilai'per, Tlnjinas McElderr}', Alex. McKim, and John E. 
Howard, agreed to form themselves into a companj' foi'the purpose 
of introducing a supply of water into the city of Baltimore, lo bo 
called '• The Jialtimore Water Company," with a capital ul' §250,- 



296 GHEONICLES OF BALTIMORE.' 

000 ; for which they received an act of incorporation in the year 
1805. So great was the demand at one time for the stock of this 
company, that shares were sold at more than nine hundred per 
cent, above par, which produced a scene of speculation for a few 
days almost equal to the great South Sea bubble in England. At 
an election held on the 24th of May for directors, the following 
gentlemen were duly elected to serve till the first day of May, 1805 : 
John McKim, Sr., Solomon Etting, T. A. Buchanan, John l)onnell, 
Jonathan Ellicott, and William Cooke. 

1805. By a new organization of the courts of justice at the session 
of 1804 and 1805, the general court was abolished, and the chief-justices 
of the district courts were constituted a court of a])peals. The State 
was divided into six districts, of which Baltimore and Harford coun- 
ties were the last. Robert Smith was appointed chief-justice, but he 
did not accept ; and Joseph H.Nicholson, of Queen Anne county, was 
appointed, and came here to reside. The associates of this court 
were gentlemen of the law, viz : Benjamin Rumsey and Thomas 
Jones. The counties ceased to have separate associate justices. Zeb 
Hollingsvvorth was appointed in the place of Mr. Rumsey, who 
did not accept. Judge Jones died in 1812, and was succeeded by 
Theodoric Bland. Thomas Dixon is appointed Judge of the Or- 
phans' Court. 

At the session of 1805, Messrs. Thomas McElderry. Henry Pay- 
son, William Jessop, Alexander McKim, John McKim, Jr., Thomas 
-Dixon, Thomas Rutter, Robert Stewart, and William C. Goldsmith, 
are appointed commissioners to build a new court-house, and hav- 
ing decided on erecting the same on part of the old public gi-ound 
on North Calvert street, corner of Lexington, the same is begun 
according to the designs of Mr. George Milleman, who was builder, 
and executed the wood-work ; 3Ir. William Steuart executed the 
stone work,, and Col. James Mosher the brick work. The county 
records were removed, and the courts held sessions there in 1809, 
when the old arched court-house was taken down. When the old 
court-house was taken down, the gentlemen who had erected 
fine residences around it feared that the site might be re-occupied 
by an unsightly building; and Messrs. John Comegys, James A, 
Buchanan, David Winchester, and others, memorialised the Legis- 
lature in 1809 for leave to raise $100,000 for the erection of a 
monument to the memory of Washington. This was the origin 
of the present Washington monument, built however on land 
granted for the purpose by Washington's friend and fellow-soldier, 
Colonel John Eager Howard, and not, as originally proposed, in the 
square. It seems that when the dwellers in that neighborhood re- 
fleeted on the risks incurred from having so tall and isolated a 
column near their houses, and moreover that, if not built with 
rock-like staunchness, it might some day fall down and crush them, 
or that the lightnings of heaven might be attracted by the bare 
monutnent from passing thunderstorms, they j^referred to leave the 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 297 

Bquarc a vacant space, until it was adorned with the shorter and 
less dangerous shaft raised by our townsmen in memor}' of their 
defenders in the second war against Great Britain. The erection 
of these "fine dwellings" near the future square, attests the re- 
moval of the principal merchants and traders from Fell's Point, 
where, lip to. and even beyond, the period of the Eevolution most 
of them had dwelt, as most convenient for their interests and bus- 
iness. Indeed, we rememlter perfectly, it was long afterwards that 
our fathers could be persuaded to^^abandon Camden, Conway, 
J^arre, Kanover, south Charles and Water streets, and all the best 
vicinities of the Basin or the Patapsco, and begin even to believe 
in the upper parts of Baltimore as suitable for trade or dwellings. 
The men of those days, on arriving at the town, used to land at 
"The Point," and were entertained in some of its comfortable 
homesteads, among the hospitable gentlefolks to whom they were 
introduced by correspondence, until able to obtain dwelling-houses 
or lodgings for themselves and families elsewhere in this conglome- 
rate of settlements. Between town and Point there was a vast 
space with few houses, and mostly covered with corn-fields or 
forest trees ; so that, (on a sort of waste land) the original theatre 
of Hallam k Henry was built on a common beyond what was af- 
terwards known as " The Causeway," which was long infamous for 
its vile inbabitants and sailor brawls. At that time the waters of 
the Basin flowed up to this notorious causeway, close to the brewery 
known as " Claggett's," on Pratt street; while on its banks, as 
Avoll as in the marsh below the market, mtdtitudes of blackbirds, 
snipe, and other water-fowl were shot by the sportsmen of that 
day. The road between the two sides of the Falls to Water 
street, at Frederick, was then so frequently overflowed as to re- 
quire two or three long bridges to cross the swash made by the 
tide. At the foot of (lay street, within fifty yards of Lombard 
street, the waters of the Patapsco rippled on a sand}' margin, and 
there was little interruption to the original shore-line from thence 
to the commencement of Commerce street and the foot of South 
street (which was then at the present line of Lombard street,) and 
so on to Light street, and southward!}' to the " Cit}' Spring," ex- 
isting not long since on south Cbai-li's street near Camden. Thenco 
the shores curved to the foot of Federal Kill at " niighes' Quay." 
Mr. Robert (iilmour, who died in 1849, said that when a boy he has 
"crabbed " with a foi-ked stick tlie whole of this distance. His 
parents embarked for Fui-ope in 1782, at a little dock which came 
up to Exchange Place, within thirty feet of its ))resent southern 
limit, and close by the fiiu! house which Mr. Gilmour afterward 
built on the south side of Exchange Place. 

The corporation was empowered to exclude Roger's addition on 
the east from the operation of city taxes and ordinances, which 
was never carried into effect. 

The City Delegates in the Legislature introduced a bill to niter 



298 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

the Constitution of the State, so as to give the city an additional 
repre^^entation ; but on the second reading it was rejected by the vote 
of every member present in the House of Delegates, being sixty-two, 
except the two from the city itself. 

In January St. Marj^'s College of Baltimore was raised to 
the rank of University by the Legislature of Maryland, and em- 
powered to hold public commencements, and to admit any of its 
students to any degree or degrees in any of the faculties, ai'ts and 
sciences and liberal professions which are usually permitted to be 
conferred in any colleges or universities in America or Europe. 
Since the establishment of St. Mary's College (now called Seminary 
of St. Sulpice) in 1791, it has given to the American Roman Catholic 
Church a long list of clergymen distinguished for their talents, 
learning, and piety. The names of Flaget, David, Marechal, Du- 
bourg, Eccleston and Chanche, recall the brightest ornaments 
of the episcopacy ; while those of Nagot, Garnier, Tessier, 
Eichai-d, Wheeler and Fredet, exhibit an equal claim to respect 
in the sacerdotal order. Catholic literature is particularly in- 
debted to the learning and zeal of Rev. Pierre Fredet, who was 
born about the year 1801, in the town of Sebasat near Clermont, 
in Avergne, a celebrated province of France, and closed his earthly 
career on the 1st of January, 1856, in Baltimore city. Mr. Fredet, 
from the time of his arrival in America (in 1831) to that of his la^t 
illness — a period of twenty-four years — was attached to St. Mar^^'s 
Seminary at Baltimore as professor of various branches of eccle- 
siastical learning, especially that of moral theology ; but he ren- 
dered more important services as professor of history, and was the 
only one, if we mistake not, that ever taught this essential branch 
of study in that academy. His two excellent volumes of Ancient 
and Modern History are enduring monuments of his learning and 
skill. The latter was published in 1842, and was followed a few 
years after by the former work. The fact of their having been 
adopted as text-books in the Catholic institutions of learning in the 
United States, and particularly in the Catholic University of Ire- 
land and many leading schools of Europe, is sufficient evidence of 
their high character. He was likewise the author of and contributor 
to a number of valuable miscellaneous works. 

The exports from Maryland — of which nearly all are from Bal- 
timore — from October, 1805, to 1806, amounted to $3,661,131 dom- 
estic produce, $10,919,77-1 of foi-eign goods, or a total of $14,580,905, 
— and the receipts into the Treasury of the United States from this 
city for the year 1806 amounted to $1,224,897. 

Part of this year Robert Smith held the office of Attorney- 
Genei-al of the United States, but returned to the Navy Depart- 
ment, and in 1809 was appointed Secretary of the State — having, 
in the mean time, that is in 1806, been appointed Chancellor of 
the State, and Chief Judge of this District Court, but declined. 

1806, On the 22d of January, Jj'Eole, a French seventy-four, 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 299 

part of a squadron commauded by Admiral Willanmoz;, wliieli was 
dispersed 1)}' a storm on tlie coast, after eludiiiij two Britisli squad- 
rons, came into the bay with other ships under Commodore Klirome, 
and stripped of her guns; she being a wreck was sold. 

Messrs. Sower and Hewes established a t3'])e-tbundry on Lex- 
ington street, which becoming the property of other gentlemen, 
was transferred to Biddle street. 

Wm. Pinkney was appointed Attorney-General on resignation 
of Mr. Martin, in 1805, but fixed his resitlence here this 3'ear, and 
resigned, when he was appointed Envoy Extraordinary to the 
Court of Grreat Britain. 

At Chawan, his residence in the county, departed this life, on 
the 5th of April, James Winchester, Judge of the United States 
District Court, and formerly member of the General Assembly ; 
and the same year was succeeded by James Houston, of Kent 
county; and on the 9tL of October, at an advanced age, died Kol)ert 
Purviance, collector of the port of Baltimore. l)avid Christie, 
Esq., of Harford county, is appointed collector in the place of Mr. 
Purviance, and the next year James McCulloch, Esq., is apjiointed 
upon the death of Mr. Christie. 

Alexander McKim is chosen elector of the Senate for the city, 
and Tobias E. Stansbury and Moses Brown, Esqs., for the county. 
James H. McCulloch and Thomas McElderry are elected Senators, 
and next year Elias Glenn in place of ^h: McCulloch, resigned; 
and to fill another vacancy in 1808 Thomas B. Dorsey, Kobert 
Stewart, and Edward Aisquith are elected delegates, and John 
Hunter sheriff. 

The ceremony of blessing and laying the first corner-stone of 
the Koman Catholic Cathedral Church, was performed according 
to the rites prescril)ed in the Roman Pontifical, on the 7th of July, 
in presence of a vast concourse of citizens. At half-past eight 
o'clock in the morning, the Right Reverend Bishop Carroll, in his 
e]>iscopal robes, with crosier and mitre, preceded by a procession 
of twenty priests and junior ecclesiastics — the priests with sur- 
plices and stoles, and the others in surplices — proceeded from the 
Avest front up the intended nave of the church to the large wooden 
cross, previously planted on the spot, where the high or principal 
altar now stands, and the Bishop having there recited the part of 
the office appropriated to the consecration of that spot, the pro- 
cession returnefl in the same order to the west front, and blessed 
the first foundation stone on the south-west corner of the building, 
sprinkling it with tlie blessed water, whilst the attending clergy 
repeated the 12(Jth psalm, " /7/t/c.s.s the Lord build tlie house, d-c. ; 
then kneeling, he begun the litany, which was continued to the end 
by the same clergy. The stone being blesse<l and i)laced in its 
pro]ier situation, the j)rocession moved round the entire founda- 
tioiiH of the (diurch, repeating the 50th psalm, whilst liie Bislujp 
Ibllowing, sprinkled thoia with blessed water, and invoked, at three 



300 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

equal divisions, the blessings of Almighty God upon the undertak- 
ing. On returning to the pUxce where the stone was laid, the hymn 
of invocation of the Hol}^ G-host, "Veni Creator Spiritus," was in- 
toned and sung to the end; and the ceremony concluded with a 
prayer, requesting the assistance and direction of the same Divine 
Spirit. The Bishop made a short address to the spectators, re- 
minding them of the arduous undertaking which was begun for the 
glory of God and the promotion of true religion and sincere piety. 
He encouraged them to imitate the zeal of their predecessors in 
erecting temples to the Divinity, by which they had contributed 
to perpetuate the faith of Jesus Christ amidst all the adversities 
and storms with which it had been assailed, and particularly ad- 
naonished them to make themselves worthy of the favor of heaven, 
by imitating the virtues of those who left behind them such lasting 
proofs of their sincere attachment to the doctrines of their heavenly 
teacher. A bed was formed in the foundation stone for receiving a 
copper plate with a Latin inscription, thus translated : " The first 
stone of the Cathedral Church, to be erected for the honor of 
Ahnighty God, under the title of Jesus and Mar}^, was placed this 
7th day of July, 1806, by the E. R. John, Bishop of Baltimore." 
The square of ground on Avhich the church is built was obtained 
of Col. Howard, on terms which justly entitled him to be con- 
sidered a large contributor. The outside walls of the Cathedral are 
of gra}' granite from the vicinity of Ellicott's Mills, on the Patapsco, 
and were cai-ried up to the entablature in a few years, when the 
war, with other causes, suspended its progress. 

1807. A company is organized to procure regular supplies of 
Calcutta and China goods, of which Eobert Gilmor is president, 
James Buchanan vice-president, and Mr. Thomas Higginbotham 
secretary. The ships London Packet, Captain Solomon Kutter, and 
William Bingham, Captain John Cunningham, are sent out; on 
their return during the embargo, the company divided a handsome 
interest and was dissolved. 

The frigate Chesapeake, lately built in this port, and destined to 
comjjose part of an American squadron against the Barbary powers, 
was attacked off the capes, on the 23d of June, by part of a British 
squadron then lying in the bay, and being overpowered, was 
searched and some of her crew taken out and claimed as British 
deserters. On the arrival of the news, which created great excite- 
ment, a town meeting was held, and an address strongly reprobat- 
ing this violence, was sent to the President, who soon after inter- 
dicted all intercourse with the British ships, by proclamation. 

On the 24th of August, the ship Othello, Captain Glover, from 
LiverjDOol, was boarded and taken in the Patuxent, by an armed 
boat fitted out from Baltimore by some French seamen, but, op- 
posed b}' contrary winds, they abandoned her to the captain. As 
soon as the circumstances were known, Commodore Porter, with 
Captains Samuel and Joseph Sterrett's companies, accompanied by 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 301 

some other volunteers, go in pursuit and bring back the pirates. 
There being no law at the time to punish them, they were dis- 
charged. 

On the 2d of November, soon after the acquittal of Aaron Burr, 
hite vice-president, charged with treason and tried before Chief 
Justice Marshall and the district judge at Eichmond, the populace 
of this city paraded the streets with the effigies of Chief-Justice 
Luther Martin, one of the counsel, of Burr and Blennerhasset, which 
they afterwards committed to the flames as an evidence of their dis- 
satisfaction with the issue of the trial. 

Congress lay a general embargo, which is received and enforced 
here on the 23'd of December ; it was unlimited in duration, and 
continued until the 16th of March, 1809. 

Zealous to extend the medical school they had commenced, 
Doctors Davidge, ohaw, and Cocke applied to the Legislature for 
the privilege of establishing a college, and license to raise funds 
by lottery to erect suitable buildings, which is granted ; and their 
hall in Lombard street, of which Mi-. R. C. Long was architect, 
and with Messrs. Towson and Mosher, builders, is c(»mmenced. 
The college as originally organized, was composed of Doctors 
Davidge and Cocke, joint professors of anatomy, surger}^ and 
l)hysiology ; Doctor George Brown, of the practice and theory of 
medicine ; Doctor Shaw, of chemistry ; Doctor Thomas E. Bond, 
of materia medica ; and Doctor William Donaldson, of the institute of 
medicine. Doctors Brown, Bond, and Donaldson declined, and Doc- 
tor Nathaniel Potter was elected professor of the pi-actice and 
theory of medicine ; Doctor Samuel ^akcv, materia medica. Soon 
atler entering upon their duties Doctor Shaw departed this life, 
and Elisha De Butts was elected professor of chemistry in his 
place. 

Thomas B. Dorsey is elected a member of Assembly in the place 
of Mr. Aisquith. 

Died, at his residence in the county, at an advanced age, on the 
7th of May, Thomas Cockey Deye, formerly member of the House 
of Delegates, of which he was many years Speaker, and one of the 
framers of the Constitution; and at Farley, his residence near 
town, on the 12th of November, Daniel Bowley, formerly one of 
the members of the Senate of ^laryhind. 

In November the General Assembly incorporated " The Balti- 
more Fire Insurance Company." 

The receipts from the customs at Bultiinoi-o this 3-ear amounted 
to 81,440,527 ; the jjostage ))aid S2l>,!)5() ; tmd tlie hospital money to 
b»' paid to the Treasury of the United States lor the Mariners' 
Fun<h 84.504. 

The long prevalence of high winds and the badness of the 
roads — the severity of the preceding winter having exhausted 
the stock of tire-wood on hand — on Saturday and Sunday. April 
Gth and 7th, the demand for tire-wood had never been equalled in 



302 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

the city. $18, $20, nay, it is said that $30 per cord were paid for 
it, such was the distress of the citizens. 

In this year, frame-buildings were prohibited from being erected 
in the central and improved parts of the city, by ordinance, a pro- 
hibition which has been extended since. 

1808. The Cit}' Hospital is leased by the Mayor and City Council 
to Doctors McKenzie and Smyth and their survivors, for the term of 
15 years, on certain improving conditions, which term was extended 
in 1814 to 25 years, they having erected additional buildings. Upon 
the death of Dr. Smyth, the lease was confirmed in favor of Dr. 
McKenzie's son by Act of Assembly. The doctors obtained facil- 
ities from the State in loans and lotteries, and erected a centre 
building of brick four stories high, Messrs. Mileman and Dail 
architects, with Messrs. W. Steuart, Mosher and Allen builders. 

The '-Tammany," a political club, was organized and in 1810 
another under the name of " Washington " was established, the 
latter maintaining a free school for some time, but both societies 
have ceased. 

On the 17th of May, the convention of Bishops, clergymen, 
and laity of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States 
assembled in this city by adjournment from the convention at New 
York in 1804. 

On the 14th of March, Judge, a convict brought from the roads 
to lodge in jail, and several others, by means of false keys, open 
their cells, seize upon the arms, and wound Mr. Green the keeper 
and several debtors, one mortally, and make their escape. Four of 
them, Daniel Dougherty, Wm. Eobinson, Wm. Morris and Caleb 
Dougherty were retaken, condemned, and executed on the 22d of 
April in the jail lot. 

A society is formed to carry on the manufacture of cotton goods 
on a very extensive scale, and works are erected for the purpose 
on Patapsco river, near Ellicott's Mills, being chartered by the 
Legislature, and called " The Union Manufacturing Company." 
Next year the " Washington " company was chartered, their works 
being on Jones Falls ; the " Powhattan Works " on Gwinn's Falls, 
and the Athenian company for the sale of domestic goods was es- 
tablished in 1810. In 1814, Messrs. Kobert and Alexander McKim 
erect works on French street, by steam jjower, and the Franklin 
company erect works on Gwinn's Falls; and in 1816 the Independ- 
ent and Warren companies, the latter having erected very ex- 
tensive cotton works on the Gunpowder, near the York road. 

The amount of property in the city according to a new assess- 
ment made this year subject to city taxes, was $2,522,870. 

Several pipes of gin imported from Holland having been taken 
to England on the passage and subjected to new duties there, were 
on the 4th of October, by consent of the owner, taken to the com- 
mons and publicly burned, in the presence of fifteen thousand per- 
sons who had assembled to burn the gin that had paid tribute to 
Eny-land. 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 303 

On the ISth an English journeyman shoemaker, name Beattie, 
havinn; used some expressions on polities which offended his fellow- 
workmen, they tar and feather him, and drive him in a cui-t from 
the corner of South and Baltimore streets to the Point, and back 
again, followed by Mr. Smith the Mayor, who, with a number of 
citizens, at length arrest one of the journej'mcn and several other 
persons; some of them after giving bail, were tried and condemned 
to three months' imprisonment and a fine of §50 each, but were all 
pardoned and the fines remitted by the Governor of the State. 

On the 8th of February, the property qualifications of the 
members of the First Branch of the City Council were reduced to 
S300, and the Mayor and Second Branch to 8500. 

Edward Johnson is elected Mayor of the city, and also elector 
of President and Vice-President. Alexander McKim is elected to 
Congress, and Theodoric Bland member of Assembly, in place of 
Mr. i)orsey. John Scott is appointed Chief-Justice of the Criminal 
Court, in the place of Judge Dorsey, resigned. 

An aj)propriation of §10,000 was made during the year, and the 
Mayor and City Council build a stone bridge over Jones Falls, at 
Baltimore street. The materials of the first stone bridge remain- 
ing in the bed of the Falls, it was found impracticable to sink a cof- 
fer-dam, which rendered it necessary to pile the foundation, abut- 
ments and pier. This bridge of two arches, built of common 
quarry stone from Jones Falls, furnished with side-walks and iron 
railings, was 40 feet wide and 80 feet long, and cost §22,000. 
Messrs. Lester and Dickinson builders. 

In November, ^Yilliam Cooke, John McKim, James A. Buchanan, 
John Donnell, Solomon Etting, James Mosher, Jonathan EUicott, 
John HoUins, and other citizens, form themselves into a company 
known as the " Baltimore Water Company," for the purpose of in- 
troducing a copious supply of wholesome water into the city of 
Baltimore, and obtain an Act of incorporation from the General 
Assembl}'. 

1809. The natural springs of water with which the soil origi- 
nally abounded, being threatened with destruction by other im- 
provements, Jesse lloilingsworth and Peter Hoffman solicited and 
obtained power to purchase the ground and spring on North Cal- 
vert street for the corporation ; and with Mr. John Davis, were 
appointed to erect a public fountain there. Eight years after, 
money was appropriated by the city government for the purchase 
and improvement of the springs in the southern and eastern parts 
of the city, known by the name of Cloppe's and Sterett's si»rings, 
and soon after a fountain of running water, 8upi)lietl by the water 
company, was fixed at the Centre market at the expense of the 
city. 

A number of private beneficial societies of tradesmen and others 
had been institutoij, sojne of which were discontinued; but in 1809 
a charter was granted for "The Carpenters' Humane Society." 



304 OHEONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

Another society was chartered in 1811 by the name of "The Hu- 
mane Impartial Society." In 1814 "The Beneficial Society" was 
chartered, and two years after " The Union Beneficial Society," 
when "The Saint Andrew's Society," formed in 1806, was char- 
tered. The next 3'ear, " The Hibernian," formed in 1803, and 
" German Societ}'," of which there was one in 1784, were incorpo- 
rated ; the object of the three last being chiefly intended to assist 
emigi'ants lately come into the country, or who may hereafter 
come. 

The charter of the "Bank of the United States" expiring with- 
out a prospect of being renewed, pecuniary difficulties were expe- 
rienced or anticipated, and the several banks, named the " Com- 
mercial and Farmers," the "Farmers and Merchants," the "Frank- 
lin," and the "Marine" banks were organized and chartered. The 
capital of these four banks was $1,709,100 actually paid, including 
$83,150 by the State; and two years after the "City Bank" with 
$39,405, all private stock. This institution, got up without the 
State's sanction, as some others of the kind had been, produced an 
alarm in the Legislature which Avas injurious to them all, and was 
a presage of its destiny. On granting it, the State tendered the 
banks an extension of their charters until 1835, provided they 
made a turnpike road to Cumberland with the profits of the tolls, 
&c., which was accepted, ^ext year they were required to pay 
$200,000, or be subjected to a tax of 20 cents per $100 of the capital, 
which last they also accepted, even those banks whose capitals 
were reduced. A proposed consolidation of all the banks contained 
in an Act of 1815, was rejected. 

In the course of this year a treaty with England, agreed on at 
Washington, was rejected by the British Government, and the frigate 
Africaine brought over Francis J. Jackson to succeed Mr. Erskine 
as Minister. Some of the crew deserted the frigate at Annapolis, 
and coming here, were arrested and imprisoned at the instance of 
the British Consul ; but much clamor was excited, the seamen were 
brought before Judge Scott upon a habeas corpus and discharged. 

General Smith was re-elected a Senator of the United States; 
William G. D. Worthington was elected a delegate in the place of 
Mr. Steuart ; and William Merryman sherift'. 

1810. By the census of this year Baltimore and its precincts 
contained 46,555 inhabitants, of which number 4,672 were slaves. 

Peter Little is elected a member of Congress for the city and 
county, and James Martin is elected a delegate to the Assembly. 
Cornelius H. Gist is appointed Justice of the Orphans' Court. On 
the 28tl) of May, Thomas McElderiy died, and on the 15th of July, 
David McMechen, both formerly members of the Senate of the 
State; and on the 13th of August, Thorowgood Smith, late Mayor 
of the city, and formerly one of the county justices. 

On the 13th of April, 1809, 76 feet of ground was purchased by 
the city on North Calvert street, and also by the same on the 30lh 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 305 

of January, 1810, 50 feet more, which together is now known as 
the "Calvert Street Spring," for the sum of $7,500 for the two 
lot8. The improvements cost $20,393.30 additional. 

1811. The City Council determine to proceed in erecting sub- 
stantial bridges, and authority is given to the Mayor and City 
Commissioners to borrow from the banks $26,000 towards bridges 
to be built of stone at Pratt and Gay streets. The Pratt street 
bridge was undertaken by Lewis Hart for $20,000, 84 feet long 
and 50 feet wide, having three arches made and finished as the 
other WHS. The Gay street bridge, erected a year after by Mr. 
John Kennedy, was 60 feet long and 50 feet wide, with two 
arches, made and finished cost $16,000. The current revenue suf- 
ficed to pay the cost of these bridges, including the money bor- 
rowed, for as yet there was no permanent city debt. 

On the 18th of November, fifty-one convicts were transferred 
from the roads to the penitentiary, by their own option, and on 
the 24th of January following the first person is received there 
pursuant to sentence. 

William Pinkney, Esq., returned from England, leaving John 
Spear Smith Charge-d'attaires. On the first of April Pobert 
Smith resigned the office of Secretary of State, and was offered the 
Embassy of Russia, but declined. 

James L. Donaldson and AVilliam Pechin are elected Delegates 
to the Assembly. Edward Johnson is chosen b}' the city an Elec- 
tor of the Senate ; and William Pinkney, Wm. McCreery and Levi 
lloUingsworth are elected Senators, and afterwards, in the places 
of Messrs. Pinkney and McCreery, N. Williams and Dr. Thomas 
Johnson. 

Died at his residence in Anne Arundel county on the 22d of 
June, Henry Kidgely, formerly Chief-Justice of the County Court 
of this district. 

Samuel Chase was born on the 17th of April, 1741, in Somerset 
county, Maryland, and was the only child of Keverend Thomas 
Chase, afterwards Pastor of St. Paul's Church. He received a good 
classical education under the tuition of his father, and studied law 
under tlie superintendence of John Hammond and John Hall of 
Annapolis, where he commenced its practice. He soon became a 
popular anil distinguished man. In 1774 he was chosen a member 
of the Continental Congress. He was re-elected in 1775, and re- 
mained a member of that body until 1778. In the language of 
party he was styled the " Demosthenes of Maryland," and it was re- 
j)Orted of him that he anticipated in Congress the regular proposi- 
tion of independence by the most impassioned and vehement exela- 
iiiatiun, that " by th« God of Heaven, he owed no allegiance to the 
King of Great liritain." In the year 1786 Judge Chase removed 
from Annapolis to iialtimoro. The occasion, or at least a part of 
his inducement, was the pressing invitation and generous proposal 
of his friend Col. John E. Howard, who otl'ered him a si^uarc of 
20 



306 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

ground, without any other consideration for it than the actual resi- 
dence of himself and family upon it. The square was laid out, to 
be bounded by Eutaw, Lexington, Fayette, and Paca streets; the 
conveyance was made, and Mr. Chase afterwards built on the cor- 
ner of Lexington and Eutaw streets the house of his permanent 
abode, where he lived and died. In 1788 he was appointed Chief 
Justice of the Criminal Court of Baltimore county district. In 
1791 he was appointed Chief Justice of the State. In 1796 he wa8 
appointed by President Washington a Judge of the Supreme 
Court of the United States, which he filled for fifteen years. In 
1804 he was impeached, solely on political grounds, through the 
hostilit}^ of John Eandolph, and the Senate acquitted him in March, 
1805. He was assisted by four able counsellors and faithful friends, 
Messrs. Martin, Harper, Hopkinson and Key, by whom the defence 
was managed with skill and dignity. The speeches of Mr. Hopkin- 
son and Martin have not been excelled in powerful and brilliant 
eloquence in the forensic oratory of our country. He died on 
Wednesday the 19th day of June, 1811, in the 71st year of his 
age. 

1812. A numerous meeting of the Democratic citizens was held 
on the 16th of May at the Fountain Inn, in the city of Baltimore, 
according to public notice. Joseph H. Nicholson was called to the 
Chair, and Edward Johnson was appointed Secretary. The Chair- 
man, upon being requested to state the object of the meeting, rose, 
and after tendering his acknowledgments for the distinguished 
honor which had been conferred on him by placing hira in the 
chair, he said : 

"No one could be insensible to the great crisis to which the 
affairs of our common country are rapidly apjDroaching. The two 
great belligerent powers of Europe, who have embroiled one-half 
of the civilized world in their quarrels, unwilling that any nation 
should continue to enjoy its prosperity, have for some years past 
extended to us that system of rapine and plunder which, in the 
ordinary course of human events, ought only to have been directed 
against others. Our citizens have been forcibly impressed and de- 
tained in the most odious servitude ; our commerce has been im- 
peded in every channel through which it has been accustomed to 
flow ; and injury and insult has been heaped upon us until it has 
begun to be almost questionable even among ourselves whether we 
have spirit to resist. One of these nations has indeed of late 
held out to us a semblance of justice ; but it was much to be feared 
that even this would prove vain and illusory. The period, how- 
ever, could not be verj' distant when, by the return of our mes- 
sengers from Europe, we should learn whethef the solemn stipula- 
tions in which we had heretofore confided were any longer de- 
serving of confidence. But the other has not even pretended to 
do us justice. Our Government, sincerely desirous of maintaining 
peace, has remonstrated until their remonstrances are regarded 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 307 

with indifference; our ministers, sent abroad for the purpose, have 
continued to appeal until their appeals ai*e answered by insult ; 
and negotiation has been carried on until negotiation has become a 
term of national reproach. Under these circumstances it is for us, 
my countrymen, in common with the rest of the American people, 
to decide upon the course which ought to be pursued. The time 
has at length arrived when we must determine whether by tame- 
ness and submission we shall sink ourselves below the rank of an 
independent nation, or whether by a glorious or manly effort we 
shall permanently secure that independence which our forefathers 
handed down to us as the price of their blood and their treasure. 
The Government of our choice — I thank Grod, of our yet free and 
unbiased choice — has resolved upon its course, and is preparing 
for the conflict. We have assembled here to-night for the purpose 
of determining whether we will give it our support in the mighty 
struggle into which it is about to enter. This, my couutrj'men, is 
the awful subject for deliberation, and on such a subject can tliere 
be an}" difference of opinion? Shall we suffer any matter of local 
concern to withdraw from a cause like this? Is there an Ameri- 
can heart that does not pant with resentment ? Is there an 
American sword that will not leap from its scabbard to avenge the 
•wi'ongs and contumely under which we have so long sutfered ? 
No, my countrymen ! it is impossible ! Let us act with one heart,, 
■with one hand ; let us show to an admiring world that however- 
■we may differ among ourselves about some of our internal con- 
cerns, yet in the great cause of our country the American people 
are animated by one soul and by one spirit." 

The following resolutions, with the preamble, were then unani- 
mously adopted : 

" Whereas, The critical situation of the affairs of our country 
■with a view to its foreign relations is at this moment of the utmost 
concern, and it may be important that the sentiments of the 
friends to the integrity of the Union and of the Government as 
administered, should be, wherever practicable, publicly declared 
with reference to public measures, upon which depend the future 
safety and prosperity of the United States ; therefore, 

^^ Resolved, That it be, and hereby is recommended, that meet- 
ings of the Democratic citizens of the city of Baltimore be held 
in their respective wards on Tuesday evening next at seven o'clock, 
at their usual places of ward-meetings, and in each ward elect five 
delegates to meet the general committee, at the Fountain Inn, in 
Light street, on Thursday evening next at seven o'clock, to take 
into consideration the means most likely to conduce to the support 
and aid of Government in their effoi-ts to maintain, protect and de- 
fend national rights, honor and independence. 

^^ Unsolved, That our Democratic brethren in the eastern and 
western precincts be, and are hereby invited to hold meetings on 
Tuesday evening next, at 7 o'clock, at Chamberlain's tavern and 



308 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

Gorsuch's tavern respectively, at the time and place already de- 
termined upon in the preceding resolution for the delegates of the 
several wards in the city. 

" Resolved, That the proceedings of this meeting be published. 

" Joseph Nicholson, Chairman. 

" Edward Johnson, Secretary." 

At a meeting of the general committee of Democratic delegates 
from the several wards and precincts of the city of Baltimore, held 
on Thursday evening, 21st May, at the Fountain Inn, in pursuance 
of the resolutions adopted at a numerous meeting of the Demo- 
cratic citizens on Saturday evening, all the delegates present, 
Joseph H. Nicholson was called to the chair, and John Montgom- 
ery appointed secretary. The following resolutions, with the pre- 
amble, were unanimously adopted : 

" We, the delegates of the city and precincts of Baltimore, in 
general committee assembled, for the purpose of taking into con- 
sideration the present situation of jDublic affairs, do resolve unani- 
mously : 

" 1st. That in the conduct of Great Britain towards the United 
States for some j^ears past, we can perceive nothing but a deter- 
mined hostility to our national rights. She forcibly impresses our 
seamen, and detains them inhumanly in an odious servitude ; she 
obstructs our commerce in every channel through which it has 
been accustomed to flow; she has murdered our citizens within 
our own waters, and has made one attempt at least to dissolve the 
union of these States, thereby striking at the foundation of our 
government itself. 

" 2d. That the Government of the United States has manifested 
the strongest desire to maintain peace and harmony with all na- 
tions, not only by observing a course of equal and exact justice to 
all, but by proposing to those with whom any differences have 
arisen, terms the most honorable and conciliatory. 

"3d. That inasmuch as Great Britain has rejected those terms, 
and still persists in violating every principle heretofore held sacred 
among nations, no alternative is left to the United States but to 
choose between war and degradation. In the choice of these it 
is impossible freemen should hesitate, and in the prosecution of 
such a war we pledge ourselves to support our government at 
every hazard. 

"4th. That the conduct of France, and of other powers in 
alliance with her and under her immediate influence, towards the 
United States, has been scarcely less atrocious than that of Eng- 
land ; and if the pending negotiations should terminate without 
an honorable adjustment of existing differences, we have full con- 
fidence that our Government will direct the most active hostilities 
to be commenced against her for a redress of our grievances and 
the maintenance of our rights; at the same time we wish it ex- 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 309 

plicitly understood, that in our well-founded complaints against 
foreign nations, Russia and Sweden are not to be included. 

" Ordered : That the above resolutions be signed by all the 
members of the general committee, and that they be transmitted 
by the chairman to the President of the United States. 

"Joseph H. Nicholson, A. R. Levering, David Fulton, Charles 
Bohn, AVilliam B. Barney, John Montgomery, Christopher Hughes, 
Jr., Benjamin Berry, Nathan Levering, J. W. McCulloch, William 
Camp, J. S. Ilollins, Joseph Jamison, James Hutton, Peter I)iffen- 
derffer, S, Briscoe, E. G. Woodyeai*, Hezekiah Niles, James Arm- 
strong, Joseph Smith, Daniel Conn, John Kelso, Hezekiah Price, 
George Milleman, James C. Dew, J. A. Buchanan, Lemuel Taylor, 
Luke Tiernan, AVilliam Wilson, J. L. Donaldson, Jj. Ilollingsworth, 
James Martin, James Wilson, G. J. Brown, Richard Mackall, Ed- 
ward Johnson, George Stiles, James Williams, William McDonald, 
William Pechin, James Biays, David Burke, Thorndike Chase, 
Timoth}' Gardner, Thomas Sheppard, George Warner, N. F. Wil- 
liams, J. II. McCulloch, Theodoric Bland, Christian Baum." 

The following resolution was then submitted and adopted : 

" Resolved by the General Committee of the City and precincts 
of Baltimore, that it be, and hereby is, recommended to the Demo- 
cratic citizens of the several counties of this State, to assemble and 
take into consideration the situation of public affairs, for the pur- 
pose of expressing an opinion thereon. Ordered, that the proceed- 
ings and resolutions adopted be published. 

"Joseph H. Mcholson, Chairman. 

"John Montgomery, Secretary." 

Congress declared war against Great Britain on the 18th of 
June, and the following article from the Federal Republican of 
Saturday, the 20th of June, was supposed to have excited the 
people in this city to commit violence ; for on the Monday follow- 
ing, the printing-office occupied b}' the editors of that paper, on the 
north-west corner of Gay and Second streets, was pulled down, and 
their press destroyed : 

" ' Thou hast done a deed whereat valor ivill iceep.' Without funds, 
■without taxes, without an army, navj', or adequate fortifications — 
with one hundred and fifty millions of our property in the hands 
of the declared enemy, without any of his in our power, and with 
a vast commerce afloat, our rulers have promulged a war against 
the clear and decided sentiments of a vast majority of the nation. 
As the consequences will be soon felt, there is no need of ))()inting 
them out to the few wl»o have not sagacity enough to apprehend 
them. Instead of employing our pen in this dreadful detail, we 
think it more apposite to delineate the course wo are determined 
to pursue as long as the war shall last. We mean to represent in 
as strong colors as we are capable, that it is unnecessary, inex- 
pedient, and entered into from a partial, personal, and as wo be- 



310 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMOEE. 

lieve, motives bearing upon their front marks of undisguised foreign 
influence, which cannot be mistaken. We mean to use every con- 
stitutional argument and every legal means to render as odious 
and suspicious to the American people, as they deserve to be, the 
patrons and contrivers of this highly impolitic and destructive war, 
in the fullest persuasion that we shall be supported and ultimately 
applauded by nine-ninths of our countrymen, and that our silence 
would be treason to them. We detest and abhor the endeavors of 
faction to create civil contest through the pretext of a foreign war 
it has rashly and premeditately commenced, and we shall be ready 
cheerfully to hazard everything most dear, to frustrate anj^thing 
leading to the prostration of civil rights, and the establishment of 
a system of terror and proscription announced in the Government 
paper at Washington as the inevitable consequence of the measure 
now proclaimed. We shall cling to the rights of freemen, both in 
act and opinion, till we sink with the liberties of our country, or 
sink alone. We shall hereafter, as heretofore, unravel every intrigue 
and imposture which has beguiled or may be put forth to circum- 
vent our fellow-citizens into the toils of the great earthly enemy 
of the human race. We are avowedly hostile to the presidency of 
James Madison, and we never will breathe under the dominion, 
direct or derivative, of Bonaparte, let it be acknowledged when it 
may. Let those who cannot openly adopt this confession, abandon 
us; and those who can, we shall' cherish as friends and patriots, 
worthy of the name." 

In the Federal Gazette of Wednesday, June 24, we find the 
following : 

"Under an impression that the citizens who assembled yesterday 
at the Mayor's office would have made a statement, somewhat like 
official, of the transactions of Monday evening, we postponed giving 
an account of that very extraordinary and alarming proceeding. 
It is our painful duty to i-ecord, that on Monday last, between 
eight and nine o'clock in the evening, a number of persons, citizens 
of Baltimore, armed with axes, hooks, and other instruments of 
destruction, assembled at the office of the Federal Republican in 
Gay street, a wooden building belonging to Eobert Oliver of this 
city, broke into the house, thi-ew the types, printing-presses, paper, 
&c., into the street, and destroyed them, and levelled the house to 
its foundation. One of the persons thus engaged, while in the act 
of knocking out a window, fell with it into the street and was killed 
on the spot. The Mayor of the city, the Judge of the Court of 
Oyer and Terminer, and several magistrates and military officers, 
were present and witnessed this dreadful outrage, which their 
peaceful efforts were insufficient to prevent, although it was generally 
known during the preceding day that the attack was meditated." 

Extracts from the Federal Republican of Monday, July 27th : 

" Five weeks have elapsed since the suspension of this journal 
by the demolition of the office whence it issued in Baltimore. 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 311 

Most of the overt and prominent circumstances connected with 
the outrage have ah'cady reached the public ear, but others of 
deeper interest have been concealed or permitted to remain in ob- 
scurity. To suppose that any part of our publications, immediately 
preceding the attack, formed the motive to the destruction, is 
decidedly erroneous. The fact of such incendiary meditation was 
communicated to us nearly two months before the crime was perpe- 
trated. A conspii'acy against the editors was then known to have 
been digested. It was positively asserted, and reiterated with 
exultation by certain disorganizing prints, that war would be de- 
clared before the 4th of Jul}", and it was distinctly dechired that 
on that day the office would be demolished, and the proprietors 

thrown into the fangs of a remorseless rabble These are 

some of the grounds for ascribing the origin of the tumults in 
Baltimore to an index at the seat of the general government, 
whence ought to flow the benign blessings of social happiness, 

Of the officers residing in Baltimore, of the State and of 

the corporation, most if not all of whom were present at the bur- 
glary, the Mayor is pre-eminently distinguished for the acquies- 
cence with which he has beheld the ruin of property, the repeated 
nocturnal violations of dwelling-houses, the most savage threats 
against persons guiltless of a crime, the usurped regulation of the 
port, the prostration of the laws of the State and of the Union — 
without the smallest exertion to enforce his authority. Upon this 
subject there can be no delicacy or reserve. We therefore lay the 
enormities which have proceeded in rapid progression and inflicted 
an incurable wound upon Baltimore, expressly to the charge of the 
Mayor. This police officer, whose oath could not have been for- 
gotten, was so little sensible of the dignity of his office, so indiffer- 
ent to the peace and safety of the community, so regardless of the 
permanent interest of the city, which he knew must be very materi- 
ally impaired by a character for tumult, disorder and assassination, 
which he has suff'ei'ed to be stamped upon it, that for weeks he 
permitted the mob to rage unrestrained, as if studious, by his con- 
nivance, to render it in the eyes of the world the indisputable 
arbiter of the city ; and when he at last interposed, it was to pre- 
vent the threatened demolition of one of the temples of the 
Almighty! .... That the Governor has taken no steps to 
check or discountenance the continued disorders in the emporium 
of the State, must be ascribable to his knowledge of the real authors 
of the riot, and the political motives by which they were actuated. 
. . . The Federal Republican, which this day ascends I'rom the 
tomb of ' matyred sire,' will steadily pursue the course dictated 
with its latest accents." 

Owing to the publication of this article, the newspaper-office 
was mobbed, as wlU be seen by the following communications: 



312 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE, 

" To Edward Johnson, Esq., Mayor of the City of Baltimore : 

"Tlie joint committee of the two BraDches of the City Council, 
appointed to inquire into the causes and extent of the late commo- 
tions in the city, having, as enjoined upon them, requested the aid 
of thirteen other of their fellow-citizens, ten of whom attended in 
the discharge of the duty assigned them, in pursuance thereof re- 
port : that on Saturday, the 20th of June, a publication ai)peared 
in the newspaper entitled the Federal Re-publican, printed in this 
place, which excited great irritation in the city; that on the Mon- 
day following, the printing-office occupied by the editors of that 
paper was pulled down and their press destroyed. This commo- 
tion had subsided, and the transaction was under legal investiga- 
tion by the Criminal Court, until Sunday the 26th of July, in the 
evening of w^hich day, Alexander C. Hanson, one of the editors, 
with several of his friends from other counties, and one from 
another State, came into town, unknown to the inhabitants (or 
known only to a few of them) and took possession of a brick house 
on Charles street, that had been the late dwelling of Mr. Wagner, 
his partner. The committee further report, that from written 
documents, since found and communicated to them by the Mayor, 
which are subjoined to this report, it appears that the plan of re- 
newing the paper, and of arming for the defence of the house from 
which it w^as intended to be issued, had been deliberately formed 
and organized some time previous, in the county, without the 
knowledge of the citizens of Baltimore, and all the details settled 
and adjusted by persons who must have been acquainted with mili- 
tary service. That having so taken possession of the house, they 
fortified it strongly, and pi*epared arms and ammunition to defend it; 
that on the next morning the editor issued from that house his 
paper, containing severe animadversions upon the Mayor, people, 
and police of Baltimore, which the editor caused to be circulated 
throughout the city. In the course of the same day it was known 
to many persons that Mr. Hanson, one of the editors, was in the 
house, and from the prepai'ations for defence that were observed to 
be making therein, it was conjectured that he expected to be at- 
tacked. During the day, many other persons of the city went to 
the house, and some remained there associated with those within. 
Toward evening, many boys had collected in the street, opposite 
the house, and their noise exciting some apprehension, a neighbor- 
ing magistrate endeavored to disperse them, and had nearly suc- 
ceeded, when about 8 o'clock a carriage stopped at the door of the 
house, and a number of muskets and other articles were seen to be 
taken out of it and conveyed through an armed guard into the 
bouse. The boys then returned, recommenced their noise, accom- 
panied with abusive language to the persons in the house, and began 
throwing stones at the windows. At this time, and for an hour or 
more thereafter, there did not appear more than five or six men 
who could be supposed to have any connection with or control 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMOEE. 313 

over tho boys; about this period a person on the footway, endeav- 
oring to persuade the boys from their mischief, was severely 
wounded in the foot by something weighty thrown from the house. 
The boys were repeatedly told, from the persons within, to go 
away and not molest them, that they were armed and would de- 
fend themselves. The boys still continuing to throw stones, two 
guns were fired from the upper part of the house, charged, as it is 
supposed, with blank cartridges, as no injury was done by them. 
The assemblage of people in the str.^et at this time greatly in- 
creased, and the threats and throwing of stones at the house be- 
came more general and violent; the sashes of the lower windows 
were broken, and attempts made to force the door by running 
against it. Ten or twelve guns were fired from the house in quick 
succession, by which several persons in the street were wounded 
and one killed. About this period, application was made for 
military aid to prevent further mischief Whilst the military Averc 
assembling in pursuance of an order from the General, issued in 
compliance with a requisition from the legal authority, frequent 
firing took place from the house, and three guns were fired at it. 
Some short time afterwards a gun was fired from the house, which 
killed a Doctor Gale in the street about twelve feet from the house; 
this circumstance greatly increased the irritation of those in the 
street, who soon after brought a field-piece in front of the house, 
but by the interposition of several citizens, were restrained from 
firing upon the house under an assurance that the persons in it 
would surrender themselves to the civil authority. The military 
soon after appeared, and placing themselves in front of the house, 
no further injury occurred. A negotiation took place from those 
within the house, and upon being assured that a militaiy guard 
would be furnished, and every effort used by the Maj'or and General 
to ensure their safety from violence, they surrendered themselves 
to the civil authority about seven o'clock on tho morning of 
Tuesday, and were conducted to jail and committed ibr further ex- 
amination. They were Alexander C. Hanson, Gen. Henry Lee, 
James ]\[. Lingan, William Schroeder, John Thompson, William B. 
Bend, Otho Sprigg, Henry Kennedy, llobert Kilgour, Henry Nel- 
son, John I']. Hall, George Winchester, Peregrine Warfii^ld, George 
Richards, Edward Gwinn, David Hoffman, Horatio Bigelow, 
J^jjliraim (niither, William Gaither, Jacob Schley, Mark U. Pringle, 
J)aniel Murray, and Pichard S. Crabb. After the removal of the 
l)ersons, the intci-ior of the house was greatly injured, an<l the fur- 
niture in it destroyed and dispersed. 

" The Committee further report, that during tho course of the 
day the Mayor applied to the Sheriff to use particular precaution 
in securing the doors of the jail, which he promised to do ; and 
about one o'clock application was made by the Mayor and other 
justices to the Brigadier-General to call out tho militar}' to pre- 
serve tho peace and quiet of tho State. Orders were issued call- 



314 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMOEE. 

ing out a regiment of infantry, two troops of cavalry, and two 
companies of artillery, to parade at an appointed time and places. 
The Mayor, the General, and many citizens repaired to the jail in 
the afternoon, at which a number of persons had assembled, the 
much greater part of whom were peaceable and orderly citizens. 
Those of a different temper of mind, upon being remonstrated 
with, appeared to yield to the admonitions of others, and to be ap- 
peased with the assurances given that the party in jail should not 
be bailed or suffered to escape duinng the night. It became the 
prevailing opinion about the prison that no mischief would be at- 
tempted that night ; in consequence of which, and of the insuffi- 
ciency of the force assembled, the military, by the order of the 
General, with the approbation of the Mayor, were dismissed, and 
many persons left the prison and went to their homes. Shortly 
after dark the number of the disorderly increased, and an inten- 
tion was manifested of breaking into the jail. The Mayor, with 
the aid of a few persons, succeeded for some time in preventing 
the prison door from being forced open. They being overpowered 
by the increased numbers and violence of the assailants, the Mayor 
was forced away; and the door having been previously battered, and 
again threatened, was opened by the turnkey. Upon the entry of 
the assailants they forced the inner doors, and pressed into the 
room in which the persons above-mentioned were confined. Here 
a scene of horror ensued which the Committee cannot well de- 
scribe. The result was that one of the persons (General Lingan) 
was killed, eleven others dreadfully beaten, eight of whom were 
thrown together in front of the jail, supposed to be dead. 

" The Committee being (by the authority under which they 
act) directed to the collection and report of facts, have carefully 
avoided the expression of an opinion on any of the causes or ex- 
tent of the unhappy commotions herein reported. Other facts 
(but we know of none material) may have attended the above 
transactions, which the limited powers of the City Council do not 
enable them to impart to the Committee the full authority to 
develop. 

" Adam Fonerden, "Wm. Steuart, James Carey, Thomas Kell, 
Committee of the First Branch City Council. 

" James Calhoun, John C. White, Wm. McDonald, Henry Pay- 
son, Committee of the Second Branch City Council. 

" The undersigned, being requested thereto, joined the above 
committee in the discharge of their duty, and unite with them in 
the foregoing report : 

"James Buchanan, Peter Little, Wm. Gwynn, Lemuel Taylor, 
S. Sterett, William Wilson, W. Cooke, Thorndike Chase, Eobert 
Gilmor, John Montgomery." 

From the Federal Rtpuhlican : 

" An exact and authentic narrative of the events which took 
place in Baltimore on the 27th and 28th of July last, carefully 
collected from some of the sufferers and from eye-witnesses : 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 315 

"State of Maryland, s. s. Eockyille, Aug. 12, 1812. 

"Personally appeared, on this 12tli day of August, 1812, before 
John Fleming, Justice of the Peace for Montgomery county, the 
following persons, — Peregrine Warfield, Eichard J. Crabb, Charles 
J. Kilgour, Heniy Nelson, Ephraim Gaither, Robert Kilgour, John 
H. Payne, H. C. Gaither, and Alexander C. Hanson, who being 
sworn on the Holy Evangelists of Almighty God, do declare and 
depose in the manner of form following, — to wit: 

"That these deponents are some of the surviving persons who 
were devoted, or meant to be devoted, to the brutal and murderous 
fury of the mob in the late massacre in the jail at the City of Balti- 
more. That these deponents having seen the following statement 
submitted to them of that horrid atrocity, and the proceedings 
connected with it, do swear, that as far as their individual suffer- 
ings or particular opportunities of observation may enable them 
to testify, they believe the facts and circumstances detailed in the 
following statement to be truly and accurately stated — these de- 
ponents not intending hereby to preclude themselves from a further 
narrative or disclosure of such other circumstances and special 
injuries and sufferings as are within the particular knowledge of 
each of them respectively, or which they may have individually 
experienced and endured. 

"Sworn toi>efore John Fleming. 

" State of Maryland, Montgomery County, s. s. I hereby 
certify, that John Fleming, gent, before whom the aforegoing affi- 
davit appears to have been made, and whose name is thereto sub- 
scribed, was at the time a Justice of the Peace in and for the county 
aforesaid, duly commissioned and sworn. [Seal-I In testimony 
whereof, I have hereto subscribed my name, and affixed the public 
seal for Montgomery County, this 12th day of August, A. D. 1812. 

" Upton Beall, 
" Clerk of Montgomery County Court. 

"On the night of the 22d of June, the entire printing appara- 
tus of the Federal Republican was demolished by a mob in Balti- 
more, in the presence of the Mayor, the Judge of the Criminal 
Court, and several other magistrates and police-officers, whose 
authority was not exerted to save it and preserve the peace of 
the city. One of the editors (Mr. Wagner) narrowly escaped with 
his life, after being pursued l)y ruffians who avowed their fell pur- 
}»ose of assassination. Mr. Hanson, the other proprietor of the 
paper, heard of the depredations committed by the mob the even- 
ing after, and went to Baltimore the next day, accompanied by his 
friend Captain Pichard J. Crabb, to make arrangements for re- 
establishing the paper. Finding it impossible to render any ser- 
vice, the laws being effectually silenced, and his friends unaiiimouHly 
urging his departOre, he left town in a few hours, having fii'st 



316 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

walked the streets as usual, and made all the arrangements that 
could be made, in conjunction with his friends and agents, for re- 
viving the paper with all possible dispatch. Upon bis return home 
to Eockville, Montgomery County, Mr. Hanson communifated to 
some of his most intimate friends his determination to recommence 
the paper in Baltimore, and declared he never would visit Balti- 
more again until he could go prepared to assert his rights and re- 
sist oppression. He was aware that the execution of this plan 
would be accompanied with much difficulty and danger, but his 
friends admired and approved it the more on that account, and 
volunteered to accompanj' him to Baltimore, to pai'ticipate his dan- 
gers or successes, in maintaining the rights of person and property 
and defending the liberty of the press. They were in number: 
General James M. Lingan (murdered). General Harry Lee, Cap- 
tain Eichard J. Crabb, Dr. P. Warfield, Charles J. Kilgour, Otho 
Sprigg, Ephraim Gaither, and John Howard Payne. Several others 
were to have gone, but were prevented; and on the night of the 
attack, the party was joined by thi-ee other volunteers from the 
country, who were not fully apprised bj'" Mr. Hanson of his de- 
termination, but received their information in confidence from 
others, Major Musgrove, Henry C. Gaither, and William Gaither. 
On the evening of the attack they were joined b}'^ about twenty 
gentlemen living in Baltimore, one or two only of whom were in- 
vited to the house by Mr. Hanson. When the oflfice was first de- 
molished, Mr. Wagner, one of the proprietors, lived in a house in 
Charles street. On that event he removed his family from the 
house, but did not relinquish it or remove his furniture. In this 
situation it remained until the 26th of July, when the paper having 
been re-established in Georgetown, and the proprietors having re- 
solved to attempt its re-establishment in Baltimore, one of them, 
Mr. Hanson, came and occupied this house (having first taken a 
lease), as a place fi'om which the distribution of the paper might 
be made. He was attended by the friends before mentioned, who 
were to remain as his guests until their business called them home. 
They thought it probable that an attempt would be made to pre- 
vent the distribution of the paper, and they might even be at- 
tacked in the house for that purpose; but they hoped, by the ap- 
pearance of determined resistance, to deter the assailants from 
actual violence, till the civil authority should have time to interpose 
and prevent mischief. Should they be disappointed in this hope, 
and find themselves in danger from the unrestrained violence of a 
mob, they were resolved, and were prepared, to stand on the defen- 
sive, and to repel force by force. Reliance upon the civil authority 
they earl}^ perceived to be fruitless, for on application to the Mayor 
by the owner of the house, he peremptorily declined all interfer- 
ence, and left town, as it was understood, to prevent his repose 
from being disturbed. The civil authority refusing to interfere 
when applied to b}'' Mr. White, the son, and Mr. Dennis Nowland, 



CHKONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 317 

the son-in-law of the owner of the house, there was nothing left 
but to resist the mob in the house; and while this resistanee was 
made with a niildness and forbearance scarcely ever equalled, and 
wliich excited the wonder of the si)ectators, several messages were 
sent to Brigadier-General Strieker to disperse the mob and prevent 
the etfnsion of blood, which would otherwise be unavoidable. If 
it be objected that the scheme was rash or imprudent, all must ad- 
mit it teas strictly and dearly lawful. Mr. Hanson had an undoubted 
right to distribute the paper in Baltimore, from this or any other 
house in his occupation, and to defend his person and property by 
force in case they were assailed by unlawful violence and left un- 
protected by the civil authority. 

" On Monday, the 27th of Jul}', the distribution of the paper 
was commenced, and proceeded Avithout molestation or tumult till 
evening. But soon after twilight, a mob collected before the house, 
and soon began to act in a very threatening and riotous manner. 
The gentlemen in the house, with great mildness, patience and 
forbearance, repeatedly advised and requested them to disperse, 
assuring them that the house was armed, and would be defended, 
and that the consequences of attacking would be dangerous. This 
however had no other effect than to increase the boldness and vio- 
lence of the mob, as well as its numbers. A vigorous attack on 
the house was soon commenced. Stones were thrown in showers 
at the front windows, all of which were soon broken, and not only 
the glass, but the sashes and shutters wer£ demolished, and an at- 
tempt was made to break down the street door, which was at 
length actually broken and burst open. All these acts of violence 
were accompanied by loud and reiterated declarations by the mob 
of a determination to force the house and expel or kill those who 
were engaged in its defence. The scenes continued for more than 
two hours, without the least interference of the Mayor, or any 
appearance of an intention to interpose. At length the persons 
thus threatened and assailed, finding that little hope remained of 
protection from the local authorities, and that forbearance, expos- 
tulation and entreaty served only on their part to increase the 
audacity of the mob, resolved to try the effect of intimidation. 
Orders were therefore given to fire from the windows of the second 
story over the heads of the mob, so as to frighten without hurting 
them. This was done. The mob was at first intimidated by this 
blank fire, but soon finding that no hurt was done by it, they re- 
turned and recommenced the attack with increased violence. The 
windows having been all before broken, and the front room on the 
lower floor abandoned, the mob jn-epared to enter b}' the door and 
take j)Ossc8sion of the house. The gentlemen from within there- 
foi-e prepared themselves for the woi-st, and resolved that when 
things siiould be pu.shed to extremities, they would make a serious 
fire on the assailants. Some gentlemen were stationed on the stairs 
in the entry, opposite the front door, and the entry itself was bar- 



318 CHEONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

ricaded as well as could be done with chairs, tables, and other 
furniture. Other persons were posted at the windows in such a 
manner as best to command the approach to the doors. They re- 
newed their warnings and enti*eaties to the mob, but with no other 
effect than before, and in this situation they remained until effectual 
resistance should become absolutely necessary. Still the civil 
authority did nothing, save the fruitless efforts of Judge Scott, 
who was ultimately obliged to leave the street. The military was 
equally supine or indifferent. It was now about eleven o'clock. 
The violence of the attack increased, and in a short time a part 
of the mob, with a Dr. Gale, their apparent leader and instigator 
(who had harangued them in the street), at their head, made an 
attempt to enter the passage and advance towards the stairs. Or- 
ders were now given to fire from the windows and staii'case. By 
this fire Dr. Gale was killed, and carried off by his companions and 
followers. Several were wounded in the street. The mob fled in 
every direction, carrying with them the wounded and the body of 
Dr. Gale, but before they fled they fired frequently into the house, 
where the marks of their shot are to be seen, and a pistol aimed at 
the breast of General Lee flashed while he was expostulating with 
the mob. One of the defenders of the house (Ephraim Gaither) 
was wounded at the time of the fire from the street, but how, or 
with what has not been ascertained. He bled profusely, and had 
a convulsion in the morning while standing at his post upon duty. 
This was the time for the gentlemen in the house to make their 
escape. Could they have seen that their enterprize had become 
impracticable, they might have made good their retreat. But they 
judged otherwise. They thought rather of their rights than that 
of the pi'udence of a further effort to assert them, and resolved 
still to defend the house, indulging the hojje too that no further 
violence would be attempted after this experience of its conse- 
quences, or that the civil authority would effectually interpose. 
The mob came very cautiously and almost by stealth in front of 
the house after the effectual fire. They still, however, remained 
in the street and increased their number gradually, a drum parad- 
ing the streets to beat up recruits, and continued to throw stones 
in front and back of the house. 

" Between two and three o'clock, the military having been 
ordered out. Major Barney appeared in the street at the head of a 
small party of cavalry. The mob again fled at his approach, cry- 
ing out as they heard the tramping of hoi-ses, ' The troop is com- 
ing, the trooj) is coming.' Near the front of the house Major 
Barney halted and addresg3d them. On this they again returned. 
He told them he was theirlfviend, their personal and political friend ; 
that he was there to protect person and property, to prevent 
violence, 'to secure the party in the house,' and that those in the 
street must disperse. They then asked him by what authority he 
came. He answered by order of the Brigadier-General Strieker. 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMOEE. 819 

Tbey demanded a sight of the order, which he consented to show 
them, and for that purpose went round the corner into an alley 
where they assembled round to see it. He said something in a 
low voice, on hearing which the mob gave three cheers. What 
did he then say to them ? This can be answered only from con- 
jecture and from what happened afterwards. Many of the gentle- 
men in the house, judging from subsequent events, believe that he 
communicated to the mob the plan of assassination, which was 
put into execution, and which they suppose to have been then 
already formed with his knowledge and participation. But this 
supposition would ascribe to that officer a degree of ferocious prof- 
ligacy which ought not to be imputed to him or any other man 
without the clearest proof The subjoined extract from the Whig 
explains Major Barney's conduct : 

" ' We regret that our committee have not, after so much pains 
and promise, stated some pai'ticulars minutely ; particulars necessary 
to be known, we mean the circumstances of the negotiation (as it 
were) between Major Barney and the populace. They agreed to 
rest satisfied if the murderers should be carefully kept from escap- 
ing, and be surrendered into the hands of the civil authority ; in 
other words, he committed to jail for trial. To the fulfilment of this 
was Major Barney pledged.' 

" His instructions were nevertheless for the safety and honor 
of the gentlemen in the house. There can be no question he had 
orders while he protected the house from further attack to secure 
the party in it, so as to prevent them from escaping, and to bring 
them to trial for the deaths which had taken place or were ex- 
pected, and that he communicated this part of his orders to the 
mob. This supposition is favored by what he was heard to say on 
his first appi'oach — that ' he was there to take possession and 
secure the party in the house.' And when the gentlemen, dis- 
trusting his views in consequence of what they had observed, de- 
manded an explanation, he assured them that he had no orders or 
instructions hut such as loere consistent with their safety and honor, but 
be was obliged to talk otherwise to the mob to deceive and keep 
them quiet. The mob made no further attempt on the house, in 
front of which Major Bai-ney and his cavalry remained constantly 
wrangling and talking with the mob, who soon prej^ared for a more 
effectual attack by bringing up a field-piece. With this they at- 
tempted to fire on the house, but were always prevented by Major 
Barney, who more than once mounted on the cannon, declaring 
that if they fired they should fire on him, that they would kill 
their own friends ; all which trouble he might have saved himself, 
if he pleased, by remounting bis horse and dispersing the mob 
which fled at his first approach. This state of things continued 
till about 6 o'clock A. M., when Mr. Johnson, the ^layor, arrived 
from the country, whither messengers bad been desj)atched for 
him by those out of the house j and Brigadier-General Strieker, 



320 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

who commands the militia of the town, appeared before the door 
and commenced a parley with the party within. Being admitted 
into the house, they represented to the party defending the irrita- 
tion which prevailed in the town, the exasperation of the public 
mind, and the impossibility of maintaining defence against the 
force which would soon come in aid of the attack. The Mayor 
asked for and addressed Mr, Hanson with warmth and great 
agitation ; spoke of a civil war, saying, we are impressed with the 
belief that a civil war is inevitable, and I consider this a party-thing 
and the commencement of it. He complained also of the Government's 
being implicated in the dispute between parties and the paper, and 
added, such opposition must or will be noticed. To all which Mr. 
Hanson replied that he would not enter into a political dispute 
with the Mayor ; that he had a right to defend his house, which was 
his castle, and his person, and that he and his friends were compe- 
tent to the protection of both ; that it was the Mayor's duty to 
disperse the mob. The Mayor and General Strieker then declared 
their own inability to j)rotect the party in the house while there, 
and proposed that they should surrender themselves into the hands 
of the civil authority, and be taken to the public jail as a place of 
safety, promising an effectual escort on the way, to be composed of 
Mr. Hanson's own friends, in town if he pleased, and also an effec- 
tual guard at the jail, till they could be released on bail. 

"To this man}' of the party, particularly Mr. Hanson, strongly 
objected. He was indignant at the proposal to go to jail. ' To 
jail ! ' said he — ' for what? For protecting my house and property 
against a mob who assailed both for three hours without being 
fired upon, when we could have killed numbers of them ! You 
cannot protect us to jail, or after we are in jail!' Mr. Hanson 
then, after the Mayor and General went into the front room to 
converse with General Lee, exhorted his friend never to surrender, 
declaring that no reliance could be placed on the assurances of 
such men, who were his bitter enemies, and who, however willing 
they might be, were unable to afford effectual protection, as was 
proved by their inability to disperse the mob then assembled be- 
fore the house. He repeated over and over, that if they surren- 
dered they would all be sacrificed ; and from his knowledge of the 
men they had to deal with, particularly John Montgomery, who 
had just before passed into the room, he expected they would all 
be given up to be massacred, either on the way to the jail or in 
the jail. Mr. Hanson then stated his objections to the Mayor and 
General Strieker, who in answer gave the most solemn assurances 
on their faith as officers and their honor as men to afford the 
promised protection or die in the attempt. General Strieker as- 
sured them on his honor that he would never quit them while 
there was danger, and if they were attacked he would rescue or 
fall with them. These assurances were repeated frequently with 
the most solemn asseverations and appeals to God. Mr. Hanson 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 321 

having said something to his friends in regard to the house and 
furniture, a pledge was instantly given by the Mayor to leave a 
guard to defend both. General Lee and other gentlemen at- 
tempted to get better terms of capitulation, such as marching out 
"with arms in their hands to assist in protecting themselves, and 
riding on their hoi'ses among the cavahy and in carriages. The 
Maj-or and General went out to see if the mob would consent to 
any other terms. AVhile gone Mr. Hanson made two propositions 
to different gentlemen of his party, the one to hold the Mayor 
and Brigadier-General as hostages for their safety, and the other 
offering to give himself np to the mob, icho icould then be appeased, re- 
peating his belief that every man would be sacrificed if they sur- 
rendered. When the Maj'or and General Strieker returned, they 
informed the party in the house that no other terms could be ob- 
tained from the mob than those first proposed, and urged their im- 
mediate acceptance, declaring that a delay of five minutes might 
be fatal. Mr. Hanson still vehemently opposed surrendering, and 
said he had nothing to sa}"" to the mob, but would negotiate only 
with the civil authority in order to prevent the effusion of blood, 
which he was as anxious to do as any one. General Lee, who had 
been chosen to command the jiarty, was then sought for in the 
front room up stairs. He was of opinion that the proposition of 
the Mayor and General Strieker ought to be accepted, and endeav- 
ored to gain over Mr. Hanson to his opinion, by expressing the 
warmest confidence in their sincerity and honor, and their compe- 
tency to afford full protection to and at the jail. General Lee pro- 
bably saw that the defence was wholly desperate. 

" The numbers in the house had diminished from about thirty to 
twenty, by sending out detachments for various purposes who 
could not return, and from other causes not now satisfactorily 
known. This remaining number was barely sufficient to man the 
essential stations. There were none to relieve them. The effects 
of fatigue and want of sleep began to be felt. Those of hunger and 
thirst must soon be added, for their stock of provisions and water 
was small, and a supply was impossible. To a militar}* man of 
judgment and experience like General Lee, these circumstances 
would naturally appear in all their force. He saw the defence 
necessarily and rajjidly becoming weaker, while there was reason 
to believe that the attacking force would greatly and rapidly aug- 
ment. Being a soldier too himself, he could not doubt a soldier's 
honor, nor believe that Gen. Strieker, who had served like himself 
in the war of our devolution, could abandon those who surrendered 
their arms on the faith of his word. Gen. Ivce therefore gave his 
opinion early and strongly i" favor of a sui-render. Several others, 
no doubt from similar motives, and some in deference to his opinion, 
declared for the same course. But Mr. Hanson, more ardent because 
younger, smarting under wrongs unredressed, and flushed by the 
hope of gaining in the end a glorious victory, and less contiding 
21 



322 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

because better acquainted with the weakness, timidity and dispo- 
sition of the persons on whom they wei'e invited to rely, strongly 
and pertinaciously opposed this sentiment to the last, contending 
that if the defence was really impracticable, which he by no means 
believed, it Avas better to die there with the arms in their hands, 
than to surrender for the purpose of being led through the streets 
like malefactors, and in the ond massacred by the mob, against 
which he insisted that no effectual protection would be afforded or 
ought to be expected. The opinion of Gen. Lee, however, finally 
prevailed, and the whole party, to the number of between twenty 
and thirty, surrendered themselves into the hands of the civil 
authority. An escort of horse and foot was provided by General 
Strieker, and they were conducted from the house to the jail. This 
took place between 8 and 9 o'clock in the morning. 

" In going to the jail, they were to pass by a large pile of paving 
stones, which had been provided for paving the streets. While 
the negotiation for the surrender was going on, a plan was laid to 
massacre the party at this pile of stones, aiid a compan^^from Fell's 
Point, headed by a Mr. Worrel, was to join the mob at that place 
for the purpose. The plan was to drive off or knock down the 
escort with the stones, and then beat the prisoners to death. But 
the pile of stones was passed a few minutes before the party from 
the Point arrived, and thus the scheme was frustrated, not without 
two of the gentlemen receiving severe blows with stones said to 
be aimed at Mr. Hanson. This important fact was related on the 
same day to a gentleman by one of the chiefs of the mob, who very 
coolly added : ' It is only a short delay, for we shall take them out 
of the jail to-night and put them to death.' This intention was 
publicly and frequently avovved in the course of the day, and ex- 
press invitation to that effect was given in the principal Democratic 
paper of the city, and the preparations for carrying it into effect 
were openly made. A particular incident will show how well it 
was known, or how confidently expected. A youth of the name 
of McCubbin, a clerk in the counting-house of Hollins and McBlair, 
had opened the counting-house in the morning -as usual, and after 
attending to his ordinary business, was led by curiosity or accident 
into the neighborhood of the jail at the moment when the party 
from the house entered it. Being with the crowd, he was hurried 
into the jail by mistake, and was actually locked up with the party. 
Messrs. Hollins and McBlair, finding his situation, and knowing 
what would probably happen at night, exerted themselves to the 
utmost, with some of their friends, to effect his release, which they 
effected a little before night with very great difficulty. Those 
gentlemen despairing, it must be pi'esumed, of success, made no 
eftort, as iar as is known, to prevent the catastrophe. Some of 
their friends, however, and particularly Col. James A. Buchanan, 
exerted themselves to the utmost, as it is said and believed, but to 
no purpose. General Strieker and Mr. Johnson being informed of 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 323 

the intended massacre, an order was obtained in the legal form to 
call out the militar}- for the protection of the jail. This order was 
given to Gen. Striclcer by Mr. Johnson, on the certificates and re- 
quisition of two magistrates. Gen. Strieker accordingly ordered 
out the fifth regiment (commanded by Col. Joseph Sterrett, a brave 
man, and to be relied on in all situations,) but directed expressly 
that they should be furnished xoith blank cartridges only. This part 
of the order might very well deter, and no doubt did deter many of 
the well-disposed militia from turning out. They miglit well sup- 
pose that the order might by some means become known to the 
mob, who far from being intimidated by the a])pearance of soldiers 
known to be unarmed, would natural!}' consider it, as it was, a 
pledge for their perfect impunity, and might probably slaughter 
the soldiers themselves. The general exasperation, moreover, 
which prevailed on account of the events of the morning, which, 
as always happens on such occasions, had been Avhollj^ misrepre- 
sented, and were almost universally misunderstood, was so high 
that great numbers of the militia and some entire companies, espe- 
cially one of the cavalry, absolutely refused to turn out; many, it 
may be supposed, were prevented by their fears. Yet notwith- 
standing all these unfavorable circumstances a number did appear, 
which is stated by some to have been sixty, and by others not more 
than thirty. Col. Sterrett was at the head of this fragment of his: 
regiment ; Col. Samuel Sterrett, who commands one of the compa- 
nies, was also at his post; so was Major Richard K. Heath. The 
other officers who appeared are not recollected. The Brigadier- 
General himself, after his solemn pledge of his word and honor as 
an officer and a man in the presence of God, did not appear. Ho 
was not seen with the troops, and if seen in the streets at all, it 
was in his common dress with a rattan in his hand. He nowhere 
showed himself as the commander of the militia, made no call in person 
on the troops or the citizens to rally around him, but contented 
himself with barely doing what was required of him, according to 
the strict letter, by ordering out a part of the militia, and rendei'ed 
that order futile and nugatory, or worse, by combining it with an 
order to come without effective arms. This part of his order was 
however disobeyed by many, if not all of the militia who came 
out: resolved not to be exposed to massacre by this unaccountable 
conduct of their general, they furnished themselves as well as they 
could with ball-cartridges. 

" In the afternoon, while the troops were ordered out, and while 
they were assembling, Mr. Johnson, Ma3'or, went to the jail, ac- 
compani(!d by Mr. Hargrove, register of the cit}', and together 
with Gt-n. Strieker, Judge Job Smith, Mr. Wilson, magistrate, Mr. 
Calhoun, l>rigade inspector, visited the gentlemen in the jail, to in- 
form them of the efforts that were making, and would be made for 
their protection. They renewed their solemn assurances of pro- 
tection, and told the party to rest satisfied, as the militaiy would 



324 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

be out in a very short time, when there would be no danger of an 
attack upon the jail. A butcher by the name of Mumma, and two 
others, understood to be prominent in the mob, entered the room 
in company with the Mayor and remained after him. While the 
interview between the Mayor, General, &c., and the gentlemen con- 
tinued, this butcher was employed in observing and most atten- 
tively remarking their countenances and their dress. As many of 
them were strangers in Baltimore, his object no doubt was to enable 
himself to identify them, and point them out to his associates, 
when the massacre should commence. This very butcher did stand 
at the first iron grate and knock down the gentlemen as they were 
brought out. It was by him, so stationed, that Mr. Hanson was 
first recognized and shockingly beaten. In the course of the after- 
noon the gentlemen were apprised from various quarters of the 
fate which awaited them at night, and particularly a gentleman 
of the Democratic party (who is nevertheless a man of honor, 
courage and humanity), after struggling in vain to provide means 
of protection, or to avert the danger, informed them of all they 
had to expect. 

"The door of the room in which they were confined was very 
strong ; composed of thick iron bars fastened together, so as to 
make a grate, it enabled them to see what was done on the 
outside, while if kept locked, it was capable of affording them a 
ver}^ considerable defence. That they might make the most of 
this feeble resource, in the apprehended absence of all others, they 
sent for the turnkey, and requested him to lock the door and give 
them the key. This he promised, but did not perform. They sent 
to him again and reminded him of his promise, which he repeated 
and again neglected. They saw no more of him until the slaughter 
commenced. 

" The militia having assembled in front of their Colonel's quar- 
ters in Gay street, at a very con.>iderable distance from the jail, 
the General, instead of putting himself at their head, endeavoring 
to increase their numbers and leading them to the jail, left them 
standing in Gay street; and hearing that the mob had assembled 
at the jail in great numbers, he and the Mayor, accompanied by 
John Montgomery, Attorney-General of the State, went to them a 
little before sunset to expostulate with them on the impropriety of 
their conduct and persuade them to disperse. The object which 
the mob then thought proper to avow openly, was to prevent the 
gentlemen from being admitted to bail. An assurance being given 
to them by the Attorney-General and the Judge that bail should 
not be received before next day, they are said to have declared 
themselves satisfied and to have promised to disperse. Some of 
them, no doubt, made such a declaration and promise, with what 
intentions will soon appear. General Strieker and Mr. Johnson, 
Mayor, thought fit to be satisfied with these assurances. Some of 
their friends, supposed to be men of influence among the mob, are 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 325 

said to have obtained similar assiuxinces, and to have been equallj 
eatislied. Bo that as it may, the Bri<5adier-CTeneral, the Mayor of 
the city, and the Attorney-General of the State left the jail with 
the mob still assembled before it, and went into the city ])roclaim- 
ing that everything was settled and all danger at an end. On 
this ground Gen. Strieker dismissed a body of militia under Major 
Heath, which he met on his way from the jail, notwithstanding the 
advice and remonstrance of Major Heath, who exhorted them to 
go once more to the jail before they were dismissed and see whether 
all was safe. From Major Heath he proceeded to Colonel Sterrett, 
and ordered him to dismiss the party which was under arms in 
Gay street, an order which Mr. Sterrett obeyed with a heavy 
heart. Gen. Strieker then proceeded through the town to his own 
house, which is in a ])art still more distant from the jail, and on his 
way he proclaimed that everything was settled, all danger over, 
and no further need of any protecting force. By this means he 
dispersed a number of citizens who had assembled with a view of 
giving their aid. AVhen he reached his own house he shut himself 
up and ordered himself to be denied, or was out of the way. 

" The dismissal of the military was instantly made known to the 
mob at the jail by their associates stationed for that purpose, and 
they regarded it, as was natural, as the signal for attack. They 
immediately made a furious attack on the outward doors of the 
jail, which being observed by a gentleman who happened at that 
monient to pass ou horseback, he rode full speed to Gen. Strieker's 
house, to give him the information. He was told that Gen. Strieker 
was not at home. Inquiring where he was, and expressing a strong 
desire to see him, in order to give him the information, the gentle- 
man was told that 'Gen. Strieker could not be seen ; and that if he 
could, it would be unavailing, for he had already done all he could 
or would do.' The gentleman then went in quest of the Mayor, who 
fearing or being inibrmed of what happened, had gone to the jail 
with two or three men supposed to have influence with the mob, 
whom he had engaged to assist him. With them he attempted to 
prevent the doors from being forced open ; but his attempts were 
fruitless, and at length his assistants, fearing for his safety and 
theii- own, almost forced him away. The attack then proceeded 
without further hindi-ance or fear of interru]>tion ; and when the 
violence of the attack upon the outward door to the east increased, 
a voice fi-om within was heard saying, 'Come round to the other 
door!' — which they were seen to do by some of (the gentlemen in 
prison. There can be no doubt that it was in the power of Gen, 
Strieker to prevent or easily repel this attack. Hail he put on his 
uniform, mounted on horseback, put himself at the head of siieh of 
the military as had assemliled, called for more; force, exhort«»d the 
citizens to volunteer, and marched to the jail with all the force 
which hb could thus collect — had he, as his duty and jilighted 
honor required, taken post at or in the jail, even with the small 



326 CHRONICLES OF BALTTMOEE. 

body of militia which had assembled, the mob would unquestionably 
have been deterred or repulsed. But he was blind to all such con- 
Biderations, and left the mob to their course by dismissing the 
military, and infusing a false and fatal security into the citizens. 
But above all, after the massacre, when it was discovered that some 
of the persons thrown into the pile of the supposed slain were not 
quite dead, and might be restored, intelligence of the fact was 
carried to town. Upon receiving the information, a distinguished 
gentleman went to Gen. Strieker's house and had him called out 
of bed. He communicated to the General the joyful tidings, and 
added, 'the physicians will go out to preserve all they can, if you 
will lurnish a guard or go with them.' The General said he was 
fatigued, had lost his rest the night before, and it was an improbable 
tale that any of the prisoners were alive. The gentleman urged and 
remonstrated, offering to bring him a horse immediately, but the 
General flatly declined, and returned to his bed to find repose. 
God of Heaven ! did he sleep? — he 'who hath murdered sleep!' 
slaughtered honor, patriotism and courage, ensnared by treachery; 
betra3'ed the brave, and handed them over to the executioner, to be 
tortured in a manner until now unknown in the annals of all time, 
to satiate the bloody appetites of cannibals and tigers in human 
form. Have not ages of wickedness and barbarity and guilt been 
crowded into days? An all-wise and good Providence will avenge 
these horrid enormities. 

" The mob gained possession of the principal entrance into the 
prison, but there were still two very strong doors to be forced be- 
fore they could reach the party within. One of these doors de- 
tained them more than a quarter of an hour. Whether it was finally 
forced or unlocked is not known. When they reached the last door, 
after a few slight blows it w^as unlocked. Bentley, the jailor, was 
the first man who entered the room, to the best of these deponents' 
recollection, and was instantly followed by the mob ; he was prob- 
ably com])elled to unlock the door. From this it appears that a 
verj' small military guard posted in the first entry of the jail, es- 
pecially with the Brigadier-General and the Mayor at their head, 
would have been a sufficient protection. This was the post in 
which the plighted faith and honor of Gen. Strieker should have 
placed him; but his pledge was forgotten or neglected, and the 
post was left wholly unguarded. 

"When the victims saw the danger approach nearer and 
nearer they calmly prepared for their fate, but resolved to make 
every possible eff'ort for eftecting their escape. They had three or 
four pistols among them, and one or two dirks. It was proposed 
as soon as the last door should be forced they should shoot as 
many of the assailants with these pistols, for which there was no 
second charge, as possible. Mr. Hanson dissuaded from this 
course, saying it would be of no avail to kill one or two of the 
mob, and would only increase their fury and render escape more 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 327 

difficult. He strongly recommended that they sliould all rush 
amoii^ the mob, put out all the lights, create as much confusion as 
possible, and by that means many would escape. As for himself, 
he would be recognized ; but every man must do the best to save 
himself. All seemed at once to embrace the plan ; but when the 
mob were about entering the last door, Mr. Murray and Mr. Thomp- 
son presented their pistols, the former saying very familiarly, 'My 
lads, you had better retire, I can shoot cither of you.' It was re- 
plied, 'I can kill you,' by the mob. Murray rejoined, 'I can kill 
a,x\y one of you first.' Mr. Thompson was also disposed to fii-e, but 
General Lee and Mr. Ilanson urged to the contrarj', and the mob 
coming in, were rushed upon, and the confusion commenced. 

" The plan proposed by Mr. Ilanson availed many of his friends, 
■who escaped almost, and some entirely, unhurt, to the number of 
nine or ten, who made their way through the crowd in the confu- 
sion that ensued. But it Avas useless to himself, because he was 
known to Jfumma the butcher, who recognized and knocked him 
down after he had made good his way to the lobby, as it is called, 
or hall of the jail. lie was then dreadfully beaten, trampled on, 
and pitched for dead down the high flight of stairs in front of the 
jail. The purpose for which Mumma came into the prison room 
in the evening now appeared. He was posted at the door to 
mark the victims as they came out, and designated them for 
slaughter by giving each a blow or two, which was the signal for 
his associates, who proceeded to finish what be had begun. The 
fate of Mr. Ilanson befel General Lee, General Lingan, Mr. Hall, 
Mr. Nelson, Mr. Kilgour, Major Musgrove, Dr. P. Warfield, and 
Ml'. Wm. Gaither, all of whom were thrown down the steps of the 
jail, where they lay in a heap nearly three hours. 

" During this whole time the mob continued to torture their 
mangled bodies, by beating first one and then the other, sticking 
pen-knives into their faces and hands, and opening their eyes and 
dr()|)ping hot candle-grease into them, &c. Mr. Murra}^ Mr. 
Thompson and Mr. Winchester were carried in a different direction 
and not thrown into the heap of supposed slain. Major Musgrove 
was the last who remained in the prison room when the mob broke 
in. While the slaughter of his friends was going on in the passage 
in his view, he calmly walked about the room waiting for a fate 
which he saw no possibility of averting. At length one of the 
assassins came and called him out. He went, and was attacked in 
the entr}', knocked down and beaten till he was supposed by 
the butchei'S to be dead. Some of the victims were rendered wholly 
inscnsiijle by the first blows which they received. Others who 

{)reserved their senses and recollection, resolved to feign death, in 
lopcs of thus escaping farther injury. The brave Gen. Ijingan lost 
his life by his endeavors to save it. He so much mistook the char- 
acter of the monsters as to suppose them capable of some feelings 
of humanity. He reminded them that he had fought for their 



328 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

liberties throughout the Eevolutionary war, that he was old and in- 
firm, and that he had a large and helpless family dependent on him 
for support. These remarks served only to attract their attention 
to him and to inform them that he was still alive. Every suppli- 
cation was answered by fresh insults and blows. At length, while 
he was still endeavoring to speak and to stretch out his hands 
for mercy, one of the assassins stamped upon his breast, struck 
him many blows in rapid succession, crying out, ' the damned old 
rascal is hardest dying of all of them,' and repeating the opprobrious 
epithet of Tory ! These blows put an end to his torment and his 
life. In a few minutes after his removal into jail he expii*ed with- 
out a groan. His name will be immortal as his soul. While Gen. 
Lee's mangled body lay exposed upon the bare earth, one of the 
monsters attempted to cut off his nose, but missed his aim, though 
he thereby gave him a bad wound in the nose. Either the same 
person or another attempted to thrust a knife into the eye of Gen. 
Lee, who had again raised himself up. The knife glanced on the 
cheek-bone, and the General being immediately by the side of Mr. 
Hanson, fell with his head upon his breast, where he lay for some 
minutes, when he was kicked or knocked off. A quantity of his 
blood was left on Mr. Hanson's breast, on observing which one of 
the mob shortly afterwards exclaimed exultingly, 'See Hanson's 
brains on his breast ! ' 

"During these horrid scenes, several of the gentlemen, Mr. I^el- 
son, Dr. Warfield, Mr. Kilgour, Mr. J. E. Hall, and Mr. Hanson, 
perfectly retained their senses. They sustained without betraying 
any signs of life, or gratifying their butchers with a groan or 
murmur, all the tortures that were inflicted on them. They beard 
without showing any emotion, the deliberations of the assassins 
about the manner of dis])osing of their bodies. At one time it 
was proposed to throw them all into the sink of the jail. Others 
thought it best to dig a hole and bury them all together immediately. 
Some advised that they should be thrown into Jones Falls, a stream 
which runs in front of the jail. Some that they should be cas- 
trated. Others again were for tarring and feathering them, and 
directed a cart to be brought for that purpose to carry them about 
town. Others insisted upon cutting all their throats upon the 
spot, to make sure of them. And lastly, it was resolved to hang 
them next morning and have them dissected. Pointing to 
Hanson, and jobbing him severely with a stick on the privates, one 
exclaimed, ' this fellow shall be dissected.' Being particularly de- 
sirous of insulting and mangling the body of Mr. Hanson, but 
finding great difficult}^ in identifying it, they at length thought 
of examining his sleeve-buttons, supposing they should there 
find the initials of his name. It was insisted by some one present 
that he knew Hanson well, and it was not him but Hoffman. Be- 
fore they seemed to have settled the dispute, their attention was 
attracted to some other object. 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 329 

"Dr. Ilall, personally unlcnown to all but ono, it is believed, of 
the sufferers, was instrumental in rescuing them from the mob, 
which he did by a stratagem which will endear him to all good men 
and brighten his course through life. He, with the aid of others 
not now known, induced the mob to place the supposed dead bodies 
under his care until morning, and he conveyed them into the jail 
to the room whence they were first taken. There he was assisted 
by Drs. Birkhead, Smith, Owen, and a gentleman who assumed the 
name of Dr. Page, but is better known by the title of the ' Boston 
Beauty,' and was extremely active in assisting Dr. Hall to admin- 
ister drinks and opiates. Having examined their wounds, somo 
of the doctors went to town privately for carriages to carry off the 
bodies. By management they had induced nearly all the mob to 
retire till morning. Some of them no doubt being fatigued, retired 
to rest and refresh themselves. A large part followed Mr. Thomp- 
son, who had been carried off in the manner stated in his narrative. 
Some perhaps felt sated with the cruelties already committed, and 
withdrew. The remainder were in a measure exhausted, and the 
two Democratic phj'sicians, Drs. Hall and Owen, had the address 
ultimately to prevail on all of them to leave the jail for the present. 
While the physicians were gone for carriages, Mr. Hanson proposed 
to Drs. Hall and Owen to convey him if possible to Mr. Murray's, 
about three miles off, where his family was on a visit. He said it 
was likely he might live until morning, when if he remained in 
jail he would be again taken by the mob. He was told carriages 
would soon be at the jail, but upon discovering impatience. Dr. 
Owen went out to see if he could be safely carried off at once. 
When he returned, Bentley came with him, and Mr. H. again urged 
his removal, upon which 13entley objected, 8a3ing that he had no 
right to permit the prisoners to go away, as they were in custody. 
He was answered by Mr. H. that the jail being broken open and 
the prisoners rescued by the mob and brought back for security, 
without being recommitted, he could not be blamed. Bentley re- 
plied ' very well, do as you please.' A person then presented him- 
self and offered to carry Mr. H. off, who fell and fainted several 
times upon attempting to rise. Dr. Owen recommended and gave 
him a glass of brandy, which he took, and wasquickl}' invigorated, 
and enabled with the aid of his deliverer to stand up and walk. 
He asked to be carried to Gen. Lingan, over whose dead body he 
stood I'ur a moment, and was hurried off. When he got to the out- 
ward jail door he was taken on the back of his deliverer, who ran 
with iiim to the Falls, conveyed him over, and helped him over into 
a small garden opjxjsite, where he was told to lie until called for. 
After lying some time wrapi)ed up in a blanket he heard a wrangle 
at the jail, and concluded it was the l)est time to crawl away as 
well as lie could, which he did to a place of safet}', whence ho was 
conveyed in the morning at daylight somo distance from town. 
Mr. Nelson and Mr. J. E. Hall left the jail at the same time Mr. 



330 CHKONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

Hanson did. The former, though among the most injured, found 
his way to a secure retreat within a few hundred j^ards of Mr. H., 
and was taken in a cart covered with hay to the same house in the 
country, where the wounds of both of them were dressed, and they 
were taken to Anne Arundel county without delay. Mr. Hall got 
unassisted to the house of a humane gentleman up the Falls, near 
the jail. This gentleman dressed his wounds, put him to bed, and 
early in the morning sent him further into the country. The names 
of all the others who escaped in this manner are not yet known. 
By whom or with what intention he is ignorant, but Mr. Murray 
"was carried by some persons and laid on the ground by the Falls. 
They left him there, probably supposing he was dead, and all went 
away but one. That person, after all the rest were gone, approached 
Mr. Murray and laid his hand upon him. He took the hand of 
the man and pressed it. He started with surprise and dread at 
feeling his hand pressed b}^ what he had supposed to be a corpse. 
Murray then begged his assistance to escape, which he promised, 
adding that he was one of the mob, but thought 'there should be 
fair ptay.' He then assisted Murray to rise, and conducted him to 
a neighboring hovel, whence at Murray's request he went into 
town to inform his friends where he was and conduct them to the 
place. This office he faithfully and successfully performed, though 
go much intoxicated as to be hardly able to walk. Murray's friends 
thus conducted, came and removed him to a place of safety. 

"Gen. Lee was taken to the hospital, where his wounds were 
dressed b}- the physician, and he received every assistance of which 
his deplorable and mangled situation admitted. Hence he was 
next day conveyed to the country, and arrived at Little York, 
where he is said to be doing well. Major Musgrove, it is under- 
stood, was also taken to the hospital, and carried the next day four 
miles above Ellicott's Mills, on the Montgomery road. A mortifica- 
tion having taken place in some of his wounds after he reached 
home, his life was for a time despaired of; but the skill and atten- 
tion of Dr. Charles A.VVarfield, Dr. Matthews and Dr. Allen Thomas, 
have preserved this gallant officer, and he is now out of danger. 

" Dr. Peregrine Warfield, Mr. Charles J, Kilgour and Mr. William 
Gaither, all of them much mangled, were conveyed, without molesta- 
tion, in a hack brought by the physicians about four o'clock in the 
morning, to Ellicott's Mills, and thence to the house of the father 
of Dr. P. W., about twenty-four miles from town. They are all 
recovering. 

" It would remain now to relate the last act of this horrible and 
bloody tragedy, which includes the fate of Mr. Thompson, now safe 
and recovering in Little York, Pennsylvania. He was the unhappy 
victim reserved, for what special cause is unknown, by the butchers 
for their infernal pastime. His narrative, already before the public, 
saves us the pain of describing the unheard-of tortures which 
untamed ferocity delighted to inflict on him. His prayers to jDut 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 331 

an end to his suffci'ings by death were inhumanly rejected as often 
as repeated. 

" Such are the particulars of this atrocious and bloody affair 
which it has hitherto been possible to collect in an authentic shape, 
and a parallel to which is scarcely to be found in the annals of 
revolutionar}' France, even after the actors in similar scenes thei-e had 
become hardened b}- custom anil familiar to deeds of horror, cruelty 
and crime. The bloodhounds of republican Franco massacred by 
thousands those obnoxious to their vengeance, but they dispatched 
their victims quickly, rarel}' ever resorting to such lingering tor- 
tures as the exclusive republicans of this boasted land of liberty 
and hap])iness have the credit of inventing. It is proposed, as soon 
as practicable, to obtain from each of the gentlemen a separate 
statement on oath of what he suffered himself, and of all that passed 
within his obsei'vation. Meantime, the above statement must re- 
ceive universal credit, ever}' material circumstance being embraced 
in the introductory affidavit. The intended statements will bo 
published in oi'der to give a fuller view of these horrible scenes. 
While they hold up to merited detestation those who, by their 
active co-operation, connivance, or their dastardly and treacherous 
supineness, contributed to produce the catastrophe, they will servo 
as a beacon to warn the civil and military authority of other 
places of the danger of temporising with the most ferocious, ruth- 
less and bloody of all monsters, a mob ; while they teach an in- 
structive lesson to the honest, but deluded citizen, seduced by the 
syren charms of democracy. The persons named in the above 
affidavit have read with mingled regret and indignation the' partial, 
mutilated and unjust report of the local authorities in Baltimore, 
while they have seen annexed to it Avith grief and amazement the 
signatures of some worth}^ and hitherto firm and indejiendent 
citizens. Understanding that the justification made for the barbar- 
ous cruelties which treachery and black malignity procured to bo 
inflicted upon them, is that an extensive conspiracy was formed to 
murder or otherwise molest the citizens of Baltimore, the above 
named do, therefore, solemnly swear that no such conspiracy or 
association even was ever formed, but merely a determination 
entered into by less than a dozen gentlemen in the country to 
protect the person and proj)erty of Mr. Hanson, and defend the 
libert}' of the press with their lives if necessary. This determina- 
tion remains unaltered. The letters of Col. Lynn, whose advice 
was volunteered, John Hanson Thomas and Mr. laney, have been 
disingenuously perverted to an unjust and infamous purpose. 

" Ilockvillc, August 12th, 1812!" 

"Narrative of John Thompson, one of the persons intcinled to bo 
massacred with (jleiieral Tiingan and others, in the jail of Balti- 
more, on Tuesday, the 28th of July, 1812: 

"On Monday, the 27th of July last, 1 was invited by .Mi', llan- 



332 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

son to his house, and in the evening about twilight I went there, 
and found from 15 to 16 gentlemen in his house, most of them, 
known to me. I was told that an attack upon the house was 
threatened that night, which they had made preparations to resist 
and defeat. I saw some muskets, pistols, and swords in the house, 
for the purpose of defence. After being there some time, I under- 
stood an arrangement had been made, that in case of an attack, the 
direction of the defence was appointed to Gen. Lee. About 8 
o'clock, a number of persons were collecting at the front of the 
house, who were very noisy, and began to throw stones at the 
windows, and they broke several of them. The house was in front 
completely closed, the door and inside window-shutters being 
shut, till the stones broke the glass and burst open the shutters. 
Mr. Hanson spoke from the second story to the mob, and told them 
if they did not desist they would fire upon them, and he warned 
the spectators to go away. Gen. Lee in the house told them not 
to fire unless it should be absolutely necessary and the doors were 
forced. The mob continued to increase and to throw stones more 
violently, which broke the windows of the first and second stories. 
Gen. Lee directed a volley to be fired from the upper story over 
the heads of the people in the street, to frighten them away 
Avithout injuring them. This was executed and nobody was hurt. 
The mob huzzahed, were still more violent, and broke open the 
lower door. They were then fired upon, and a man fell at the 
door upon the inside thereof, who was immediately taken up and 
removed by some of the mob. This must have happened about 
10 o'clock, or after. Judge Scott made his appearance and came 
into the house, the door having remained open after it was broken. 
He requested us to leave the house. He was told we should do no 
such thing; that we could not be secure unless the civil authority 
interfered ; that we were lawfully employed with Mr. Hanson in 
protecting him and his house against violence, and whenever the 
mob would disperse or the civil authority interfere, we would retire 
to our homes, and not before. 

"During the night we continued to defend ourselves, and never 
fired but after some new and violent attack. I believe it probable 
several were wounded. The mob during the night retired and 
gathered again, and attempted some fresh damage. Just about, or 
before daylight, the mob brought a field-piece, which was planted 
near the house and in front of it, but was prevented from being 
discharged by the arrival of Capt. Barney's troop of horse, and six 
of them being dismounted, took possession of the front room on the 
first floor, and of the back yard. Hanson and his friends occupied 
the same places which they had done during the night. So things 
remained, until Edward Johnson the Mayor, General Strieker, John 
Montgomery the Attorney-General, James Calhoun, Lemuel Taylor, 
and several others, arrived and proposed that we should leave the 
house. We answered we had no objections to leave the house. 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 333 

provided the mob would retire, or we could get home with safety. 
The Mayor said the mob could not be dispersed, nor wouki they be 
satisfied without we went to jail, and that we should bo protected 
from them in going to jail, and while in it. To this proposal most 
of us expressly objected. Gen. Lee principally carried on the con- 
versation on our part with the Mayor and Gen. Strieker. The 
Mayor, Gen. Strieker, and Attornej'-General severally declared and 
assured us, that we should be protected as well in going to the jail 
as in it, and the Mayor pledged his life and his honor that we 
should be safe, and that he would die Avith us should we be hurt. 
Gen. Strieker expressed himself in similar terms. Also Mont- 
gomery, Taylor, Calhoun, and their companions gave us assurance 
of safety if we went to jail. After these assurances, and finding 
the civil authority would not make an}- exertion to disj)er8e the 
mob, we consented, with the advice of Gen. Lee, to deliver ourselves 
up to the civil authority. The Mayor declared his opinion that we 
would not be safe in the jail without a guard, and he and Gen. 
Strieker promised there should be one. 

"About 8 or 9 o'clock on Tuesday forenoon we left the house, 
and went under the care and custody of the Mayor who preceded 
us, and we were placed between two lines of infantr}^ consisting, 
as it appeared, of about 50 militia: about 20 dragoons mounted ad- 
vanced before us to the jail. Gen. Strieker marched on foot with 
the infantry, and an immense concourse of people were in the 
streets, some of whom went along, and were abused in the most 
opprobrious language. Some stones were thrown with violence at 
us : one struck Mr. Kilgour and cut him badly in the forehead, and 
another struck Mr. Bigclow and nearly knocked him down. The 
distance from Hanson's house to the jail Avas about one mile. At 
our arrival at the jail-door, and as we entered it, several of us were 
struck by some of the mob whom w^e found there. Being delivered 
into the custody of John II. Bentley, the jailor, some time in the 
forenoon, we were put in a room in the common criminal depart- 
ment, where we remained the rest of the day. The dragoons and 
infantry left the jail soon after we were placed in it, and they did 
not return, nor was there an}' military guard afterwards. In the 
afternoon the Mayor came to us in the jail and assured us that 
there should be a guard, and that prej)arations were making to 
send one. Uc told us he would lose his own life before wo should 
be hurt. Gen. Strieker was also at the jail, outside of it. The 
Mayor having been with us about 20 minutes, went away, leav- 
ing us in the belief that there would be a guard of armed militia 
Bent to protect us in the juil. During the afternoon we were told 
several limes by persons admitted to see us, that the militia were 
called out and assembling. 

" Late in the afternoon two butchers, one named Mumma and 
the other Maxwell, came into our room ; the former having a key 
in hie hand. Mumma asked the names of Bcveral of the prisoners 



334 CHBONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

— I told him. Mr. Hoffman said he wondered Mr. Bentley should 
suffer so many men to come into their room who had no busincL^s 
there. Mumma answered that he came there on Mr. Bentley's busi- 
ness. They Avere personall}' known to me and some of my fellow- 
prisoners. We suspected their intentions were not good, and I in- 
quired of Mr. Bentley if Mumma was a friend of his. Bentley 
answered 'he pretends to be so.' I replied, 'you ought to know 
him well before you trust the key of our room in his hands,' and I 
proposed that he should lock the door and give me the key through 
the grate. On the inside the door cannot be unlocked, and there 
was the outer door locked. Bentley refused, sa3nng, 'I cannot do 
so, as you are a prisoner under my care.' The door was immedi- 
ately locked by somebody, and the mob very soon began to assemble 
from various quarters, but no troops were arriving. This excited 
much alarm in our room, it being after sunset, and we apprehended 
we were to be sacrificed. 

" About dark the back door of the jail was beset by the mob, 
who entered it Avithout breaking it by force. By whom it was 
opened I do not know but by hearsa3^ They began to break 
down the wood and iron gratings in the passage leading to our 
room, which took them at least three-quarters of an hour. They 
had the light of torches. The grating of our room was opened 
instantly without any exertion, which makes me believe it Avas 
opened by some one having the key, and I believe either by 
Mumma or Maxwell. The first person I recognized at the grating 
was Ilcnry Keating, who keeps a printing-office, and him I should 
have killed with my pistols but for Gen. Lee, who laid hold of my 
arm and begged me not to fire, and also prevented Mr. Murraj^ 
from firing. It had been agreed that Mr. Murray and myself, 
being the strongest men, should first rush out and make the best 
of our Avay, and every person was to escape as he could. »Some of 
the mob rushed into the rc^om, and Mr. Murray and myself rushed 
out, both of us armed — I had a pistol in each hand, and he a dirk 
and pistol. We made our way through the passage and hall with- 
out injury till I was at the front outer door, when I was struck on 
the back of my head with a heavy club by some man I had passed, 
which threw me forward from the head of the steps, and I fell 
headlong down about twelve feet. There I saw a gang of ruffians 
armed with clubs, ready to destroy whomsoever should pass down 
the steps, and six or seven of them instantly assaulted me Avhile 
down, and beat me about the head until I was unable to rise. 
Some of them dragged me twenty or thirty yards while others 
were beating me with clubs. They then tried to make me stand 
on my feet, and looking round I perceived Lemuel Taylor, and I 
called upon him to prevent those men from taking my life. He 
told the men to desist, and said they had beat me enough, and 
begged them not to take my life. They said they would kill 
me. He again rei^eated that I was beat enough, and desired that 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 335 

I should be let alone, and lie would be seeurity for my forthcoming 
in tbe morning. They disregarded what he had said. They 
dragged me along, and it was proposed to tar and feather me, and 
as 1 went along they continued to strike me with sticks and chibs. 
One fellow struck at me with an axe, who missed me. When they 
had di-agged me a considerable distance, and into Old Town, 
they met with a cart and put me into it, and dragged it along 
themselves to a place where they got tar. I had left my coat in 
the jail, and they tore my shirt and other clothing, and put the 
tar on my bare body, upon which they put feathers. They drew 
me along in the cart in this condition, an'd calling me traitor and 
Tory antl other scandalous names, they did not cease to beat mo 
with clubs and cut me with old rusty swords. I received upon 
my head, arms, sides, thighs, and back upwards of eighteen cuts 
of the sword. On my iiead one cut was very deep, besides which 
my head was broken in more than twelve places by other instru- 
ments, such as sticks and clubs. I received a few blows in my face, 
and very many severe bruises on different parts of my body. My 
eyes were attempted to be gouged, and preserved by means of the 
tar and feathers, though thej' were much injured. 

"About the same time as I was lying in the cart, a fellow struck 
both of my legs with a bar of iron, swearing, damn my eyes, 'I 
will break 3-our legs.' I drew my legs up, and he was led to think 
and to say lie had broke them. Shortly after I received a blow 
with a club across my eyes, upon which I lay as if dead, supposing 
it would stop their further beating me. Eemaining so for some 
time, I was struck upon my thighs, which I bore as if dead. A vil- 
lain said he would see if I was dead, and he stuck a pin into my body 
twice, at which time 1 did not flinch, but I still remained senseless 
as if dead. Another said he would show if! was dead ; he pulled a 
handful of tar and feathers, and set fire to it, and stuck it on my 
back, which put into a blaze what was on my back. 1 turned 
over suddenly and rolled upon the flame, which put it out beloro 
it readied too great a heiglit, but I was burnt in several parts. I 
then raised upon my knees and addressed them: ' For God's sake 
be not worse than savages ; if you Avant my life, take it by shooting 
or staltbing. ' Often I begged them to put an end to it. Upon 
this one said, 'don't burn him;' another said, 'we will hang him.' 
One in the shafts of the cai't turned njund and said to me, 'if you 
will tell the names of all in the house, and all you know about it, 
we will save ^-our life.' Believing all the danuige was done which 
could be done by them, I did not hesitate to say I would. They 
took me out of the cart upon the causeway at Fell's Point, and 
carried me to the Bull's Head tavern. There I gave then\ the 
names of all the persons in the house (mostof tiiem already known 
to them,) which they took in writing, and the reason of our beino- 
in the liouse was to defend Mr. Hanson and his house against 
violence with which he had been threatened. They detained nio 



336 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE, 

about an hour at this tavei*n, and offered me some whiskey, of 
which I took several glasses, being extremely thirsty and weak 
from the loss of blood. They then made me walk with several 
persons on each side upholding me, towards the watch-house, 
where they said I should be kept till the morning, and that I 
should swear to what I had said before a magistrate by 9 o'clock, 
or if I did not they would hang me. 

" On my way I was unable to proceed, and stopped twice to 
rest. When I first stopped, some of them said they had got all 
they could out of me and they would now hang me. I rose and 
went on, and some who'were against hanging me followed, and I 
was obliged by weakness to stop again, when it was proposed again 
to hang me ; and one person said they would cut otf m}^ head and 
stick it on a pole. The vote was taken and carried for hanging me, 
but some said they should not hang me, that my life had been pro- 
mised upon condition of disclosing what I knew, and that the in- 
formation I might give them would be of use to them. I w^as then 
moved to the watch-house, and delivered to the captain of the 
watch about two o'clock in the morning, who was told they held 
him responsible for my body at 9 o'clock. I laid myself on the 
floor, a doctor was sent for by the captain of the watch, who came, 
and having removed the tar and feathers, sewed up the wounds on 
my head and dressed them. Between 9 and 10 o'clock the mob 
was gathered at the watch-house, and some were for hanging me, 
saying that I had not sworn to what I had told them before a 
magistrate before 9 o'clock, as had been stipulated, and one of 
them said the rope was ready. I observed it was not my fault, 
that I was not able to go to a magistrate, and that I was ready to 
swear to it if they would bring one. They then brought a magis- 
trate of the name of Gait, who took my affidavit, in which was 
stated the names of the persons in the house, the causes of their 
meeting, and the name of the person under whom they were acting 
in the house. It was read aloud, and at this period the Mayor, 
Lemuel Taylor and some others arrived, who said they would take 
me to the hospital out of the hands of these men. Mr. Taylor 
said he had no idea of seeing me alive. The doctor had lent me a 
shirt, and I was now jirovided with a pair of trowsers. The Mayor 
sent for a carriage, but the mob said 1 should not ride in itj that a 
cart was good enough for me, and a cart was brought, into which 
I was placed, — stretched out in the cart and exposed to a hot sun! 
"About 11 o'clock I was carried to the hospital, the distance of 
a mile, the Mayor accompanying me, amidst the noise of a great 
concourse of people. There I heard the groans of Gen. Lee, in a 
room adjoining who had been said to be dead. After the crowd 
had dispersed, some of my friends, who did not think me safe, sent 
me a carriage, into which I was put without losing a minute, 
and Gen. Lee was put into the same carriage. We were hurried 
away into the country, in our wounded, bruised and mangled con- 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 337 

dition. Wo arrived a,t Yorktown, Pa., on Saturday evening, the 
first of August, where we received the humane and friendly sym- 
pathies and attentions of the inhabitants, and the medical aid of 
two gentlemen of the facult}'. 

. " Possessed of a strong constitution and in the prime of life, I 
cherish the hope that I shall survive all the bruises and wounds 
which have been so cruelly and maliciously inflicted by a wicked 
and lawless mob, and that I shall be again restored to the full use 
and enjo\-mcnt of my bodily powers. 

" Given under my hand this Glh of August, 1813. 

" John Thompson." 

Gen. James Macubbin Lingan was a native of Maryland, de- 
scended from a respectable familj', and was brought up in a store 
in Georgetown. At the commencement of the American Revolu- 
tion he obtained a commission in the army — was at the battle of 
Long Island, where the Maryland Line sutfered so severel}^, and 
was one of those spared to aid in the defence of York Island. lie 
escaped the balls of the Hessians who drove in the advanced posts 
of Fort Washington, and became a prisoner when that fortress 
surrendered, and partook of the sufferings which followed. When 
the new constitution went into oi)eratiou he was appointed collec- 
tor of the port of Georgetown by Washington, the friend of the 
l)atriot and soldier. Gen. Lingan was one of the most upright of 
men, and it may justly be said he knew no guile. lie was beloved' 
by his neighbors, and respected by all who knew him. In regard; 
to personal courage he appeared to know no fear, 'riiis was evinced 
in the hour of his death. After having received the fatal blow, he 
reachetl out his hand to one of his companions, saying, " Farewell, 
I am a dying man, make your escape — return home and take care 
there " — no doubt referring to his wife and fatherless children, who, 
it is said, he left in destitute circumstances. On Tuesday, the first 
of Sej)tember, funeral honors were paid to the memory of General 
Lingan in Georgetown. So numerous were the mourners, that it 
was found necessary to substitute for a church which had been 
originally selected, a shady eminence in the neighborhood. The 
processi(jn was composed of clergymen of different denomituitions, 
several companies of soldiers, a band of Revolutionary heroes, then 
followed strangers of distinction, and an immense number of citi- 
zens from the counties of Montgomery, Baltimore, Frederick, 
Charles. Prince George's, St. Mary's, and from the cities of George- 
town, Washington, and Alexandria. The oration of George W. 
Parke Custus, the orator of the day, was extemporaneous, and 
riveted the attention of the audience; the solemn stillness which 
reigned was oidy interruptc'I by sighs and tears. We quote the 
iollowing from his address: " (J .Mai-yland ! would that the waters 
of thy C'iii'sapeake could wash tliis i'oid stain from thy character! 
O Maryhiiid ! would that the recording ang«'l who cari-ies thy 



338 CHEONICLES OF BALTIMOEE. 

black deed to heaven's chancery on high, could drop a tear upon 
it and blot it out forever! But no! A voice cries from the tomb 
of the brave. It rises to the^God of nature and humanity, and de- 
mands a vengeance on the murderer! " 

Major Henry Lee commanded the party. Light Horse Harry 
Lee, at the early age of nineteen, was devoted to libei'ty's battles. 
Greene considered him as a man nature had formed for war, and 
his achievements as commander of the Partisan Corps in the Southern 
army were eminent and deserving. Since the Kevolution he filled 
high civil and military stations. He distinguished himself as the 
Governor of the State of Virginia, and as a member of the National 
Legislature. He stated it to be " the duty of the historian and 
the sages of all ages to let no occasion pass of commemorating this 
illustrious man — Washington." That Lee was a man of letters, a 
scholar who had ripened under a truly classical sun, we have 
only to turn to his work on the Southern War, where he was in- 
deed the magna pars fui of all which he relates — a work which 
well deserves to be ranked with the commentai'ies of the famed 
master of the Eoman world, who, like our Lee, was equally re- 
nowned with the pen as the sword. But there is a line — a single 
line — in the works of Lee which would band him over to immor- 
tality though he had never written another. '■^First in war, first in 
peace, and fii'st in the hearts of his countrymen," will last while lan- 
guage lasts. What a sublime eulogium is pronounced in this noble 
line ! so few words, and yet how illustrative are they of the vast 
and matchless character of Washington. Gen. Henry Lee was 
the father of Gen .'Robert E. Lee, late the commander of the Con- 
federate Arm3\ He went to the West Indies with the hope of 
improving his health, but never recovered. Early in 1818 he re- 
turned to the United States. He stopped at the house of Mrs. 
Shaw, the daughter of his old friend and companion-in-arms, Gen. 
Greene, on Cumberland island, off the coast of Georgia, where he 
died on the twenty-fifth of March, at the age of sixty-two years. 

Extracts from a letter dated Yorktown, 7th August, 1812, 
in regard to the injuries sustained by General Lee from the mob: 
" On the crown of his head there was a wound about one inch 
square, which must have been made with a stick or club. It had 
been sewed up ; the bone of the head is not fractured, and this 
wound seemed to cure fast. On his left cheek there is a deep cut 
as if made with a pen-knife; bis nose was slit with a knife as far 
as the bridge, and having been immediately sewed up, seems to be 
united and is doing well, and the nose has its natural form. His 
right e3'e has been dreadfully bruised, and is still closed ; it is 
believed the sight will be preserved. Theupper lip has been stitched 
up. He sees out of the left eye, which also was severely bruised ; 
and both sides of his head, his whole face and his throat, from his 
ears to the breast-i)one, are shockingly bruised and much swollen. 
This arose from efforts to strangle him, and to this cause his ina- 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMOEE. 339 

bility to speak or to swallow any soliil food at this period is at- 
tributed. There are some bruises from the club on his left thigh, 
which are not to be regarded now." 

The grandfather of Mi\ Hanson was appointed by the Mary- 
land Legislature a member of the Revolutionary Congress, and 
afterwards became president of Congress, then the first magistrate 
of the country, being the third elected under the old confederation. 
Mr. Hanson's father was high in the confidence of Washington, re- 
sided a long time in his family, was for several years his private 
secretaiy, and was afterward chosen b}' the General as one of his 
aides; but sickness prevented him from accepting the ofter, although 
the place was several months kept open for him. When the war 
ended, the father of Mr. Hanson was a])pointed judge of the general 
court, and afterwards Chancellor of Maryland, which situation he 
retained until his decease. The father of Dr. Warfield was the first 
citizen of Maryland who openly proposed a separation from the 
parent-country. He also directed the celebrated burning of the 
tea in 1774, at Annapolis. Captain R. J. Crabb is the son of Gen. 
Crabb. one of the heroes of the Revolution. The other gentlemen 
are worthy to be ranked with the patrician youth of ancient re- 
publics ; they were men of the first respectability. 

Presentments were found against many individuals of each 
party, but all were acquitted and discharged ; those who defended 
the house in Charles street, at Annapolis, where their trial was 
removed from Baltimore, the others in the city. 

The citizens now petition to have the jail inclosed, and a wall 
was erected of stone eleven feet high. 

The example set by the mob, or advocates of the war in Balti- 
more, was followed by military mobs of volunteers at Norfolk and 
Buftalo. In spite of threats from Washington, &c., the Federal 
Republican continued to be published at Georgetown. Numerous 
public meetings, as well within as without the State, expressed 
their indignation at the atrocities of the Baltimore mob, which left 
a stigma on the city, which bore for a long time the name of " mob- 
town." These outrages, no doubt, contributed not a little to the 
political revolution which, within three months, gave the Federal- 
ists a \iivy large majority in the Maryland Assembly ; large enough, 
notwithstanding a Senate unanimously Democratic, chosen the pre- 
vious year, to secure them a majority on joint l)allot, and the choice 
of a Federal (iovernoi'. Council an<l United States Senator. Hanson 
himself was chosen at the same time a member of Congress 

On the night alter Whitsunday, eight or nine desperadoes having 
procured some powdei", blew uj) the interior wall (d' their cell, and 
rushed out of the jail, but were mostly retaken and sent to the 
penitentiary. 

There mai'ched from Baltinujre (jn Monday, October 5th, a hardy 
company of volunteers, consisting ol' 100 rank and file, under the 
commanfl of Stephen 11. Moore, to Ibrm a junction with Colonel 



340 CHEOKICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

Winder's regiment, bordering on Canada. They were fitted out in 
the most substantial manner by the citizens of Baltimore with 
every necessary, and were besides presented with an elegant flag 
by the patriotic ladies of the seventh ward. 

On the 21st of November the extensive and valuable brewery 
of Messrs. Johnson & Co. was destroyed by fire, but was rebuilt 
soon after. 

An unfortunate rencontre took place in the Chesapeake Bay 
between the Nonsuch and Joseph and Mary, two Baltimore priva- 
teers, in November, in which three or four persons were killed and 
several wounded. The mistake was not discovered until the latter, 
after a severe contest, had struck her colors to the former. 

An Act was passed b}^ the Legislature on the 15th of Decem- 
ber, " annulling the marriage of Jerome Bonaparte and Elizabeth 
Bonaparte of the city of Baltimore." 

In June volunteering for the army was so great by regiments 
and companies in this city that the superior officers were com- 
pelled to suppress it, and give precedence to the oldest regiment. 

As soon as war was declaimed Messi'S. Wm. H. Winder, George 
E. Mitchell, Jacob Hindman, Nathan Towson, E. C. Nicholas, Ben- 
jamin Nicholson, Stephen Presstman, and Francis Belton took 
commissions in the army. 

Col. Winder on the 18th of November effected a landing on 
the enemy's shore in Canada, but was recalled, and soon after ap- 
pointed brigadier-general. 

1813. Early in this year the bay was entered by a part of the 
British squadron, under the command of Admiral Warren. It was 
not thought proper to wait the preparations which might be made 
by the Government, and the corporation appointed a committee of 
supply, consisting of Messrs. Mosher, Tiernan, Payson, J. C. White, 
J. A. Buchanan, L. Sterett, and Thorndike Chase, who were au- 
thorized to expend the sum of $20,000 in the means of defence ; 
but that being insufficient, a meeting of the citizens in their wards 
and precincts was called, and forty gentlemen selected, who advise 
a loan not exceeding $500,000, with an addition to the committee 
of supply, and Messrs. J. E. Howard, G. Warner, J. Kelso, Gilmor, 
Deshon, Patterson and Burke, are appointed. 

On the 27th of April, General Pike took York, on Lake On- 
tario, but lost his life, as did Lieutenant Nicholson ; Capt. Moore 
was wounded. On the 5th of June, at night. Generals Chandler 
and Winder were attacked at Stony Creek, in Canada, and after 
beating off the eneni}', fell amongst them and were taken prisoners. 
On this occasion Messrs. Hindman, Towson and Nicholas distin- 
guished themselves, and Avere promoted. 

Mr. Flanigan, at the end of McElderry's Avharf, built for Messrs. 
Wm. McDonald & Co. the first steamboat ever built in this city, 
which they called the Chesapeake, and which was put on the line 
from Baltimore to Philadelphia, by way of French Town, &c. 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 341 

^Ir. Charles Gwinn introduced steam power for a flour-mill in 
his warehouse at the end of Commerce street wharf, and Mr. Job 
Smith also in a saw-mill on Chase's wharf. 

Messrs. Worthington, Jessop, Cheston, and others, procured the 
water rights of Gwinn's Falls, and built mills within a few perches 
of each other, which they called the Calverton mills. 

At the session of May, the Assembly were petitioned by the 
cit}" government to assume the debts contracted for public defence; 
which the Legislature refused. 

Luther Martin was appointed Chief Justice of the Criminal 
Court in the place of Judge Scott, deceased. 

Commodore Barney was appointed to the command of a flotilla, 
and was joined here by Messrs. Solomon Hutter, R. M. Hamilton, 
T. Diikehart, and others, and being fitted out early in the spring 
following, proceeded down the bay to meet the enemy. 

Twice in each week a battalion of infantry, with a company of 
artillery, marched to Fort Mcllenry for discipline, under the im- 
mediate inspection and direction of Major-Cieneral Smith, well 
known for his conduct on Mud Island in 1777. It appears from 
his address to the troops, that the public safety was well attended 
to. He observed " that the militia of Baltimore city and county 
stood high in the estimation of the General Government, and of 
the people generally ; that as regulars could not be well spared for 
the protection of the different seaports, the Executive of the United 
States had to rely on the militia of such places for their immediate 
defence ; that in placing this reliance on the patriotic militia of this 
city he would not be deceived, for the alacrity with which they 
Lad attended to the first calls for disci])lining was sufficient evi- 
dence 'that they would always be found at their posts in time 
of need. The Kxecutive of Maryland," said he, "has done his 
duty : he has adopted every means in his power for the defence 
of this important port ; it remains for us to do ours." The 
General's whole address was feeling, animated and impressive, and 
the plaudits of the soldiers evinced that they participated in his 
Bentiments. The enemy appeared on the 16th of April at the 
mouth of the Patapsco. It was astonishing to perceive the anima- 
tion of the ))eople on the firing of the alarm gun ; onl}' one spirit pre- 
vailed. There was no fear but the fear of being too late on duty; 
no party but to re|)el the enemy. A fine water-battery had been 
built, and many additional cannon (42 pounders) were mounted 
and furnaces erected for heating shot, and great zeal was mani- 
fested to give the enemy a warm reception. Both sides of the 
river were defended by troops of horse and companies of artillery, 
infantr}' and i-iflcmen. On the 22d of April the enemy's sijuadrun 
remained off liaUiniore inactive, except in predatory excursions, 
by which they got little else than hard knocks. Jiut the measures 
for defence went on with great activity. Col. Wadsvvorth of the 
United States engineers arrived hero to superintend the fortifica- 



342 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMOEE. 

tions. From unpublished letters in our possession, and the news- 
papers, we extract the following facts: "Fort McHenry is assum- 
ing a formidable appearance. The first Marine Artillery of the 
Union, a bod}'' of invaluable men, masters and mates of vessels, to 
whom we are indebted for the transportation and mounting of 20 
great guns for a new battery there. The fort is garrisoned by the 
regulars under Major Bell, and two companies of artillery with a 
regiment of infantry, in turns for a week at a time." 

May 5th. — "Between eleven and 12 o'clock the alarm guns 
were fired, and the city was thrown into great bustle and apparent 
confusion. But in a few minutes, regiment after regiment and 
company after company were marching the streets in regular order 
towards the supposed point of attack. It was calculated that up- 
wards of 5000 men were under arms, and in their proper places, 
an hour after the alarm was given. The savage burning of Havre de 
Grace led the people to calculate what they might expect from the 
mercies of the enemy. The 5th regiment had just returned from 
a week's duty at the Fort (their place being supplied on the morn- 
ing of that day by the 6th). Making a forced march, after halting 
a few minutes for orders, they pushed for North Point, distant 15 
miles, as did the 39th, and some artillery and troops of horse. The 
27th Avas under arms ready for orders, and the 51st or Precincts 
regiment. At two o'clock it was reported the alarm was a false 
one, and the fact being ascertained, the soldiers were dismissed. 
Some persons removed from Baltimore within the past few days, 
and many women and children have been sent away. Twenty 
large barges, from 40 to 75 feet long, are built or building for the 
special defence, also several gun-boats." 

August 6th — "On the elevated grounds east of and adjacent 
to Baltimore (now Patterson's Park) there are collected a fine park 
of artillery, say from 35 to 40 pieces ; 18's, 12'8, 6'8, and 4's, all on 
flying or field carriages." 

August 10th — "A fine regiment from the Baltimore County 
brigade, under the command of Col. Jamison, arrived. The cavalry 
of the Baltimore city and county brigades of Maryland militia, 
under the command of Lieut.-Colonels Biaj^s and Moore, assembled 
on Hampstead Hill, and proceeded to North Point, to make them- 
selves better acquainted with the ground, if the enemy attempts a 
landing." 

Extract from a letter written by Capt. Booker, commander of 
the Richmond and Washington volunteers, to Thomas Ritchie of 
Baltimore, dated August 23d : " Never were soldiers more hos- 
pitably treated than our volunteers are by the citizens of Balti- 
more. The treatment is such as to excite and deserve the ac- 
knowledgments of all the men," 

Christopher Hughes was appointed secretary to the ministers 
sent to negotiate with Great Britain. 

A Bible Society was formed and chartered, James McHenry 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 343 

beino; President, Alexiuuler Fridge, Treasurer, the Hev. Doctoi'S 
Kurtz and Iriijlis, Corres))ondiiii^ Secretiiries, and the Rvv. Alex- 
ander McCair, llecordinir Secretar}'. In 1821, another Bilde Society 
was formed as an auxiliary of the American Bible Society, of 
which auxiliary society Robert Smith was chosen President, Mr. 
Roswell L. Colt, Treasurer, Mr. T. Parker, Corre8pondin<>; Sec- 
retary, and Mr. Charles G. Robb, Recording Secretar}'. There had 
been established in the meantime a Ladies' and Young Men's 
Bible Societies, and a common prayer-booli and tract societies. 

Mr. Thomas Warner was appointed by the city government an 
assayer of manufactured phite. 

Mr. Rembrandt Peale, having some years before exhibited the 
skeleton of a mammoth in Jialtimore, fixed his permanent residence 
here, and purchasing a small collection of natural curioi^ities of 
Mr. James Savage, commenced the building of a museum and gal- 
lery of the fine arts in iloUiday street, now occupied as the Council 
chambers, &c. 

Departed this life on the 17th of November, aged 87 years, 
nearly forty of which he had been the pious and respected minister 
of the German- Evangelical Reformed Congregation, the Rev. Wil- 
liam Otterbein. 

Extracts from valuable letters which were written during the 
3'ear, and which give many important facts relating to the war of 
1812 never before published: 

" Philadelphia, 27^^ March, 1813. 

"Dear Sir: — I have written to Major Beall to have such w^ork 
done at F'ort McIIenry as is necessary to its repair and better 
state. The Major is also desired to platform the batteries in front 
of the Fort, and to mount in them not exceeding thirty heavy 
cannon, attaching the requisite liu'naces. For a more extended 
defence of Baltimore Harbor, including the rear of Fort Mcllenry, 
Patapsco river, the Cove, the Point between the Fort and Flag- 
staff Point, and the Point opposite Fort McHenry on the north- 
east side of the harbor, I have recommended to the Hon. Secretary 
of War, to have twelve eighteen-pound cannon mounted on travel- 
ling fiehl-carriages, completely appurtenanced, attaching to them 
iwo furnaces. This train to be disposed so as to run four of 
the pieces with a furnace to any position on the Fort ]\Ic Henry 
side, and eight of them with furnace to the Point o])posite Fort 
Mcllenry, to be used as the position of the enemy may retjuiro. 
Bridges should be constructed over every creek or rivei" in the 
route from Baltimore to any point ol' attack, ivmovable at 
will. The furnaces can be placed in a ravine or behind an embank- 
ment to be secure fr(;m the enemy's shot. The house near Fort 
McHenry shouM be removed. 

" I have the honor to be, di'ar Sii-, your most obedient, liiunblo 
servant, J. Ci. Swift, Col. ICiuj. 

" Major-Gencral Sa.m'l Smith, Baltimore." 



344 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

" To Committee of Public Supplies : 

"Gentlemen: — I pray you toman and dispatch the barge be- 
longing to the merchants as low doAvn the river as will enable her 
commander to see the top of Eidgely's house on North Point, and 
on observing a signal from the steeple, to hoist a flag of any kind, 
fire a gun, and return to the fort, the commander to note the signal 
hoisted. 

" I am, gentlemen, your obedient servant, 

" Head-Quarters, 16th April, 1813. S. Smith." 

" Head Quarters Third Division, 27th April, 1813. 
" Edward Johnson, Esq., Mayor of the City of Baltimore : 

"As a measure of precaution in case of an attack by the enemy 
upon our city Col. Wadsworth has suggested the expedienc}^ of hav- 
ing in readiness our fire engines and fire companies, so that in such 
an emergency they maj be emploj'ed with the best practical effect. 
This idea I have the honor of submitting to your consideration, with 
an assurance of my disposition to co-operate with you in what- 
ever plan may thereon be adopted by the Mayor and City Council. 

" S. Smith, M. G. Third Division." 

On the 8th of May, 1813, Col. E. Y. Nicholls, in a letter to Gen. 
S. Smith, assumes command of Fort McHenr}', and on the 10th, 
in answer to G-en. Smith in relation to the relief of the militia in 
the fort from military duties, as the enemj' had moved below An- 
napolis, he said: " . . . . I know the alacrity with which the militia 
of Baltimoi-e turn out in case of danger, and should their aid at 
any mojnent be required am convinced we should I'eceive it. The 
orderly and soldierlike conduct of the several militia companies 
which have been at this post during my short command demand 
my approbation and thanks." 

On the 18th of Maj^ David Harris, in a letter to Brigadier-Gen- 
eral John Strieker, says: "In a late conversation you suggested 
that a certain number of pikes would be useful, and I am persuaded 
that five or six to each gun might be well eraploj'ed against either 
cavalry or infantry, and would add much to the confidence of the 
men in their efforts to maintain possession of their field-pieces when 
in action." In a postscript, he adds : " The liberality of the banks and 
insurance oflScers of the city has afforded us a large quantity of 
ammunition for the purpose of enabling us to practice at a target. 
The proficiency of the ofiicers and men has already been so great 
as to surprise experienced soldiery." 

On the 30th of August, Mr. Wm. Jones, Secretarj' of War, in a 
letter to Gen. Samuel Smith, says: "I am much obliged by your 
favor of the 27th, with a copy of the signals of the enemj-'s squad- 
ron, received from a deserter. They are, however, only the general 
manoeuvering signals, and appear to be irregular and defective, but 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 345 

may be so far of use as to onal»le the observer to anticipate in part 
tlie intended movement. The probability is, however, that the de- 
sertion of a signal man may induce suspicion and a chani>;e of the 
numbers or sig-nitications.." In another letter written on tl>c 2d of 
September, he says : " 1 am much ol)liged by your favor of 3'ester- 
day. covering a copy of signals from Gibraltar, which, together with 
a valuable acquisition received at the department from the south- 
ward by yesterday's mail, completed a mass of information on that 
sul)ject of considei'able importance. The latter corroborates the 
copy of the signals furnished b}' the deserter, and supplies the defi- 
ciency in that copy." 

On the 8th of December, 1774, a meeting of deputies from all 
the counties of Maryland was held at Annapolis, chiefly for the 
pur])ose of adopting measures to support the proceedings of the 
"Continental Congress." After passing several patriotic resolu- 
tions, the Convention agreed to recommend to the several counties 
to raise the sum of £10,000 for public pui-poses, by subsci'iption or 
"such other voluntary manner" as might be thought most proper. 
The apportionment of this sum amongst the counties at that period, 
according to their then supposed wealth, compared with their quotas 
of the United States tax, as determined by Congress in the Act 
lev^'ing the same in 1813, is a statistical curiosity : 

Countlea. Assf ssnient In 1774. Assessment In 1813. 

St. Mary's $600 00 $3,950 00 

Clmrks 800 00 6,740 <i0 

Culvert 306 00 2.410 00 

Pi iuce George's 833 00 7,090 00 

Anne Anindei 866 00 9810 00 

Montgomery 5,1 10 00 

FfKlcrick 1,833 00 14,170 00 

Washington 7,373 00 

Alleghany 2,310 00 

Baltimore 933 00 48,670 00 

Harford 466 00 5,350 00 

AV'orceslor 533 00 4,910 00 

Somcrs^et 533 00 5,540 00 

Dordicster 480 00 5,510 00 

Caroline 358 00 2,250 00 

Taii)ot 400 00 4,140 00 

Queen Anne's 533 00 5,630 00 

Kent 566 00 4,213 00 

Cecil 400 00 5,950 00 

The counties printed in italic wore formed since 1774. Mont- 
gomci-y was erected from Anne Aruntiel and Fretlei'ielc counties, 
and Washington and Alleghany were taken entirely from Fredei-ick. 
The various com])arisons growing out of this tal)le, every one will 
make foi- himself. The rapid rise of Baltimore, however, claims at- 
tention. In 1774, St. Mary's and Caroline together were supposed 
more vabiable. In 1813 Baltimore was esteemed about eight times 
more valuable than these counties, and was assessed for more tax 



346 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

than St. Mary's, Charles, Calvert, Prince George's, Anne Arundel, 
Montgomery and Frederick, which were rated at five times her value 
by the Convention of 1774. 

1814. In this year the corporation purchase the water rigiits, and 
soon after commence the public dock between town and Point, 
directing the course of the Falls into the dock, and putting a draw 
at the entrance of it. 

Commodore Pei-ry, on the 31st of January, while on his way to 
Newport, R. I., where he was stationed, stopped in Baltimore three 
days. On the evening of the first day he visited the circus. That 
spacious building was incompetent to receive the mighty crowd 
that rushed to greet him. The house was crammed long before the 
entertainment began ; and when the hero of Lake Erie entered, he 
was received with deep, loud and continued cheering. On the fol- 
lowing day, in accordance to previous arrangements, he was enter- 
tained at Barney's " Fountain Inn." Everything was furnished 
" that was luscious and good, that was pleasing to the palate or 
delightful to the eyo., in bounteous profusion." A public dinner 
was also given to Gen. Winder on the 28th of February, who was 
on his way to the seat of government to obtain terms of an ex- 
change for himself and others. 

Messrs. Peter Little, William Steuart, W. Lemmon, Stephen 
Griflfith, William Neilson, Sheppard C. Leakin, George Keyser, 
John Buck, Charles Staiisbury, and others, take commissions in 
the army. The United States Government build here, under the 
direction of Capt. Eobert T. Spence, the sloop-of-war Erie, which 
i>^ commanded by Capt. C. S. Eidgelj^ ; the Ontario, Jesse D. Elliott ; 
and the frigate Java by Commodore Perry: but they did not get 
to sea until after the peace. 

Cols. Hindman and Towson of the artillery contributed essen- 
tially to the success of the American arms at the battles of Chippewa 
and Bridgewater, on the 5th and 25th of Jul3^ 

A splendid public dinner was given to Commodore John Pod- 
gers, on the 7th of April, at Barney's Fountain Inn. The company 
was numerous and of the first respectability. The Mayor, Edward 
Johnson, presided, assisted by Major McKim and N. Williams. The 
toasts were eminently patriotic. 

The banks in New York, Philadelphia, and Baltimore suspend 
specie payments. 

The following account of the battle of "North Point" is ex- 
tracted from Niles' Register : 

"Having triumphantly despoiled the capital of the Union, Gen. 
Ross turned his eyes upon this flourishing and wealthy city, which 
he had fixed upon for his winter quarters ; and boasted, that with 
the force he had, he would go where he pleased through Maryland. 
Thus forewarned, considerable additions were made to the defences 
of the place. Some of the troops of Gen. Winder's command were 
collected, Rodgers and Perry were here, and a good many noble 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 347 

volnntooi's flocked in from the adjjicont parts of our own State and 
from Yii'ifinia and Pennsylvania. The Baltimore briii;ado was 
taken en ynasse into the service of the United States ; and the 
whole siil)mitted to the direction of Major-General Smith, of the 
Mar3dand militia. 

" On Saturday, the 10th of September, we had information that 
the enemy was ascending the bay, and on Saturday morning his 
ships were seen at the mouth of our river, the Patapsco, in number 
from 40 to 50. Some of his vessels entered the river, while others 
proceeded to North Point (at the mouth of the Patapsco,) distant 
12 miles from the city, and commenced the debarkation of their 
troops in the night, which was finished early next morning. In 
the meantime the fi-igates, bomb-ketches, and small vessels ap- 
proached and ranged themselves in a formidable line to cannonade 
the fort and the town. The frigates were lightened before they 
entered the river, and the ships of the line lay olf North Point to 
overawe us and protect the whole force. 

" The force that landed consisted of about 9000 men, — viz., 
5000 soldiers, 2000 marines, and 2000 sailors — the fivst under 
Major-General Koes, the latter commanded by the famous Ad- 
miral Cockburn. The troops were a part of Wellington's ' in- 
vincibles.' Some works were erected not far from North Point 
to arrest their progress; but their incipient state forbade a 
stand being made at them, and the enem}- marched four miles 
towards us uninterrupted, except by a few flying shots from 
the cavahy. Hero they were met b}' Gen. Strieker with his en- 
tire Baltimore brigade, (except that he had only one company 
of the regiment of artillery,) consisting of Col. Biays' cavalry, the 
rifle corjis, and the 5th, 6th, 27th, 39th, and 51st regiments of in- 
fantry, commanded respectively by Lieut. -Cols. Sterett, McDonald, 
Long, Fowler, and Amey. In the 5th was incorporated an elegant 
uniformed company of volunteers from York, Pa., under Captain 
Spangler, and in the 39th Captain Metzger's fine comjiany of 
volunteers from Hanover, Pa., and Capt. Quantril's from Ilagers- 
town, ^fd., and in the 6th Capt. Dixon's volunteers from Marietta, 
Pennsylvania. All the rest were city troops; and the whole, in- 
eluding Cajtt. ^Iontgomer3''.s company of artillery, (with si.x four- 
pounders.) amounting to about 3200 men. 

" The rest of our forces were Judiciously stationcfl in or near 
the various defences, &c. About one o'clock a party of 150 or 200 
men, consisting of Capt. Levering's and Cajit. Howard's companies 
of the Fifth Regiment, and Capt. Aisfpiiih's rifle corp'*, were de- 
tached from the line to feel the enemy and bring on the battle; 
they were accompanied by a few ai'tillcrists Avith one of tlu-ir 
pieces. Before they expected it they were attacked by the British 
in very superior numbers, and driven in with some loss, ai'ter a 
few fires, to the main body. As the enemy advanced the artillery 
opened a destructive fire upon them, which was returned from two 



348' 



CHKONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 



nine-pounders, and the action became general along the line of the 
5th and 27th, which were in front. The 39th and 51st were in 
the i*ear of these, and the 6th advantageously posted still nearer 
the citj-- to p)-otect and cover the whole. The fire from the two 
first-named regiments, as well as from the artillery, was very 
active and uncommonly certain for about an hour. Of the 5th 
much was expected, but the 27th behaved at least as gallantly. 
The men took deliberate aim, and the carnage was great — the 
' invincibles ' dodging to the ground and crawling in a bending 
posture to avoid the militia — the 'yeomen' they were taught so 
much to despise. When the 5th and 27th (between which was 
placed the artillery) were outflanked by the much greater force of 
the enemj^, they retired in better order than could have been ex- 
pected under a galling fire, and they retired reluctantly at the re- 
peated command of their officers ; the artillery had been drawn 
off a little while before. The right of the 39th was gallantly en- 
gaged, but the 51st took no part in the action, and it was not at 
that time and place expected that the 6th would share in it, else 
(under its veteran colonel, a soldier of the Revolution, and one 
who met the same foe under Pulaski) it would no doubt have dis- 
tinguished itself 

" The cavalry, though they performed ver}^ severe and impor- 
tant duties, had but little to do in the battle. The whole number 
of our men actually engaged did not exceed 1700. Nearly as 
much, perhaps, being done at this point as was expected, our force 
retreated towards the cit}^ The enemy followed slowly, and on 
Tuesday night approached within about two miles of our in- 
trenchments. Measures were taken to cut them off and punish 
their temerit}' ; but before General Winder with the Virginia 
militia and a squadron of United States cavalry could bring his 
plans fully to bear, the British, suspecting the design, or not liking 
the appearance of our works, decamped suddenly in the night, and 
embarked with such precipitation that, though closely pursued, a 
few prisoners only were taken ; but the pursuing force merited 
and have received the thanks of their general, and the whole body 
collected is entitled to the gratitude of Baltimore and their coun- 
try for the sufferings they so patiently and patriotically endured, 
being compelled to sleep, if sleep was allowed, in the open air, 
with the heavens for their canopy, for four nights, during the chief 
part of which it rained pretty constantly and sometimes heavily. 
They also received their refreshments irregularly, the whole being 
packed up in prudent preparation of events that might have 
happened. 

"But the attack on Fort McHenry was terribly grand and mag- 
nificent. The enemy's vessels formed a great half-circle in front of 
the Avorks on the 12th, but out of reach of our guns, and also 
those of the battery of the Lazaretto, on the opposite side of the 
great cove or basin around the head of which the city of Balti- 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 349 

more is built. Fort McIIenry is about two miles from the city, a 
light little place, with some finely planned batteries, mounted with 
heavy cannon, as the British very well know. At six o'clock on 
Tuesday morning six bomb and some rocket vessels commenced 
the attack, keeping such a respecti'iil distance as to make tlie tort 
rather a target than an opponent; though Major Arnistead, the 
gallant commander, and his brave garrison tired occasionally to let 
the enemy know the place was not given u]> ! ! Four or five bombs 
were frequently in the air at a time, and making a double explosion, 
with the noise of the foolish rockets and the fii-ings of the fort, 
Lazaretto and our barges, created a horrible clatter. (Many of 
these bombs have since been found entii'e ; they weigh, when full 
of their combustibles, about 210 or 220 ll)s., and they threw them 
much farther than our long 42 pounders would reach). Thus it 
lasted until about three o'clock in the afternoon, when the enemy 
growing more courageous, dropped nearer the fort, and gave the 
garrison and batteries a little of the chance they wanted. 

'• The balls now flew like hail-stones, and the Britons slipped 
their cables, hoisted their sails and were ott' in a moment, bui not 
without damage. When they got out of harm's way they renewed 
the magnanimous attack, throwing their bombs with an activity 
excited by their mortification. So they went on until about one 
o'clock in the morning, oui- batteries now and then firing a single 
gun. At this time, aided by the dai'knessof the night and screened 
by a flame they had kindled, one or two rocket or bomb vessels 
and many barges, manned with 1200 chosen men, passed Fort 
^fcllenry and proceeded up the Patapsco, to assail the town and 
fort in the rear, and perhaps elfect a landing. The weak-sighted 
mortals now thought the great deed was done — they gave 
three cheers, and began to throw their missive weapons. But 
alas! their cheering was quickly turned to groaning, and the cries 
and screams of their wounded and drowning people soon reached 
the shore ; for Forts McIIenry antl Covington, with the city batteiy 
and the Lazaretto and barge.i, vomited an iron flame uj)on them, 
in heated balls, aiid a storm of heavy bullets flew upon them fn^m 
the great semi-circle of large guns and gallant hearts. 

"The houses in the city were shaken to their ibundalions, for 
never, perhaps, from the time of the invention of cannon to the 
l)resent day, were the same number of jjieces fired with so ra{)id 
succession ; pai-ticularly from Fort Covington, where a party of 
Bodgers' really invincible crew was posted. Barney's flotilla men, 
at the city batter}-, maintained the high reputation they had be- 
fore earned. The other vessels also began to fire, and the heavens 
were lighted with flame, and all was continued ex])losion for about 
half an hour. Having got this taste of what was prepared for 
them (ami it was a mere taste) the enemy precipitately retired 
with his i-emaining foi'ce, battered and crippled, to his respectful 
distance; the darkness of the night and his ceasing to fire, (which 



350 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMOEE. 

was the only guide our people Lad) preventing his annihilation. 
All was for some time still — and the silence was awful ; but being 
beyond danger, some of his vessels resumed the bombardment, 
which continued until morning — in all about 24 hours, during 
which there were thrown not less than 1500 of these great bombs, 
besides many rockets and some round shot. They must have suf- 
fered excessively in this affair — two of their large barges have 
been found sunk, and in them were yet some dead men. But 
what the loss really jwas it is probable we never shall know. They 
also were at other times injured by Fort McHenry, the Lazaretto, 
and the barges. I myself believe I saw several shots take effect 
during Tuesday afternoon. 

"The preservation of our people in the fort is calculated to ex- 
cite in a wonderful manner our gratitude to that Great Being 
without whose knowledge a sparrow does not fall to the ground. 
Only four were killed and about twenty wounded, and two or 
three hundred dollars will repair all the damages the fortresses 
sustained. Lieut. Clagget, of Capt. Nicholson's company of artil- 
lery, was the only officer killed in the fort. His friend. Sergeant 
Clemm, of the same corps, receive'd his death at the same time. 
Thej'^ were respectable merchants. 

" The Admiral fully calculated on taking the fort in two hours. 
Its surrender was spoken of as a matter of course. He said that 
when it was taken, and the shipping destroyed, 'Ae loould think 
about terms for the city' All about and in the fort is such ample 
evidence of his zeal to perform his promise, that it seems impos- 
sible to believe that greater damage was not done than really sus- 
tained. The gallant and accomplished Armstead, through watching 
and excessive fatigue (for he had other great duties to do besides 
defending his post) flagged as soon as the fight was done, and now 
lies very ill ; but not dangerously, we trust, though severely afflicted. 
Many of his gallant companions were also exhausted, but have gen- 
erally recruited their strength. 

" To return to the field engagement : the force of the enemy in 
the battle may have amounted to 4,000 men. They were fine look- 
ing fellows, but seemed verj- unwilling to meet the ' Yankee ' bullets 
— their dodging from the cannon, and stooping before the musketry, 
has already been noticed. The prisoners and deserters say that, 
for the time that the affair lasted and the men engaged, they never 
received so destructive a fire ; and this may well be, for our men 
fired not by word of command only, but also at an object. Of the 
21st British regiment, about 500 were landed ; on the morning of 
the 13th they found 171 killed, wounded and missing. Their whole 
loss may be safely estimated at from 5 to 700 men. Major-General 
Eoss, who did ' not care if it rained militia,' the incendiary of the 
Capital, paid the forfeit of that act by his death. He was killed in 
the early part of the action ; and there is reason to believe that 
two or three other officers, high in command, met the same fate. 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 351 

Eoss was a brave man and an able commander — and if he bad been 
engaged in another system of warfare, would have claimed our re- 
spectful remembrance. We ma}' admire, but we cannot CBteem bis 
memory. Tbe character of Moore, in Schiller's play of the Jiobbers, 
notwithstanding its grandeur, disgusts by the business to which his 
great talents and accomplishments were devoted. So it was with 
Eoss. His orders, perhaps, may afford some sort of an excuse for 
his violation of the rules of civilized war. His death was probably 
the immediate cause why an attack upon our works was not made. 
General Brooks, on whom the command devolved, would not risk 
the enterprise. 

'* Our whole loss in the affair was about twenty killed, ninety 
wounded and forty-seven prisoners and missing; (twenty-two of 
the wounded Avere paroled on the field, forty-seven are on board of 
the fleet — many of them gentlemen of the first respectability — and 
it is believed will be sent to Halifax, though all i)ossible means to 
effect their release was used. By a flag they were all liberally sup- 
plied.) The officers killed were James Lowry Donaldson, Esq., Ad- 
jutant of the brave 27th regiment, and one of the representatives 
of this city in the House of Delegates of Maryland — he fell while 
encouraging his brethren in arms; and Lieut. Andre, of the 'Gray 
Yagei-s,' a valuable young man. Major JNfoore, of the 27th, Avas 
severely but not dangerously wounded ; Major Heath of the 5th 
had two horses shot under him, and Major Barry of the same 
regiment was also killed. The cavalry lost several horses, and 
some of them on the lookout were taken prisoners. For the 
present we shall only add that Brigadier-General Strieker, whose 
urbanity has long endeared him to the citizens under his command 
and the people at large, behaved as became the high charge en- 
trusted to him as a soldier. He has the entire confidence of his 
brigade. Eobert G. Harper, Esq., who volunteered his services as 
an aide-de-camp, also greatly exerted himself in the hottest part of 
the fire to encourage and give steadiness to our troops. 

"The enemy's bomb-vessels, we are told, arc much wrecked 
by their own fire. This may well be supposed when the fact is 
stated that at every discharge they were forced two feet into the 
water by the force of it, thus straining every part from stem to 
stern. 

"Never was the mortification of an invader moi-e complete 
than that of our enemy. Beaten b}' the militia and defeated by 
the fort, he went awa}' in the worst possible humor, and a total 
loss that may amount to not less than 800 men." During the 
fearful night of the bombardment, Francis S. Key, a distinguished 
son of Maryland, was a prisoner in the British fleet. Having gone 
on board in the cartel shij) ^linden, in the company of Col. John S. 
Skinner, under the protection of a flag of truce, to effect the release 
of some captive friends, (Dr. lieanes, a highly esteemed physician 
of Upper Marlborough in Maryland,) ho was himself detained 



352 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

during the expedition. Tiaey were placed on board the Surprise, 
where they were courteously treated. Finally they were trans- 
ferred to their own vessel, the Minden, which was anchored in sight 
of the Fort. Of vivid and poetic temperament, he felt deeply the 
danger which their preparations foreboded, and the long and ter- 
rible hours which passed in sight of that conflict whose issue he 
could not know. It was under these circumstances that he com- 
posed " The Star Spangled Banner," descriptive of the scenes of 
that doubtful night and of his own excited feelings. As the struggle 
ceases, upon the coming morn, uncertain of its result, his eye seeks 
for the flag of his country, and he asks in doubt: 

*' Oil ! say, can you see by the dawn's early light 
What so proudly we liailed at tlie twilight's last gleaming: 
Wliose broad stripes and bright stars tln-ough the perilous fight 
O'er the rampart we watched, were so galUintly streaming ? 
The rocket's red glare — bombs bursting in air, 
Gave proof thro' the night that our flag was still there. 
Oh ! say, docs that star-spangled banner still wave 
O'er the land of the free, and the home of the brave? " 

And then, as through "the mists of the deep" dimly loomed that 
gorgeous banner fluttering in the first rays of the morning sun, 
he exclaims triumphantly — 

"'Tis the star-spangled banner! oh, long may it wave 
O'er tlie laud of the free, and the home of the brave." 

This outburst of the patriot and poet's heart thrilled through the 
souls of his brethren. They took it up — it swelled from millions 
of voices; — and "The Star-spangled Banner," written by a son of 
Mar3'land, within sight of the battle-fields won b}' the citizen sol- 
diers of Maryland — with the sound of their victorious cannon still 
ringing in her ears — became the proud national anthem of the 
whole Union. 

The crude substance of this song was written on the back of a 
etter which the author happened to have in his pocket. On the 
night after his arrival in Baltimore he wrote it out in full, and the 
next morning he read it to his uncle, Judge Nicholson, who was 
one of the gallant defenders of the fort, and asked his opinion of 
it. The Judge was so pleased with it that he took it to the print- 
ing-ofiice of Oapt. Benjamin Edes, on North street near Baltimore. 
Mr. Edes was then on duty with the gallant Twenty-seventh Regi- 
ment, of which Capt. Lester was a member. The Judge then took 
it to the oflice of the Baltimore American, and directed copies to be 
struck off" in small hand-bill form. Mr. Samuel Sands, who was 
then an apprentice-boy in the office, but now editor of the Ameri- 
can Farmer, set up the song in type, printed it, and distributed it 
among the citizens. It was first sung in a restaurant in this city, 
next to the llolliday Street Theatre, by Charles Durang, to an as- 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 353 

serablago of patriotic defenclers of the city, and after that, nii^htly 
in the theatre. It created intense enthusiasm, and was everywhere 
eun<i; in public and in private. 

J)ui-iii<j; the hombardnient of Fort McHenry, at a time when the 
expk)si()n.s were the most tremendous, a rooster mounted a j)arapet 
and crowed heartih'. This excited the lan<^hter and animated tiie 
feelings of all present. A man who was severely indisposed and 
worn down with fatigue, declared that if ever he lived to see Bal- 
timore, the rooster should be treated with pound-cake. Not being 
able to leave the fort, the day atter the bombardment lie sent to 
the city, procui-ed the cake, and had line sport in ti-eating his 
favorite rooster. 

From the official report of Commodore Eodgers, who commanded 
the naval force stationed in Baltimore on the 12th and 13th of Sep- 
tember, to the Secretary of the Navy, dated the 23d of September, 
M'e tind the following distribution of the force under his com- 
mand ; 

"1 stationed Lieut. Gamble, firet of Guenierc, with about 100 
seamen, in command of seven-gun battery on the line between the 
roads leading from Philadelphia and Sparrow's Point. Sailing- 
master De La Kouch, of the J^rie, and Midshipman Field, of the 
Guerriere, with 20 seamen, in command of a two-gun liattery, 
fronting the road leading from Sparrow's Point. Sailing-master 
Ramage, of the Guerriere, with 20 seamen, in command of a hve- 
gun battery, to the right of the Sparrow's Point road. And Mid- 
shi])man Salter, with 12 seamen, in command of a one-gun battery 
a little to the right of Mr. Pamage. Lieut. Kuhn, with the de- 
tachment of marines belonging to the Guerriere, was posted in the 
enti'enchment between the batteries occupied by Lieut. Gamble 
and Sailing-master Pamage. Lieut. Newcomb, third of the Guer- 
riere, with 80 seamen, occupied Fort Covington, on the Ferry 
Branch, a little below Spring Gardens, Sailing-master Webster, of 
the flotilla, with 50 seamen (;f that corps, occupied a six-gun bat- 
tery on the Ferry Branch, known by the name of Babcock. Lieut. 
Frazier, of the flotilla, with 45 seamen of the same corps, occui)ied 
a three-gun battery near the Lazaretto. And Lieut. Putter, the 
senior officer of the flotilla, in command of all the bai'ges, which 
were m<^ored at the entrance of the passage between the Lazaretto 
and Furt McHenry in the left wing of the water-battery, at which 
was stationed Sailing-master Rodman and 54 seamen of the flotilla. 
Sailing-master liodman was stationed in the water-battery of Fort 
McJienry with GO seamen of the flotilla." Com. Rodgers says: "Tiie 
enemy's repulsion from the Ferry iiranch on the night of the 13th 
irist., after lie had passed Fort McHenry with his barges and some 
light vessels, was owing to the warm recejition he met from the 
Forts (Jovington and iiabcock, commanded by Lieut. N»'Wconib 
and Sailing-master Webster, who with all under their command 

performed the duty assigned to th«m to admiration 

23 



354 CHEONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

It becomes a duty to notice the services of that gallant and 
meritorious officer, Captain Spence, of the navy, by whose exertions, 
assisted by Lieut. Rutter with the barges, the entrance into the 
basin was so obstructed in the enemj^'s presence, and that too in a 
very short time, as to bid defiance to his ships, had he attempted 
to force that passage." 

The different Masonic lodges of this city formed in procession 
on Monday, the 16th of May, at the riding-school in George street; 
from whence, accompanied by a bat)d of music and a company of 
military, the}' proceeded to the First Presbyterian Church, in East 
street (Fayette.) After divine service, the procession moved to 
" a spot of ground near the southwest corner of the new court-house, 
in St. Paul's lane, where, according to the ceremonies of that most 
ancient and honorable fraternity, the foundation was laid of a 
new and superb Masonic hall." Max Godfrey, Esq., was archi- 
tect, and Col. William Steuart and Col. Jacob Small builders. 
Upon the completion of the new Masonic Hall this building was 
sold to the Mayor and City Council for the sum of $50,000, and is 
now used for a court-house. 



NAVAL HISTORY OF BALTIMORE IN THE WAR OF 1812. 

On the 18th of June, 1812, Congress passed an Act declaring 
war between the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, 
and the dependencies thereof" and the United States of America 
and their territories ; and authorized the President to use the 
whole land and naval forces of the United States to carry the same 
into effect, and to issue to private armed vessels of the United 
States commissions, or letters-of-marque and general reprisals, &c. 
It is well kriown to those Americans who lived thi'ough the war 
of 1812, and to all the reading portion of our extensive country, 
that the privateers and letters-of-marque were the great thorn in 
the side of our inveterate enemy; that they harassed and annoyed 
their adversaries in every quarter of the globe, and even at the 
entrance of their own ports in old England itself They fought 
and captured ships and vessels off the North Cape, in the British 
and Irish channels, on the coasts of Spain and Portugal, in the East 
and West Indies, oft' the capes of Good Hope and Horn, and in the 
Pacific Ocean. In a word, they were harassing and annoying 
Bi'itish trade and commerce wherever a ship could float ; they took 
and destro^^ed millions of propertj^, and were, beyond all doubt, the 
happy instruments under God in bringing about a permanent peace 
with a proud, haughty, overbearing nation. About four months 
after the declaration of war, Baltimore had sent to sea forty-two 



CHKONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 355 

armed vessels, carrying about three hundred and thirty guns, and 
from 2,800 to 3,000 men. And here we would observe, that Balti- 
moi-e took the lead in fitting out privateers and letters-oi-marque, 
and was more active and patriotic in annoying the enemy than any 
other city in the United States. On the lOlh of July, the British 
government schooner Whiting, Lieut. Maxey, with dispatches from 
his Government to the Government of the United States, was taken 
while lying in Hampton Eoads, (he not having heard of the war), 
without resistance, by the privateer Dash, Captain Carroway, of 
Baltimore. The Dash at this time was ready for sea, and bound 
on a cruise for British merchantmen. 

On the 18th of July the letter-of-marque schooner Falcon, be- 
longing to Baltimore, on her passage from Boston to Bordeaux, 
with four guns and sixteen men, when on the coast of France, was 
engaged with the British cutter Hero, with five guns and fifty 
men, for two hours and a half, and finally beat her ott", with 
considerable loss on both sides, alter repulsing the enemy three 
times in his attempt to board. On the next day the Falcon was 
attacked by a British privateer of six guns and forty men, and 
although considerably injured by her engagement with the cutter 
the day pi-evious, the privateer commenced a heavy fire on the 
Falcon, which she bravely returned for an hour and a half, when 
the caj)tain and several of the crew of the Falcon being wounded, 
she was carried b}' boarding while her colors were still fiying. 

On the 26th of July the first English vessel arrived at Balti- 
more a prize to the privateer Dolphin ; she was loaded with sugar, 
and her cargo was valued at $18,000. In August the British 
schooner Fanny, I'rom St. Croix for St. Andrews, in ballast, was 
sent into Baltimore by the Dolphin ; valued at $18,000. Ship Bra- 
ganza, from Port-au-Prince for London, mounting twelve guns, 
burthen four hundred tons, deeply laden with cortee and logwood, 
was captured and sent into Baltimore by the Tom of this port, 
after a i-unning tight of fitty-five minutes. Brig William, from 
Bristol, England, for St. Johns, with a cargo of coal, butter and 
sundries, was sent into Boston by the liossie. Commodore Barney, 
of Baltimoi'e. One shij), five brigs, and a schooner, all laden with 
fish and timber, captured by the Itossie and burned. Ship Jennie, 
twelve guns and eighteen men, fi-om Liverpool for St. Johns, with 
salt, was sent into Salem by the Kossie. One brig and a schooner, 
captured by the liossie. and sent to Newfoundland with the crews 
of the above vessels, one hundred and eight in number, on parole 
and receipt ibr exchange. Commodore Barney sent his compli- 
ments to Admii'al Sawyer, desiring the poor fellows might l)e fairly 
treated, and j)r()mising a largi'r supply very soon. Schooner Per- 
severance, from St. Augustine tor Nassau, in ballast, was sent into 
Charleston by the Nonsuch of Baltimore. Ship Sir Simon Clark, 
sixteen guns, thirty-nine men, Irom Jamaica for Leilli, with a 
cargo of sugar, rum, cottee, etc., worth from $100,000 to $150,000, 



356 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

was sent into Norfolk by the Globe of Baltimore. She was gal- 
lantly cai-ried by boarding, after a brisk cannonade of a few 
minutes. The British ship had four men killed, with the captain 
and three others severely wounded. The second lieutenant and 
drummer were killed on board the Globe, and one wounded. Pri- 
vateer Globe brought into Hampton Eoads a very large British 
ship, showing twenty-two guns. She was from Jamaica, bound 
for Glasgow, and richly laden. The ship came up the buy, and 
the Globe proceeded again to sea as quickly as possible. The 
schooner Ann, another prize to the Globe, carrying four guns, 
laden with logwood and mahogany, arrived at Baltimore. It is 
stated that several of the crews of these prizes entered as seamen 
on board of the Globe. 

Extracts from the log-book of the schooner Highflyer of Bal- 
timore : " On the 26th July, off the Double-headed Shot Keys, at 
half-past four P. M., discovered a sail standing north and west ; 
gave chase. At seven P. M. came up with and boarded the 
schooner Harriet, in ballast from New Providence, bound to 
Havana. She carried three black men and one boy, two gentle- 
men and one lady passengers. Put on board Captain Taylor as 
prize-master, and ordered her for the first port in the United 
States. The next day the captain of the Harriet informed Capt. 
Gavet that there was money concealed on board. We boarded her 
and found $8000 in specie. On the 21st, brought to and boarded 
the British ship Diana, Captain Harvey, one of the Jamaica fleet 
bound to Bristol, burthen 353 tons, laden with rum. sugar, coftee, 
etc. Took out her crew, sent a prize-master and ten men on board, 
and ordered her for the first port in the United States. At the 
same time two other sail in sight. At six A. M. bore down on 
them, fired three or four shots at them, which were returned by 
both ships. 22d, at two P. M., engaged the two ships at half-gun 
shot, and after firing on them upwards of sixty shots, the breeze 
blowing fresh, not thinking it safe to board them, at four P. M. 
hauled oft'. Next day, at four P. M., wind moderating, bore down 
and engaged the sternraost ship, called the Jamaica of Liverpool, 
Captain Neil, of seven guns, twenty-one men, 365 tons, in com- 
pany with the ship Mary and Ann of London, Captain Miller, 
mounting tAvelve guns, eighteen men, and 329 tons burden. When 
within musket shot we commenced a brisk fire from our great 
guns and musketry, which was returned with great courage and 
resolution from both ships. The engagement lasted twenty 
minutes, when we boarded and carried the Jamaica, the Mary and 
Ann striking her colors at the same time. Manned both ships, 
put Mr. Brown (prize-master) and eight men on board the Mary 
and Ann, and Mr. Grant and fourteen men on board the Jamaica, 
and ordered them for the first port in the United States. Both 
ships were richly laden with sugar, rum, coff'ee, logwood, &c. 
Several of their seamen and ours were wounded, but none killed. 
The prizes arrived safely." 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 357 

Extracts from the journal of the privateer Globe of Baltimore: 
"July 31st saw a sail, to which we gave chase, and in about three 
hours were within gun-shot, when we commenced firing. She 
hoisted British colors, and returned fire with her stern-chasers — two 
long nines — which was continued for about forty minutes against 
our long nine (midships), that being the only gun we could get to 
bear, as it was blowing fresh and she crowded all sail. When we 
got close enough we bciran to fire bi'oadsides (charged with round 
shot double-shotted, and then with langrage and round) which she 
returned, broadside for broadside. When we got within musket- 
shot and fired several volle3's into her she struck, after a brisk en- 
gagement of an hour and a half. She proved to be the English 
letter-of-marque ship Bo3-d, from New Providence for Liverpool, 
laden with cotiee, dye-woods and cotton, mounting ten guns, viz., 
two long nines, two short twelves, and six long sixes. Put a prize- 
master and eight men on board, and ordered her to Baltimore. 
Arrived at Philadelphia. On the 14th of August saw a sail ahead, 
to which we gave chase, and captured without resistance. She 
proved to be the British schooner Ann, from the city of St. Do- 
mingo for Guerusej', laden with mahogany and logwood, mounts 
four guns, and carries nine men (arrived)." 

In August the ship Elizabeth, ten guns, twelve pounders, from 
Jamaica for England, laden with 323 hogsheads of sugar, some 
tierces and barrels of do., with a quantity of coffee and ginger, &c., 
"was sent into Charleston by the Sarah Ann, of Baltimore, after a 
smart action, in which four men w^ere wounded on board of the 
shij), and two on boai'd of the privateer. Schooner James, from 
Porto liico for 31artinique, in ballast, was sent into Baltimore by 
the Dolphin, of this i)ort. The Dolphin also destroyed several 
droggers. Schooner Minorca, from Jamaica, for Cuba, was sent 
into Savannah by the Wasp of Baltimore. 

On the 30th of August. Commodore Barney arrived at New- 
port, in his schooner Kossie, from a short but successful cruise of 
forty-five days, al<»ng the eastern coast of the United States. Dur- 
ing his absence he captured fifteen vessels, nine of the number he 
burned or sunk. The vessels captured amounted to about 2,914 
tons, and were manned by 16G men. The estimated value of these 
vessels was 81,289,000. Commodore Barney remained in this ])ort 
about eight or ten days to water, provi.->ion, and refresh the crew 
of his jjrivateei", for another cruise. 

Ship Hopewell, fourteen guns, twenty-five men, from Surinam 
for London, burthen U|)wards of 400 tons, laden with 710 hhds. of 
sugar, 54 hhds. of molass-es. 111 bales of cotton, 2G0 bags and casks 
of cotfee and cocoa, captured by the Comet of Baltimore, was sent 
into this port after an obstinate engagement, in which one man 
■was killed and six wounded on board of the ship; two of the 
privateer's men were wounded. Th'j Hopewell was worth 8150,000. 
Ship Kitty, captured by the Ilossio of Baltimore and sent into an 



358 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

eastern port. Ship Mary Ann, from Jamaica, for London, a very- 
valuable vessel, carrying twelve guns and eighteen men, deeply 
laden with sugar, &c., was sent into Charleston by the Highflyer 
of Baltimore. Sent into Baltimore the first-class British ship 
Henry, 400 tons burthen, coppered to the bends, mounting four 
twelve pounders and six six pounders, bound from St. Croix for 
London. She was captured by the privateer Comet, Captain Boyle, 
of Baltimore. The Henry's cargo consisted of 700 hogsheads of 
sugar and thirteen pipes of old madeira wine ; this vessel and 
cargo produced a clear profit to the captors of more than $100,000. 
Schooner Hussar, sent into Savannah by the Liberty of Baltimore, 
laden with turtle, &c., supposed as presents for Admiral Warren 
and his officers. Three vessels captured by the Dolphin of Balti- 
more, and burned. Ship John, fourteen guns, thirty-five men, four 
hundred tons burthen, from Demerara for Liverpool, laden with 
742 bales of cotton, 230 hogsheads of sugar, 100 puncheons of rum, 
50 casks and 300 bags of coffee, with a large quantity of old cop- 
per and dye-wood, worth at least $150,000, was sent into Baltimore 
by the Comet of this port. Privateer schooner Finances, of Nassau, 
N. P., four guns and thirty men, a fine, fast sailing vessel, was sent 
into Baltimore by the Dolphin, of the same port. Brig Point 
Shares, from St. Johns, New Brunswick, for Barbadoes, was cap- 
tured b}^ the letter-of-marque schooner Baltimoi'e, of Baltimore, 
on her voyage to France, and sent into port. The brig was laden 
with fish. Schooner Fame, from Trinidad for Cayenne, laden with 
dry-goods, oil, &c., was sent into Savannah by the Nonsuch of 
Baltimore. Schooner Dawson, captured off the Island of Jamaica, 
laden with sugar, rum, and coffee, was sent into Savannah by the 
Wasp of Baltimore. 

The gallant Commodore Barney returned home to Baltimore 
in his privateer schooner Kossie on the 10th of November, from a 
successful cruise, and we herewith extract from his journal: "July 
22d — Seized the brig Nymph, of Newburyport, for breach of the 
non-importation law, July 23d — Was chased by a frigate, fired 
twenty-five shots at us, outsailed her. July 30th — Chased by a 
frigate, outsailed her. July 31st — Took and burned the ship 
Princess Eoyal. August 1st — Took and manned the ship Kitty. 
August 2d — Took and burnt the following : brig Fame, brig Devon- 
shire, schooner Squid, and took the brig Brothers, put on board of 
her sixty prisoners and sent her to St. Johns, to be exchanged for 
as many Americans. August 3d — Took and sunk the brig Henry, 
and schooner Eace Horse ; burned schooner Halifax, manned the 
brig William, and gave the schooner Two Brothers forty prisoners, 
and sent them to St. Johns on parole. August 9th — Took the ship 
Jenny after a short action ; she mounted twelve guns ; sent her to 
the tjnited States (arrived). August 10th — Seized the brig Ee- 
becca, of Saco, from London, for a breach of the non-importation 
law (arrived). August 28th — Seized the ship Euphrates, of New 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 359 

Bedford, for breach of the non-importation law (arrived). Sep- 
tember 9th — Chased hy three ships of war, which did not continue 
long, for we outsailed them without difficulty, September 12th — 
Chased by a fri<i^ate six hours; outsailed her." On the IGth of Sep- 
tember, Com. Barne\' fell in with his Britannic Majesty's packet 
ship Princess Amelia, when a sev^ere action commenced between 
the two vessels at close quarters. It lasted nearly an hour; and 
during the greatest part of the time within pistol shot distance. 
Com. Barney's fii'st lieut., Mr. Long, and six of his crew were 
wounded. The Rossie suifered considerably in her rigging and- 
sails, but nothing in her hull. The loss of the Princess Amelia wa8 
Ler captain, sailing-master, and one man killed, the master's mate 
and six seamen wounded. The packet was terribly cut to pieces 
in her hull, sails, and rigging. "October 8th — Took (in company 
with the Globe) the schooner Jubilee, and sent her into port. Oc- 
tober 22d — Seized the ship Mei'iimack, for a breach of the non-im- 
portation act. The result is 3,698 tons of shipping, valued at up- 
wards of §1,500,000, and 217 prisoners." 

On the 28th of September the privateer Nonsuch, of Baltimore, 
Captain Levely, carrying twelve twelve-pound carronades, and be- 
tween eighty and ninety men, fell in with a ship and a schooner 
under British colors off Martinique — the ship carrj'ing sixteen 
eighteen-pound carronades, and two hundred men, including sol- 
diers ; and the schooner six four-pounders, and sixty men. "When 
within reach of the ship she gave us a broadside. We bore down 
upon her and hoisted American colors, and returned ten broad- 
sides, accompanied each time with a heavy volley of musketry, the 
ship and schooner keeping up a heavy fire upon us with their great 
guns and musketry. The engagement lasted three hours and 
twenty minutes, when the bolts and breachings of our guns fore 
and aft were carried away both sides. We could then only use our 
musketry, or we should cei'tainly have captured them both. Wo 
dismounted several of the ship's guns, and damaged her very much 
in her hull and rigging. From the confusion which a|)i)eare(l on 
board, we judge that we must have killed and wounded a consid- 
erable number of men ; she bore away for Martinico ; we being 
much crippled in our sails and rigging could not pursue her. The 
^Nonsuch lost during the action one officer killed (Mr. Wilkinson) 
and throe seamen (Samuel Christian, Lewis Riley, and David 
McCarthy), they had also six seamen wounded. The British lost 
seven killed and sixteen wounded." 

Brig Francis, from St. Johns, Porto Rico, for Martinique, laden 
w^ith bullocks, was sent into Charleston by the Nonsuch, of Haiti- 
more. Brig Porgie, from Antigua, laden with rum and molussos, 
was sent into Norfolk by the Highflyer, of Baltimore, on her 
second cruise. Ship John llanxilton, 550 tons, mounting ten guns, 
twelve-pounders, ami thirty men, from Honduras for Jjondon, laden 
with 700 tons of mahogany, was sent iiito Baltimore by the Dol- 



360 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

phin privateer of this port, after a smart action, but Avithout loss 
of a single life on either side, though several were wounded — a 
fine prize. Packet Townsend, from Falmouth, (England), for Bar- 
badoes, heavily armed, was captured by the Tom of Baltimore, 
after a severe engagement, in which the captain of the Townsend 
and four of her men were killed and several wounded. The Tom 
was but little injured, and had only two men wounded. The mail 
was thrown overboard, but recovered by the Bona, and brought to 
Baltimore a few days after. Brig Burchall, a packet from Barba- 
does for Demerara, with an English commissary and his lady on 
board, was captured by the Highflyer of Baltimore, and sent into 
this port. The Highflyer also captured a number of droggcrs 
(coasting vessels), plying between the islands of the West Indies; 
she released one of them with the commissary and seventy-two 
prisoners, and sent her as a flag of truce into Demerara. The 
Governor (Carmichael) returned a complimentary letter to her 
captain for his kind treatment to them. Brig Active of ten guns, 
and very valuable, was sent into Charleston, S. C, by the High- 
flyer of Baltimore. Ship Betsey, guns, for Glasgow, supposed 

to have a quantity of specie on board, was sent into Wilmington, 

N. C, by the Eevenge of Baltimore. Schooner laden with 

dry-goods, &c., from Jamaica for the Spanish Main, ver}- valu- 
able, was sent into Savannah b}^ the Libert}' of Baltimore. The 
prize carried two guns, and had thirty men ; the privateer had only 
one gun and forty men. The prize was worth $60,000. Schooner 
Swift of Plymouth, (England), from St. Michaels, was taken by 
the Eolla of Baltimore, and burnt. In a severe gale of wind. Cap- 
tain Dewley was compelled to throw overboard all his guns but 
one, but the crew, sixty in number, determined to continue the 
cruise. 

Near Madeira, from the 12th to the 15th of December, without 
the loss of one man, the Rolla captured, manned, and ordered for 
the first port, the following immensely valuable vessels, being a 
part of the Cork fleet: — ShipMar}^, fourteen guns, of Bristol, laden 
with hardware, crates, &c. Ship Eliza, of ten guns, of Bristol, 
laden with 20,000 bushels of wheat. Ship Eio IS^ouva, eighteen 
guns, of London, laden with dry goods. Ship Apollo, ten guns, 
deeply laden with king's stores. Brig Boroso, six guns, of Cork, 

laden with dry goods, beef, and candles. Schooner , of 

Aberdeen, given up to discharge the prisoners. Grand total, seven 
vessels, fifty-eight cannon, 150 prisoners, and property worth be- 
tween two and thi'ee inillions of dollars. 

Sloop Eeasonable, from Porto Eico for Martinique, was chased 
on shore on the north-east end of the former by the Liberty of 
Baltimoi-e, and destroyed. Schooner Maria, from Jamaica for the 
Bay of Honduras, in ballast, was taken by the Liberty of Baltimore, 
and ransomed. While Capt. John Murphy, in the privateer Globe 
of Baltimore, was cruising oft" the coast of Portugal, he fell in with 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMOEE. 361 

an Algerine sloop-of-war, when a severe engagement ensued be- 
tween thorn. Although the action was continued for a period of 
three hours at half gunshot distance, it is strange to relate that 
the CJIobe lost not a man, and had but two wounded. The shot of 
the Algei-ine almost invariably passed over her adversary, the Globe 
liaving received no less than eightj'-two shots througli her sails. 
How much the sloop-of-war suffered was not ascertained, but from 
all a))pearances she must have been terribly hulled and cut to 
pieces. The Globe hauled olf to repair damages, and the Algerine 
was unwilling to renew the conflict, so that both parties probably 
esteemed it a drawn battle, and accordingly separated. 

1813. Port of New York, April 24th. — Arrived, letter-of-marque 
schooner Ned, Captain Dawson of Baltimore, forty-two days from 
La Teste (through Long Island Sound.) In lat. 44° 54' N., long. 
15° W., fell in with the English letter-of-marque brig Malvina, of 
Aberdeen, mounting 10 guns — six and nine-pounders ; and after a 
close action of tiftv-two minutes, succeeded in capturing hei*. The 
captain of the Malvina was killed ; the Ned had seven men badly 
wounded. Put Capt. Penderson as prize-master, and a crew on 
board of her, and ordered her into an American poi-t. On the 18th 
inst., the Ned was chased otf the Chesapeake by a seventy-four and 
a frigate; on the 19th was chased oflP the DelaAvare ; on the 20th, 
was chased otf Sandy Hook ; and on the 21st, got in at the east 
end of Long Island, through four or five ships-of-war. Schooner 
Farmer, of Nassau, N. P., laden with cotton, captured by the Spar- 
row, of Baltimore, but given up. Schooner Pearl, from Curacoa 
to St. Croix, with a cargo of corn meal, was sent into Savannah 

by the Liberty of Baltimore. Sloop , a British privateer 

of guns> was captured by the Libert}^ and divested of her 

armament and valuable articles, and then given up for want of 

room lor the prisoners. Brig , from Lisbon to London, with 

a cargo of cotton, was taken by the letter-of-marque schooner 
Sabine, of Baltimore, on her way to France, and burnt. Brig 
Kingston Packet, with a valuable cargo of rum, &c., was bi-ought 
into Ocracock, North Carolina, by the Globe of Balto. Ship J^o^-al 
Sam, 10 guns, from Nassau, N. P., for P]ngland, was ca])tured by 
the letter-of-marque schooner Siro, of Balto., on her passage from 
France, and ordered to a southern port. The Loj-al Sam had 
823.500 in specie on board, and a quantity of indigo which came 
safe to Portland, where the Sii'o arrived soon after. 

Ship Venus, fourteen guns, from Cadiz for Newfoundland, with 
a full cargo of salt, was sent into Beaufort, S. C, by the Globe, of 
Baltimore. Brigadicr-Cieneral Prevost, from Halifax for Denu'rara, 
was capturefl by the KoUa, of lialtimore, and sent into New Orleans. 
Schooner Klizabcth, firnn Lislion for Lond(»n, was captured by the 
(ilobci of Baltimore and burnt. Ship Pelham, from Lisbon for 
Figaro, laden with rum, was cajttured by the Globe and burnt. 
The Globe captured at this time and ordered into 2^ort iseverul 



362 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

valuable vessels. Bark , captured and burnt by the Dolphin, 

of Baltimore, on her second cruise. Armed schooner Dorcas, taken 
by the Liberty, of Baltimore, divested of her diy-goods, &c., and 
released. 

The letter-of-marque schooner Lotterj^ of Baltimore, with six 
guns and thirty-five men, on the 15th of February, 1813, while at 
anchor in Chesapeake bay (being outward bound), was captured by 
nine British barges containing 240 men, after fighting them off for 
an hour and a half; it was supposed that more Englishmen were 
killed and wounded than the whole crew of the letter-of marque. 
Captain Southcomb, of the Lottery, being badly wounded, the 
enemy boarded the schooner and pulled down the colors themselves. 

Captain W. S. Stafford, of the pi'ivateer Dolphin, of Baltimore, 
had been for some days cruising off the coasts of Spain and Portugal, 
and when off Cape St. Vincent on the 25th of January. 1813, he fell 
in with a large ship and a brig and gallantly engaged them both. 
The combat was sustained with considerable spirit until the captain 
of the Hebe and eight men were wounded ; they both struck their 
colors, and were manned for the LTnited States. The privateer lost 
four men in this gallant affair. The force of the Dolphin was ten. 
guns and sixty men. The Hebe carried sixteen guns and forty men, 
the brig ten guns and twenty-five men ; making together twenty- 
six guns and sixty-five men. They were both richly laden, and 
were very valuable prizes. The Dolphin then proceeded home- 
ward. She passed through the British squadron in Chesapeake 
Bay, and arrived safe at Baltimore on the 15th of February, after 
a very fortunate cruise. 

On the 14th of January, Captain Boyle, in the privateer 
schooner Comet, when off the coast of Pernambuco, discovered 
four sail standing out of the harbor. They proved to be three 
English vessels, consisting of a ship of fourteen guns and two brigs 
of ten guns, under convoy of a Portuguese brig, national vessel, 
mounting twenty 32*8 and 165 men, making in all a force of fifty- 
four guns. After a desperate conflict the Comet compelled the 
British vessels to surrender. Soon after the fight and capture of 
the three British vessels, the gallant Boyle fell in with and captured 
the Scotch ship Adelphi, belonging to Aberdeen, She was from 
Liverpool bound for Bahia, of 361 tons, mounting eight long twelve- 
pounders, laden with salt and dry-goods. The Comet was subse- 
quently chased by the famous British frigate Surprise, which she 
easily outsailed, and continued on her cruise down among the West 
India Islands. On the 6th of February fell in with two brigs, and 
after a short chase captured them. One proved to be the Alexis, 
of Greenock, from Demerara, loaded with sugar, rum, cotton and 
coffee, mounting ten guns; the other was the Dominica packet, of 
Liverpool, from Demerara bound for St. Thomas, laden with rum, 
sugar, cotton and coffee, mounting ten guns. A short time after 
Captain Boylo was chased by the man-of-war brig Swaggerer, 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 363 

■which he outsailed with ease, and captured the schooner Jane from 
Demernra for St. Thomas, loaded with rum, sufjar and coffee. Soon 
after the capture of these prizes Captain Boyle returned home, and 
arrived safe in Baltimore on the 17th of March, passiiii^ through 
the British blockading squadron, bidding detiance to their vigilance 
and numbers. 

The schooner Louisa, of 202 tons, one gun, and 26 men, from St. 
Vincents for St. Johns, was captured and sent into Newport by the 
lettcr-of-marque schooner Enterprise of l^altimore, having on Vtoard 
100 hogsheads of rum and 30 barrels of sugar. Brig from New- 
foundland, laden with tish, was sent into Bordeaux by the letter- 
of-mai*que schooner Pilot, of Baltimore. The Pilot also captured 
.the schooner Lily, from Port-au-Prince, for London, but given her up 
after taking out some sugars, &c. The brig Mary Ann, from St. 
Lucie for St. Johns, N. B., laden with 180 puncheons of rum and 
147 hogsheads of molasses, was captured by the same and ransomed 

for §4,000. Brig from Lisbon for London, laden with wool, 

rice, and cotton, was captured and burnt by the lettei--of-marque 
schooner Grampus, of Baltimore, on her passage from France. 

Thirteen merchant vessels were captured on the coast of Spain 
by the Leo of Baltimore, and burnt. The schooner Sjiarrow, of 
Baltimore from New Orleans, bound to New York laden with 
sugar and lead, was chased on shore near Long Branch, where the 
enem}' took possession of her, but were driven off by the militia 
from off shore. The cargo was saved, the vessel bilged. 

Captain W. S. Stafford, famous for his defence of the Dolphin 
privateer in the Chesapeake the summer before, was attacked close 
in with Charleston bar, on the 27th of November, by five boats from 
a British brig-of-war. When close upon him, he tore one of the boats 
to pieces with grape-shot, and gave the rest employment in saving 
their comrades. The valuable ship Manl}^, four guns, laden with 
wine, oil, &c., from Halifsxx, for the West Indies, was sent into 
Charleston, S. C, by the Revenge of Baltimore. A brig laden with 
sugar and molasses, captured In^ the Caroline, of Baltimore, was 
recaptured by the Britisli off Charleston. The Lion privateer, of 
Baltimore, arrived at L'Orient, in France, with about §400,000 on 
board, after having destroyed fifteen or twenty English vessels off 
the coasts of Spain and Portugal. The schooner Messenger, from 
the West Indies, laden with rum and molasses, was sent into Wil- 
mington, N. C, by the Comet, of Baltimoi-e. The schooner Crram- 
pus, of Baltimore, whilst cruising among the Canary Islands, cap- 
tured the British brig Speculation, from Lanzaroto, bound to Lon- 
don ; she proved to be worthless and was given up to the prisoners. 
Soon after Captain Murphy gave up his prize, a British sloop-of- 
war hove in sight, and was s(i well disguised as a merchantman, 
that Capt. Murphy was <lecoyed quite und((r her guns before ho 
discovered his mistake. He was taken l)y surprise when the man- 
of-war opened her ports and gave the Grampus a terrible bruad- 



364 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

side from lier main deck battery, when within half pistol-shot dis- 
tance. Captain Murphy was killed, and several of the crew killed 
and wounded. The Grampus suflFered greatly in her sails and rig- 
ging, but by the greatest exertions escaped. 

Schooner , laden with sugar, coffee. &c., was sent into Sun- 
bury by the Patapsco letter-of marque, of Baltimore. On the 3d 
of November, the privateer schooner Globe, of Baltimore, Captain 
Eichard Moon, had a desperate engagement with two English 
packets at half pistol-shot distance. The largest brig mounted 
eighteen guns, and the other sixteen twelve-pounders. The former 
surrendered, but owing to tbe disabled condition of the Globe 
managed to get away. The loss of the Globe was eight killed and 
fifteen wounded. The force of the Globe was a " long torn " amid- 
ships, and eight twelve-pound earronades, with a complement of 
ninety men, including officers and marines. The enemy it was sup- 
posed lost 27 men killed and wounded, besides being terribly cut 
up in their hulls, sails and rigging. 

Brig Criterion, a traitor vessel, laden with 80 hogsheads of 
rum, was captured by tbe Caroline, of Baltimore, and sent into 
Stonington, Conn. The Vigilant, a tender to the Admiral of the 
"Windward Island station, was captured by the Comet, of Balti- 
more, and sent into Wilmington, N. C. Schooner , laden with 

sugar and coffee, was sent into Savannah b}- the Patapsco, of Bal- 
timore. Nine vessels were captured by the Comet, of Baltimore, 
divested of their valuable articles and sunk. She also captured and 
manned four prizes and sent them to the United States. She had 
a terrible battle with the ship Hi hernia, of 800 tons, 22 guns, and 
a large complement of men, but was beaten off. The fight lasted 
about eight hours. The privateer had three men killed and six- 
teen wounded ; the ship had eight killed and thirteen wounded. 
The Comet also captured another British vessel, which being short 
of provisions, put into Porto Rico for a supply; was given up by 
the Government to the English claimant. The Comet in this cruise 
captured nineteen prizes. The Chasseur at this time made six 

prizes. Ship , laden with dry-goods, &c., was captured by 

the letter-of-marque schooner Delisle of Baltimore, on her passage 
from Bordeaux to New Orleans, and sunk. 

The Tuckahoe letter-of-marque of Baltimore captured the 
schooner Sea-Flower on her passage to Aux Coyes, and burned also 
the schooner Hazard, from Nassau to St. Domingo. The Tuckahoe 
also captured another English vessel (whose. name is not given), 
which prize she manned and sent into port. The Tuckahoe nar- 
rowly escaped capture off the east end of Long Island, having 
been chased for several days by sundry English frigates and brigs- 
of-war. She, however, by superior sailing and good management 
eluded their grasp, and got safe into Boston in March, 1814. 

1814. The privateer Caroline, of Baltimore, captured the Eng- 
lish brig Elizabeth, for Kingston, (Jamaica), and sent her into 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 365 

Charleston. Schooner with dry-goods and other valuable 

articles was captured by the Kemp, of Baltimore, and carried into 
Cape Francois, where the prize and her cargo were disposed of. 
Fifteen vessels were captured by the Comet of Baltimore, in tho 
"West Indies, were divested of their valuable articles and destroyed, 
excepting two which were sent into North Carolina. The Kemp, 
of l^altimore, cai^tured on the third day after she left the Chesa- 
peake the bng Louisa, laden with oil and fish, and sent her into 
Elizal)eth Cit}-, Va. Ship Hebe from Halifax for Bermuda, with 
coal, hiniber, etc., was ca])tured by the Surprise of Baltimore, and 
sent into a southern port. Brig Ceres, in ballast, was captured in 
the Bay of Biscay, by the Grampus of Baltimore, on her way 
home and burnt. 

The letter-of-marque Siro of Baltimore, bound to France, was 
captured by the English and sent into Plymouth, England. The 
privateer York, of Baltimore, when otf the coast of Nova Scotia, 
on the 18th of April, had a severe engagement with the British 
transport ship Lord Somers. During tlie action, Captain Staples, 
of the York, and five of his men were killed, and twelve wounded. 
In this disabled condition, the privateer was obliged to haul off 
and give up the contest. 

Brig from Lisbon for Passage, with provisions for tho 

English troops, was captured and destroyed by the Expedition of 
Baltimore. Tlic very valuable schooner Adeline was captured by 
a British frigate, but recaptured by the Expedition. The Chasseur 
of Baltimore captured the schooner Miranda, sloop Martha, and 
several other vessels, which wyre destroyed, &c. One of them had 
on board a quantity of money in gold. Brig Experience from 
Jamaica was captured by tbe Caroline of Baltimore, but lost on 

the Island of Cuba. Schooner laden with rum, cocoa, &c., 

was sent into the Delaware, by the Perry of Baltimore. Schooner 
Francis, with bullocks tor the British army, was captured otf the 
French coast by the letter-of-marque schooner Midas of Baltimore, 
on her passage home and burnt. Brig Bellona, laden with madeira 
wine and fruit, was captured by the Globe of Baltiniore. Schooner 
Diligence, from Halifax, was captured by the York of Baltimore, 
ami destroyed. fSliip Bonita captured by the Delisle of Jialtimore, 
and destroyed. Brig Kobert, with fish and luml»er, from St. Johns 
for Jamaica, was captured by the Zebec Ulter of Baltimore, and 
sent into Charleston. Brig Swift, lour guns, and eighteen men, 
bound for Halifax, captured by tlie same. Brig Lord Nelson of 
Belfast captured by the same. Schooner Nancy and two others 

captured and burnt. Schooner in ballast, by tho same, given 

up to prisoners. Privateer schooner Amnesty, one gun, twenty- 
four men, captured by the same and burnt. Besides the before- 
mentioned vessels, two other small vessels were taken by the same 
and burnt. The Zebec also made prizes of five or six other British 
vessels, which were permitted to proceed. A brig of fourteen 



366 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

guns Avas manned and ordered for France, and two others were 
sent to the United States. 

Brig Camelion, from the West Indies, laden with rum and molas- 
Bes, was sent into port by the Mammoth of Baltimore. Two vessels 
captured by the Caroline of Baltimore, were destroyed. She captured 
three other vessels which were manned and sent into port. Brig 
Kutozoff of six guns, from Laguayra, laden with coffee, cocoa, and 
hides, was captured after a severe action, and carried by boarding; 
was sent into Frankfort, Maine, by the Surprise of Baltimore. 
She was worth $50,000. British ship Joanna, of Malta, from Con- 
stantinople for Lisbon, with a cargo of wheat and barley, woi'th 
$30,000, was captured by the Chasseur of Baltimore, and sunk. 
The Chasseur captured several other valuable vessels on the same 
cruise. Schooner Hope from St. Johns, with fish, was sent in by 
the Pike of Baltimore ; also the ship Mermaid was sent in by same. 
Ship Commerce, with supplies for the British army, was captured 
by the Lawrence of Baltimore and sent to Portland, Maine. Brig 
Melpomene of six guns, was sent in by the Chasseur of Baltimore. 
The Chasseur also captured and sent in an elegant London packet 
ship, twelve guns, laden with 400 pipes of brandy and wine. 

Brig Liddelle from Liverpool, with salt, was captured by the 
Amelia of Baltimore, and made a cartel of. Brig Jessie, of six guns, 
from London, captured by same and burnt. Schooner Ann cap- 
tured by same, and sent as a cartel to Halifax. The Amelia ar- 
rived at New York after a cruise of 85 days, during which time she 
had taken 1400 tons of shipping, with property valued at $1,000,000. 
She also made 80 prisoners. Schooner Octavia was sent into a 
southern port by the Harrison of Baltimore. The private armed 
schooner Perrj-, of Baltimore, was out ninety days on a cruise, dur- 
ing which time she captured 22 British vessels, 18 of which she de- 
stroyed and sent 4 to the L^^nited States. July 23d. — The privateer 
Surprise of Baltimore arrived at Newport, li. 1., from a cruise of 
103 days, a part of which time she was in the I3ritish and Irish 
channels and near the Western isles. She was chased 16 times, and 
made in all 13 prizes, some of which arrived safe ; several others 
were burnt. 

The Zebec XJlter of Baltimore, in passing through Long Island 
Sound, was attacked by two British boats: she captured one with 
eight men, the other made her escape. The commander of the 
barge was killed. The British brig Astrea, with 10 guns and 20 
men, laden with fish, was taken by the Midas of Balto., and sent 
into Savannah. The Midas also captured a small English schooner 
privateer, called the Dash, with a crew of 40 men and several 
guns. She also captured 3 coasting-vessels laden with 700 bales of 
cotton. Schooner Union, with fish, &c., was sent into port by the 
Amelia of Baltimore, Sloop Friendship, with dry goods and $7000 
in specie, was captured by the Revenge and destroyed. Schooner 
Alert captured by the same and destroyed. Schooner Mary Ann 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE, 367 

taken by tlie same and given to prisoners. Sloop Active captured 
by the Fairy of Baltinioi-c and burnt. Schooner l\anibler, with 
dry goods, sent into Wihnington, N. C, by the Perry of Baltimore. 
Schooner Fox, captured otf the Irish coast by the Surprise of Bal- 
timore, was made a cartel of, to dispose of her prisoners. Brig 
James and David in ballast, captured by the same. Brig Fidelity- 
taken by the same and burnt. 

On the 18th of June the privateers Grampus, Patapsco of Bal- 
timore, and the schooner Dash of Boston, were all chased by Cupt. 
Chapen in the La Ilogue, seventy-four, in Boston Bay, but all es- 
caped. Brig Fortitude from Eio Janeiro, with a full cargo of hides, 
cottee, dye-wood, etc., was sent into Maine by the Sur])risc of Bal- 
timore. Ship Pizarro from Liverpool, with diy goods, &c., was sent 
into Savannah by the Midas of Baltimore; also brig Esperanza by 
the same ; brig Llsinore sent into port by the same. 

The privateer Harrison of Baltimore captured the following 

vessels: ship Julia, brig Mary Ann, schooner John Duncan, 

Louisa. Alter removing from the prizes goods to the amount of 

?100,000, they were destroyed. Schooner , with a large 

amount of specie on board, was captured by the same and sent to 
the United States. 

Brig Betsy was sent into Boston by the York of Baltimore. 
Ship Alfred sent into port by the Harpy of Baltimore. Ship An- 
tonia, under liussian colors, sent in by same. Two brigs in ballast 
captured by same and burnt. 

Ill September the Harpy fell in with the British packet Prin- 
cess Elizabeth, and after a warm but short action the packet sur- 
rendered. She had three men' killed and several wounded. The 
Princess Elizabeth was armed with 10 guns and 38 men. She had 
on board as passengers a Turkish Ambassador for England, ami an 
F>nglish officer, aide to a British General, and a second lieutenant 
of a " 74." The privateer divested the packet of ^10,000 in specie, 
five pipes of Madeira wine, and her armament, and ransomed the 
vessel for §2000, and then allowed her to proceed on her course to 
England. 

East India Company's shij^ Countess of Ilarcourt, 520 tons, 6 
heavy guns and 90 men, outward bound, laden with dry goods, 
brandy, rum, &c., separated from the fleet in a gale, was captured 
in the Hritisli Channel by the Sabine of Baltimore and sent into 
j)0rt. This was a very valualde prize to her captors. His Majesty's 
packet, the cutter Landraile, — guns, 33 men, was cai)turetl alter 
a hai-d battle in the British Channel, by the Syren of Baltimore. 
Two brigs were also cajjtured by the same, one burnt, the other re- 
leased. Brig Hetsy and ^Mary captured by the Kemp of Baltimore 
and burnt. Ship Calyi)S0, with 83000 in specie, by the same. Brig 
New Frederick cai)lured by same. 

His iMajesty's transport brig Doris, captured by the Grampus 
of Baltimore, was sent into Marblehead. The Doris was from 



368 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

Senegal bound to Portsmouth, England, and had on board 30 or 40 
soldiers, also two elegant horses, one hyena, two jackals, &c., 
presents for the Prince Eegent. 

The Mammoth, off" the coast of Newfoundland, had an action 
with an English transport ship with three or four hundred troops 
on board. She hauled off and continued on her cruise. The York 
of Baltimore arrived at Boston, filled with the richest spoils of 
several vessels; among them the East India ship Coromandel, of 
500 tons. The privateer Surprise of Baltimore arrived at Salem, after 
a fortunate cruise of one month, during which time she captured 
twenty British vessels, some very valuable. British brig Pike cap- 
tured by the privateer Pike of Baltimore, and burnt. Schooner 
cajitured by the same, and made cartel of. Schooner In- 
dustrious Bee captured by the same and burnt. Schooners Venus, 
Lord Nelson, and brigs Jane, Orient, were also captured b}'- the 
Pike. She also captured several other vessels, which were re- 
leased or made cartels of. The Pike was finally chased ashore on 
the Southern coast, and taken possession of by some of the 
enemy's boats. A part of the crew, however, escaped ; the re- 
mainder, forty-three in number, were made prisoners. She paroled 
250 prisoners during her cruise. 

The ship Samuel Cummings, 400 tons, laden with sugar and 
coffee, was taken by the Pike, but was wrecked on the Southern 
coast. Brig Endeavor, a transport vessel, was taken by the Surprise 
of Baltimore, and destroyed on Eockaway beach, near New York, 
by the British men-of-war. 

Cutter Jubilee, from Teneriffc, with wine, captured by the Whig 
of Baltimore and made a cartel of. Schooner Alexandria, in bal- 
last, captured by the same and burnt. Also captured British brigs 
Irish Minor, Princess Mary, Eliza, and ships Esperance, London, 
and Postethwell. The Whig made several other prizes on this 
cruise, and arrived at New York with some goods and twenty- 
three prisoners. She also made some prizes in company with 
the David Porter of Boston. 

Brig Fire-Fly, from Smyrna for London, with a full cargo of 
drugs, wines and silks, was brought into Wilmington, N. C, by the 
Sabine of Baltimore. She took goods to the amount of $100,000. 
Brig Mary and Eliza was captured by the Argo of Baltimore, and 
burnt. Brig Argo of Dublin was captured by the Surprise of Balti- 
more. Brig , laden with rum and molasses, captured l)y the 

Gramyjus ot Baltimore. The Mammoth captured the sloop Farmer, 
and brigs Britannia, Ceres, and three other brigs in ballast. The 
privateer Y'^ork of Baltimore captured the following vessels, viz : 
British brigs Harvest, William, ten guns and fourteen men, Pover 
and sloop Pegulator, all of which had valuable cargoes. The 
pi'ivateer Leo of Baltimore captured several vessels at sea, and 
was finally captured herself whilst in distress off" the coast of Spain 
by a British irigate. 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 369 

1815. The privateer York of Baltimore having returned homo 
from a successful cruise on the coast of Brazil and among the 
islands in the West Indies, her prizes were valued at least a million 
and a half of dollars. 

The following prizes were taken by the very fortunate privateer 
vessel Surprise of Baltimore, and burnt; Brigs Charlotte, Livelj^, 
William Maid, Poll}-, ship Millies, and schooners Prince Regent and 
Sail}'. The Knglish jirivateer Lively, one gun and seventeen men, 
was brought into balem. Ship Caledonia from Cork, worth §250- 
000, Avastiivested of her goods to the value of 350,000. Brigs 
Eagle, Traveller, Wellington (four guns and fifteen men) and Eliza 
were made cartels of to release the prisoners. The Surprise also 
captured the brig Albion, schooner Charlotte Ann, and recaptured 
the boat Ann. During her last cruise, which only occupied one 
month, she captured twenty sail of British merchantmen, including 
one small privateer. She made 197 prisoners, released IGO, and 
brought into port thirty-seven. Ketch Expedition, with seventy- 
five pipes of wine and 1,150 quintals of barilla, was sent into New 
York bj- the Grampus of Baltimore. Brig Catharine and William, 
])rize to the Grampus, was lost near Beaufort, S. C. Cutter Flying- 
Fish captured by the Sabine and sent in. Brig Aaron ca])tured 
\<y the same and sent into port. Two ships taken by the Syren of 
Baltimore oil' the British coast, and destroyed. 

The Amelia of Baltimore captured the following vessels : Brigs 

Colier, Harmon}-, Ann, Elizabeth, and ship , of eight guns. 

She had a short combat with the Ne))tune. Brig Sir John Sher- 
brook, twelve guns, was captured by the Syren of Baltimore. Ann 
and Eliza was captured by the Mammoth, and destroyed. The 
following vessels were also captured by the same: Brigs Uniza, 
Sarah, Sir Home Popham, and schooners Two Brothers, Eapid, and 
ship Champion. The Mammoth also captured and ordered into 
port the bark Mary, brigs Alexander and Charlotte, and the ship 
Mentor, with valuable cargoes, and gave up the schooners Thomas 
and Good Intent and brigs Joseph and Eliza. She made in 
all twenty-one prizes and paroled about 300 prisoners. This 
])rivateer arrived at Portsmouth, N. 11., full of rich spoils from the 
enemy. 

Tlie llai-py of Baltimore sailed from Portsmouth, X. II., and 
returned thei-e after a cruise of twenty days, laden with the 
ciioicest sjxnls of the foe, and sixty prisoners. She captured the 
schooner Jiiitannia, and burnt her and the brig Halifax, packet, 
with a valuable cargo. Also the transport-ship Amazon, six guns 
and eighteen men, an elegant vessel with a cargo of provisions. 
Also, tlie traiisjjort-ship Budges, 440 tons, six eighteen-j)oun(l carron- 
ades, and a larger cargo of rum, &c. The prizes of the llai'py were 
valued at §500^000. 

The valuable Itrig Furopa, of eight eigliteen-pound cai*r()iiades, 
two long nines and twent}-two men, with 175 tons ol" sweet oil, 
24 



370 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMOEE. 

was sent into port by the Patapsco of Baltimore. Brig Canada, 
ten guns, was sent into Wilmington by the Lawrence of Baltimore. 
The English brig William, from the coast of Africa, laden with 
194,087 pounds of gum, estimated to be worth $00,000, was sent 
into Newbern, N. C, b}' a Baltimore privateer whose name is not 
given. The privateer Syren of Baltimore, returning from a cruise, 
was lost on making the Delaware, being run ashore by the pilot, 
where she was attacked by three barges from a razee at anchor, 
which were kept at bay for two hours. The privateer was set on 
fire by the crew^ and escaped. Brig Cossack was sent into Boston 
b}' the Surprise of Baltimore. This vessel had been captured by 
the Grand Turk, of Salem, recaptured by the Bulwark seventy-four, 
and retaken by the Surprise. Schooner Mary captured by the 
Surprise, and sunk. Schooners Eugene and Stinger captured by 

the Midas of Baltimore, and destroyed. British schooner 

captured by the Eesolution of Baltimore, and sent into Charleston, 
South Carolina. 

On the 3d of December, the privateer Kemp of Baltimore, on 
a cruise to the West Indies, descried a small fleet of merchant ships, 
eight in number, under convoy of a frigate. The privateer attacked 
the fleet, and carried off after a severe contest four of the largest 
vessels ; one of the brigs and her cargo was estimated to be worth 
$300,000. The privateer schooner Caroline of Baltimore captured 
the British brig Stephen, fourteen guns and thirty men. Brig 
Lord Wellington was captured by the letter-of-raarque Diamond of 
Baltimore. 

The privateer Amelia of Baltimore arrived safe at Philadelphia 
in April, 1815, with a full cargo of valuable goods taken from the 
enemy. During her cruise she captured ten British vessels ; some 
she destroyed and some she ordered into port. The Amelia carried 
but six guns and seventy-five men. The captured vessels amounted 
to 2,270 tons, 112 prisoners, and thirty-two carriage guns. She w^as 
Irecjuently chased by the enemy, and once for fifty-three hours, but 
was fortunate enough to evade all her pursuers. 

Cutter Eliza and Peggy was captured by the Lawrence of Balti- 
more ; also captured cutter Dart, ship Christian, and schooner 
Atalanta. The privateer Lawrence arrived at JNew York on the 
25th of January. During her cruise she took thirteen prizes, eight 
of which were manned; some of them were very valuable. She 
made 106 prisoners, and her prizes in the aggregate amounted to 
more than 3,000 tons. 

British brig Lord Wellington was captured by the Expedition 
of Baltimore and burnt. Ship Jane was captured by the Harpy, 
of Baltimore, and burnt, also brig William Nelson, brig Louisa, 
and schooner Nine Sisters. The Harpy captured the English ship 
William and Alfred, ship Jane, and the valuable ship Garland. The 
Harpy arrived at Salem in April, 1815. She had on board a valu- 
able cargo of rich merchandise of every description, taken from 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 371 

Bevcriil of her prizes made while cruising on the coast of England, 
in the Bay of Biscay, and along the coast of Spain and Portugal. 
She had among other articles upwards of £100,000 sterling in 
British treasury notes and bills of exchange. Siie was a noble ves- 
sel of 349 tons, carrying 14 heavy guns, and about 100 men. 

The privateer Harrison arrived at Wilmington, N. C, with a 
full cargo of goods taken from the enemy, with the loss of her 
captain in an engagement with a British sloop-of-war, after 
the capture of several vessels. Brig Peter was captured and sent 
into Korth Carolina by the Lawrence, of Baltimore. Bi-ig John, 
and brig Xancy, were captured by the Perry, of Baltimore, which 
arrived in the Delaware about the Ist of February, with a full 
cargo of chosen spoils. She was chased some eight or ten times 
b}' brigs, sloops-of-war, frigates, and razees, but laughed at them 
all. 

English brig was sent in by the Kemp, of Baltimore. 

Sloop Enterprise was captured by the Whig, of Baltimore, as were 
also brigs Brunswick, Race Horse, and schooner Britannia. Brig 
Athill, eight guns, was captured by the Lawrence, of Baltimoi'e, 
and sent into Brest, France. 

We tind it stated, that on the 24th of December, 1814, the Bal- 
timore privateer Sui'prise was at Brest, and there fired a salute, 
which was answered by the French Admiral with 11 guns. British 
schooner Lucy Ann was captured by the Surprise, as was the 
brig Forth. As the Surprise left the port of Brest she was chased 
for several hours by a British sloop-ot-war, who fired fift}' guns at 
her without effect. On the 28th of January the Surprise captured, 
alter a short engagement, the English ship Star, mounting eight 
twelve-pound guns, with 2G men. The prize was sent into New 
York, and proved to be an exceedingly valuable one, being valued 
at §300,000. It consisted of the following articles: 1180 bags of 
sugar, 5,021 bags of coffee, 45 tubs of camphor, 297 bags of sago, 
224 cwt. of sapan wood, 22 bales of nankeens, 83 cases of cinna- 
mon, and 45 cases of tortoise-shell. 

The Chasseur, of Baltimore, captured the very valuable vessels, 
ship ^Mary and Susan, of 470 tons, the schooner Arrow, and the 
shi]) Adventure. Ship Emulation was captured by the Syren. The 
IvLini) arrived safe in Baltimoi-e loaded with goods, after capturing 
a Biiiish brig mounting 14 guns and 40 men, after a warm action 
of forty nunutis, when the enemy struck his colors. Brig Alex- 
ander was captured by the Leo, of Baltimore. Brig Eagle cap- 
tured by the Lawrence. Ship Anne, 417 tons, captured by the 
Zebcc Ultor, of Baltimore, and sent into New York. The Zebec 
Ultor also captuied the brigs Maria Annabella, Mohawk, and the 
b1ooj)s Twins and rEsj>crance, and slooj) Constitution. 

The Chasseur was a very formidable vessel, carrying sixteen 
long twclve-i)oun(iers, with a crew of one hundred men, inchiding 
officers, seamen and mai'ines. On her last trip she captured the 



372 CHEONICLES OF BALTIMOEE. 

following vessels (by no means all): Sloop Christiana, brigs Rein- 
deer, Marquis of Cornwallis, Albert, Harmony, Eclipse, Commerce, 
Antelope, Atlantic, and Amicus, -schooner Favorite, and ships Carl- 
bury, James, and Theodore. The whole number of vessels cap- 
tured by Capt. Boyle on this cruise was eighteen, and many of 
them very valuable. He brought into port forty-three prisoners, 
and paroled one hundred and hfty. During Captain Boyle's cruise 
in the British Channel and around the coast of Great Britain, he 
made many hairbreadth escapes. 

At this period it was the general custom for the British Ad- 
mirals on our coast to issue what the Americans called paper 
blockades, declaring the whole coast of North America in a strict 
state of blockade. Several of these blockade-proclamations had 
recently been issued by Admiral Sir John Borlaise Warren, and Sir 
Alexander Cochrane. As a burlesque on these paper-blockades, 
Captain Boyle, while in the British Channel, issued the following 
proclamation and sent it by a cartel to London, with a request to 
have it posted up at Lloyd's Coifee House : 

^^ By Thomas Boyle, Esq., Commander of the privateer armed brig 
Chasseur, &c., &c. — Proclamation : 

"Whereas it has become customary with the Admirals of Great 
Britain, commanding small forces on the coast of the United States, 
particularly Sir John Borlaise Warren and Sir Alexander Cochrane, 
to declare all the coast of the United States in a state of strict and 
rigorous blockade, without possessing the power to justify such a 
declaration, or stationing an adequate force to maintain said block- 
ade. I do therefore, by virtue of the power and authority in me 
vested (possessing sufficient force) declare all the ports, harbors, 
bays, creeks, rivers, inlets, outlets, islands and seacoast of the 
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, in a state of strict 
and rigorous blockade. And I do further declare, that I consider 
the force under my command adequate to maintain strictly, rigor- 
ously, and effectually, the said blockade. And I do hereby require 
the respective officers, whether captains, commanders, or com- 
manding officers, under my command, employed or to be employed 
on the coasts of England, Ireland, and Scotland, to pay strict at- 
tention to the execution of this my proclamation. And I do hereby 
caution and forbid the ships and vessels of all and every nation, 
in amity and peace with the United States, from entering or at- 
tempting to enter, or trom coming or attempting to come out of 
any of the said ports, bays, creeks, rivei-s, inlets, outlets, islands, 
or seacoasts, under an^^ pretence whatsoever. And that no person 
may plead ignorance of this ni}^ proclamation, I have ordered the 
Bvme to be made public in England. 

" Given under my hand, on board the Chasseur, day and date 
as above. Thomas Boyle. 

" (By command of the commanding officer) 

"J. J. Stanbury, Secretary." 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMOEE. 373 

On the 26th of February, Capt. Boyle in the ChaBseur, after a 
severe contest, captured his Britannic Majest3''8 schooner St. Law- 
rence, coninianded by Lieut. J. C. Gordon,, formerly the famous 
privateer Atlas of Philadel2)hia, built on the Chesapeake, and 
mounting 15 guns with a complement of 75 men, and had on 
board a number of soldiers, marines, and some gentlemen of 
the navy passengers, bound express to the squadron oft" New 
Orleans. She had, by the report of her commander, C men killed 
and 17 wounded, most of them badl}', and several of them mortally. 
She was a perfect wreck, cut to jiieces in the hull, and scarcely a 
ro})e letl standing, and had not an officer on board that was not 
either killed or wounded. The Chasseur had five men killed and 
eight wounded — Capt. Boyle among the latter, slightly. The Chas- 
seur arrived in Baltimore on the 15th of April, 1815, full of rich 
goods. On entering the port, the Chasseur saluted Fort Mcllenry 
in a handsome style, and her brave captain and crew were welcomed 
by all classes of the community. The Chasseur was a fine large 
brig, and familiarly called " The Pride of Baltimore." She was 
indeed a fine specimen of naval architecture, and perhaps the most 
beautiful vessel that had floated on the ocean. She certainly 
carried dismay and terror to her enemies. 

The Saranac of Baltimore captured and sunk a small English 
schooner, a tender to the ''74" Dragon, and also captured and sunk 
a British packet in the West Indies. British brig Polly was cap- 
tured and sent into Catliz by the privateer Amelia of Baltimore. 

The war continued about three years, and the result, as near 
as we have been able to ascertain, was a loss to Great Britain of 
about two thousand ships and vessels of every description, includ- 
ing men-of-war and merchantmen. A Northern writer, speaking 
of this period, says: — "When I call to mind the spirit and acts of 
the Baltimoreans during our last war with England, 1 am inspired 
with a feeling of esteem and veneration for them as a brave and 
patriotic people that will endure with me to the end of my 
existence. During the whole struggle against an inveterate foe, 
they did all they could to aid and strengthen the hands of the 
general government, and generally took the lead in fitting out 
efficient privateers and letters-of-marque to annoy and distress the 
enemy, and even to ' beard the old lion in his den,' for it is well 
ktiown that their privateers captured many English vessels at the 
ver}' mouths of their own ports in the British Channel. When 
their own beautiful city was attacked by a powerful fleet and army, 
how nobly did they defend themselves against the hand of the 
spoiler! The whole venom of the modern Goths seemeil concen- 
trated against the Baltimoreans, for no other reason but that they 
bad too much spirit to submit to insult and tyrannical oppression. 
Many of the eastern people made a grand mistake in counting on 
the magnanimity of the British nation to do them justice by mild 
and persuasive arguments. In making these remarks in praise of 



374 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMOEE. 

Baltimore, I do not mean to disparage the noble patriotism of 
many other cities of our glorious Union ; but I do mean to say that 
if the same spirit that fired the hearts and souls of the Baltimo- 
reans bad evinced itself throughout our entire country, it would 
have saved every American heart much pain and mortification, and 
would, in my opinion, have shortened the war." 

The whole number of privateers and private-armed ships that 
were commissioned as cruising vessels, and all others actively en- 
gaged in commerce during our war with Great Britain in the 
years 1812, 1813, and 1814, were two hundred and fifty sail. They 
belonged to the diflferent ports in the United States as follows : 

From Baltimore, 58; from New York, 55; from Salem, 40; 
from Boston, 32 ; from Philadelphia, 14 ; from Portsmouth, N. H., 
11 ; from Charleston, 10; from Marblehead, 4 ; from Bristol, R. 1., 
4; from Portland, 3 ; from Newburj^port, 2; from Norfolk, 2; from 
Newbern, N. C, 2 ; from New Orleans, 2 ; from New London, 1 ; 
from Newport, R. I., 1 ; from Providence, R. I,, 1 ; from Barn- 
stable, Mass., 1 ; from Fair Haven, Mass., 1 ; from Gloucester, 
Mass., 1 ; from Washington City, 1 ; from Wilmington, N. C, 1 ; 
from other places, belonging to Eastern ports, 3 ; Total, 250. 

Observing with great regret the neglect of j^roper provision 
for the education of poor females. Rev. John Francis Moranville, 
pastor of St. Patrick's Church, determined to establish a school to 
supply the deficiency. He organized an association of charitable 
ladies, under the name of "St. Patrick's Benevolent Society," who 
by monthly contributions supplied funds for the support of the 
school and for the I'elief of the suffering poor. This societ}^ waa 
founded in June, 1815, and the school went into operation the 
same year. At this period public schools under the State and 
city authorities had not yet been established ; nor had any of 
those admirable schools since conducted by the Sisters of Charity 
been instituted in Baltimore. St. Patrick's free school admitted 
poor children without distinction of creeds. 

Right Reverend John Carroll, D. D., was the first Bishop of 
the Roman Catholic Church in the United States, He was born 
at Upper Marlborough, Maryland, on the 8th of Januar}^, 1735. 
At the age of thirteen years he was sent to the College of St. 
Omer in French F'landers, where he remained until he was trans- 
ferred to the Jesuits' College at Liege six years afterward. He 
was ordained a Jesuit priest in 1769, became a teacher in the Col- 
lege of Liege, and in 1773, when the Jesuits were expelled from 
Fj-ance, he was obliged to abandon a professorship at Bruges, to 
which he had lately been appointed, and retire to England. He 
travelled much, and returned to his native country in 1775. He 
accompanied Dr. Franklin, Samuel Chase, and Charles Carroll of 
Carrollton on a political mission to Canada, with the view of induc- 
ing the French Canadians to join the Americans, or at least to ob- 
serve a neutrality. In the spring of the following year, and 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE, 375 

throughout the War of Independence, he was attached to the 
patriot cause. In 1786 he was appointed Vicar-Genoral of the 
Koman Catholic Chui-eli in Anierioa. In 1790 he was consecrated 
a bishop, and the tbllowing ^'oar founded the college at George- 
town. On the invitation of Congress, he delivered a eulogy 
on Washington in St. Peter's Church, Baltimore, on the 22d of 
Fehruary, 1800. In 1808 I)i-. Carroll was made archbishop, with 
four sutiVagan bishops. With every additional duty his zeal for 
his Zion seemed to increase, and he labored iiiithfnlly until his death, 
which occurred at Baltimore, on the 3d of December, 1815, when 
he was eighty j'cars of age. 

On Saturday, Januar}- 7th, Col. Michell and Lieut.-Col. Towson, 
both of the U. S. ai-tillery, partook of a splendid entertainment 
gotten up in honor of them b}' the citizens of Baltimore at Bar- 
ney's Inn. About IGO gentlemen attended, and among the invited 
guests were Major-Gen. Scott, Brig.-Gen. Strieker, Lieut.-Col. 
Arraistead, and all the principal military and naval officers in the 
citj'. Edward Johnson, Esq., Maj'or, presided, assisted b^' the 
gentlemen composing the committee of arrangements, five Demo- 
crats and five Federalists — " dli republicans." 

After the funds of the city ti-easurj' had been exhausted, indi- 
viduals advanced large sums for the ])ublic defence. But the 
banks were called ujion by the Committee of Safety, and loans were 
made, which enabled them to expend 379,000 on public account, 
and this, when assumed by the city, became the nucleus of the 
jiresent debt. In the yGuv 1816 the rate of tax was 121 cents on 
each SlOO, or one-eighth of one per centum on the amount of as- 
sessment. 

The news of peace, with the repulse of the British at New 
Orleans, was received herewith every demonstration of joy, and 
in accordance with the proclamatiim of the Mayor, all the houses 
were splendidly illuminated on the evening of the ISth of 
February. 

In accordance with the previous arrangements, the managers 
of the Washington Monument met in Howard's Park at 12 o'clock, 
on Tuesday the 4th of July, ami in presence of from 25,000 to 
30,000 of their fellow-citizens, amongst whom were a number of 
the reverend clergy, the president ami membei's of the Cincinnati 
of Mar^dand, his Excellency the Governor, 11. W. G. M. and mem- 
bers of the Grand Lodge of Maryland and the subordinate lodges 
of lialtimore, the Ma^'or and Cit}' Council of Baltimore, oiKeers 
of the army and nav}-, Major-General U. (r. Harper ami aides, and 
the 3d brigade of Maryland militia under the command of lirig- 
adier-Genei'al Sterett, they jiroceeded to ])erform the ])leasing 
duty assigned them by the Lcgislaturt; of .Maryland, of laving the 
first cornei'-stone of a monument, io be erected in the city of Bal- 
timore, to the memory* of (ieneral Washington, the ftither of the 
re])ublic. In an elevated situati(jn near the spot ])repai"ed for lay- 



376 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

ing the corner-stone, was exhibited an excellent likeness of the 
deceased hero and sage, an original portrait painted bj'' Eembrandt 
Peale ; and immediately under the picture, a correct and beautiful 
representation of the monument to be erected, as designed by Mr. 
Mills, painted by Mr. Hugh Findlej^ These were richly decorated, 
and formed altogether an appropi-iate trophy for the occasion. At the 
beginning of the ceremony, the ensignsfrom the attending volunteer 
corps displayed their flags, on which were painted the arms of the 
United States around the trophy. The ceremonies of the day 
were commenced by some national airs from a volunteer band of 
amateurs, Mr. Bnnzie leader. A salute of 39 guns, commemorative 
of the number of years which were on that day completed since 
the declaration of Independence. Washington's march by the 
band. James A. Buchanan, Esq., president of the board of managers, 
then addressed the audience. At the conclusion of the address, 
prayer was offered by the Eight Rev. Bishop Kemp. The presi- 
dent, accompanied by the board of managers, then descended to 
the place where the corner-stone was suspended, and by their sec- 
retary invited his Excellency Levin Winder, R. AV. G. Master of 
Masons, Col. J. E. Howard, president, and General S. Smith, vice- 
president of the Cincinnati, and Edward Johnson, Mayor of the 
city of Baltimore, to witness the laying of the stone. To whom 
when assembled, the president made the following address: 

" I have, gentlemen, been requested by the board of managers 
to ask your participation with them on this interesting occasion; 
and, Worshipful Sir, (addressing R. W. G. Master) to present you 
with these implements, (handing the squai-e, plumb and level) used 
by your ancient fraternity, with which you will be pleased to pi'O- 
ceed and ascertain the fitness of this stone." 

The R. W. G. Master replied : " Honorable Sir, on behalf of 
the free nnd accepted Masons of this State, I accept with pleasure 
your invitation; and it will afford us peculiar satisfaction to render 
all the assistance within our power, so that the stone may be laid 
agreeably to the ancient usages of the Order, especially as the 
object of the building to be erected is to hand down to the latest 
posterit}", the virtues and patriotism of the greatest of men ; who, 
during his valuable life, honored our Order by becoming a zealous 
and faithful member of the fraternity." His Excellency the R. \Y. G. 
Master then proceeded to tr}' the fitness of the stone ; and, addres- 
sing the President, pronounced the same "true and trusty." The 
architect, assisted by Messrs. William Steuart and Thomas Towson, 
the operative masons, under the direction of the president, placed 
the stone in its proper position. The Secretarj'- then deposited in 
the stone a copper plate, on one side of which was engraved : 

On the 4th of July, A. D. 1815, was laid this 

Foundation Stone 

Of a moniimcnl to be erected to llie memory of 

GEORGE WASHINGTON. 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 



377 



On the reverse : 

John Comegys, 
James A. Buchanan, 
Robert Gihnor, Jr., 
Isaac McKiiii, 
William H. Winder, 
Daviil Winchester, 
Field! nil Lucas, Jr., 
James Calhoun, Jr., 
James Coclie, 
John Flick, 
James Williams, 



Managers. 



Washington Hall, 
Lemuel Taylor, 
George Ilotfman, 
Edward J. Coale, 
James Partridire, 
Nicholas G. Ridgely, 
Robert Miller, 
Nathaniel F. Williams, 
Li'vi IloUingsworlh, 
William Gwynii, 
Benjamin II. Milliliin, 



James Barroll. 

Eli Simkins, Secretary. Robert Mills, Architect. 

The site presented by John Eager Howard, Esq. Edward Johnson, Mayor 
of the city. 

A sealed glass bottle was also deposited, containing a likeness of 
Washington, his valedictory address, the several newspapers printed 
in this city, and the different coins of the United States. On the 
stone was engraved — 

William Steuait and Thomas Towson, Stone Cutters; fcater Stevenson, 

Stone Mason. 

The President, accompanied by the E, W. G. Master, the Presi- 
dent and Vice-President of the Cincinnati, and the Mayor of the 
city, proceeded and settled the stone. The Grand Master then 
pronounced, "May the Grand Architect of the Universe grant a 
blessing on this foundation-stone which we have now laid, and by 
His Providence enable us to finish this and every other work which 
may be undertaken for the benefit of the rejxibiic and the perpe- 
tuity of our free institutions." The il. W. G. Master then received 
the several vessels containini; corn, wine and oil, and addressed the 
President said : "Sir, as the scattering of corn and the pouring out 
of wine and oil on such occasions are a part of our ancient ceremo- 
nies, with your assent I will ]>erf()i'm that duty." The President 
signified his assent, when the Grand Master scattered the corn and 
]H)ured out the wine and oil on the stone, saying, " ^lay the All- 
Bountiful Author of ^Nature bless this city with an abundance of 
corn, wine and oil, and with all the necessaries, conveniences and 
comforts of life; and may the same Almighty power preserve the 
city from ruin and decay, to the latest posterity." The P. W. G. 
Master, then a<ldressing the llev. John Hargrove, Grand Chajilain, 
said : " Have wo here the first and greatest light (jf >rasoiiry ?" ILo 
re))licd, " It is in my hands, Pight Worshipful." The U. W. G. 
Master asked "What instruction does it give on this occasion?" 
The Gi'and Chaplain read the following select passages from Iho 
Holy Writings : "Thus saith the fjord God, behold I lay in Zion 
for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner-stone, a 
euro foundation, &c. Judgment also will 1 lay to the lino and 



378 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

righteousness unto the plummet." (Isaiah xxviii. 16-17.) " For 
behold the stone which I have laid before Joshua; upon one stone 
Bhall be seven eyes; behold I will engrave the engraving thereof, 
saith the Lord of Hosts." (Zech. iii. 9.) " Bless ye the Lord, all 
ye servants of the Lord ; lift up your hands in the sanctuary and 
bless the Lord; the Lord that made heaven and earth bless thee 
out of Zion." (Psalm cxxxiv.) Grand honors by the Masons. 

The president then addressed Mr. Mills: "The managei's ap- 
pointed by the Legislature of Marj'land to superintend the erection 
of this monument, intended to hand down to the latest generation 
the love of country, the disinterestedness, the valor, and the patriot- 
ism of one of tbe greatest and best of men that ever lived in any 
age, having the most unbounded confidence in your skill and 
integrity as an architect, do now entrust you with these s3'inbols 
(handing the S. L. P.) b}^ which you are to prosecute according to 
that design, (pointing to a representation of the monument as de- 
signed by Mr. Mills, painted by W, II. Warren) a monument which 
may do honor to yourself as an architect, as well as those who 
have confided in you, and be in so'me degree commensurate with its 
object." Mr. Mills replied: "The honor, sir, you have been 
pleased to confer upon me, I hope to prove that I duly appreciate, 
by a faithful performance of the duties incumbent on me as an 
architect. I feel a double inducement to use my best exertions to 
execute faithfully, and with ability, the important duty intrusted to 
me, from the recollection that the work to be performed is the 
execution of a monument to perpetuate our country's gratitude to 
the Father of her Liberties, and that you have given a preference 
to native genius in the choice of a design for the w^ork." The Rev. 
Dr, Inglis then pronounced prayer and benedicion. After which 
followed music, first solemn, then national. Grand salute of 100 
guns, the band playing Yankee Doodle. The whole ceremonies of 
the day were concluded by three volleys from the whole line of 
inf:intr_y. The evening sky was beautifully bespangled b}' rockets 
thrown from Fort McHenry and the Columbian Gardens. 

Attemj)ts had been made to regulate the meetings for business 
of the merchants before, but in 1815 a more decisive plan of effect- 
ing this object was undertaken by Messrs. William Patterson, 
Robert G. Harper, Dennis A. Smith, John Oliver, Tliomas Tennant, 
Robert Smith, Henry Payson, Isaac McKim, Henry Thompson, and 
others who pui'chased the grounds fronting on Gay street, from 
Second to Lombard streets, and began building in solid brick-work 
and rougli-cast the building known as the Exchange according to a 
design of Benjamin H. Latrobe. Col. Jacob Small, carpenter. Col. 
Wm. Stewart, stone cutter, and Mr. T. Heiiuing, bricklayer, were 
the builders. A part of the grounds being the N. W. corner of Gay 
and Lombard streets, was purchase(', finished, and occupied by the 
United States as a custom-house, and the S. W. corner of Gay and 
Second streets was in like manner taken by the Bank of the United 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 379 

States, but now occupied by the Merchants' Bank. The company 
was incorporated from its origin and organized in 1821, Ilobert 
Gilmor president, William Cooke secretary. 

The Committee of Vigilance and Safety of the city of Balti- 
more, on the 1st of March, deeph* impressed with the grateful re- 
collection of the distinguished gallantry of their late fellow-citizens 
who fell nobly fighting in defence of their country on the ever- 
memorablo 12th and 13th of September, 181-4. unanimously resolved 
upon the erection of a monument to perpetuate their memories, and 
ap]-)ointed James A. Buchanan, Samuel IloUingsworth, Richard 
Frisby, Joseph Jamicson, and Henry Payson, five of their mem- 
bers, to carry into eflect the said resolution. "And that the corner- 
stone be laid on the 12th of September next, that there be then 
a grand procession, that the relatives of the deceased be invited to 
attend, and that a suitable address be delivered on the occasion." 

Agreeably to the foregoing resolution, on the 12th of September, 
a procession was formed in Great York street (now East Balti- 
more street,) which proceeded by the intended route to Monument 
square. The funeral car, surmounted by a plan of the intended 
monument as designed b}' ^Mr. Maximilian Godefroy, and executed 
by Mr. John Finley assisted by Mr. Rembrandt Peale, was drawn 
by six white horses, caparisoned and led b}' six men in military 
uniform, and guarded bj' the Independent Blues, commanded by 
Capt. Levering. On the arrival at the square, the band, under 
direction of Professors Kcninger and Bunzie, performed the 
music selected for the occasion. The Right Rev. Bishop Kemp 
then addressed the Throne of Grace in praj'er, when the corner- 
stone of the monument was laid b}^ the aix'hitect and his assistants, 
under the direction of General Smith, General Strieker, Colonel 
Armstead, and the Mayor. The book containing the names of the 
subscribers to the building of the monument, the newspapers of the 
preceding da}', gold, silver, and copper coin of the United States, 
were deposited therein, together with a plate of copper on which 
was engraved — 

September XII. 

A. D. MDCCCXV. 

In tlie XL year of Independence. 

James Madison being President of Ihe U. S. 

To tlie memory of llie brave defenders of iliis city, wbo gloriously fell in the 

Battle at North Point on the XII. September, 1814, 

And at the bombardment of Fort McIIenry on the XIII. of the same month ; 

Edward Johnson, Mayor of the City. 

Maj.-Gen. Samuel Smith, Brig.-Gen.Jolm Strieker, and Lieut.-Col. G.Armistcad 
of the U. S. Artillery, 

Laid the corner stone of this Monument of public gratitude and the 
deliverance of this city, 



380 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

Raised I5y the munificence of the citizens of Baltimore, and under the superin- 
tendence of the Committee of Vigilance and Safety. 

J. Maximilian M. Godefroy. Architect. J. 6. Neale, S. Baui5hman,and E. Hore, 
Stone-cutters. W. Attley, Stone-mason. 

The Eev. Dr. Inglis then delivered the address, after which the 
Mayor announced to Gen. Harper that the laying of the corner- 
stone was completed, when a federal salute was fired by the de- 
tachment of artillery, and the assembly was dismissed. Minute- 
guns were fired, and the bells of Chi'ist Church were rung muffled 
during the moving of the procession, and all business was suspended 
for the day. 

The following inscriptions appear on the difi'erent sides of this 
monument : 

BATTLE OF NORTH POINT, 

12th of September, A. D. 1814, and of the Independence of the United States 

the tliirty-ninth. 

BOMBARDMENT OF FORT McHENRY, 

September 13, A. D. 1814. 

John Lowry Donaldson, Adjutant, 27th Regiment. 

Gregorius Andre, Lieut. 1st Rifle Battalion. 
Levi Clagett, 3d Lieut, in Nicholson's Artillerists. 

G. Jenkins, H. G. McComas, D. Wells, 

J. Riciiardson, J. Burneston, R. K. Conksey, 

W. Alexander, G. Fallier, J. Wnllack, 

T. V. Beeston, J. Jeplison, J. C. Byrd, 

D.Howard, E Marriott, W Ways, 

J. H. Marriott of John, J. Dunn, C. Bell, 

J. Armstrong, P. Byard, J Clemm, 

M. Desk, B. Reynolds, T. Garrett, 

J. Craig, J. Gregg, J. Merriken, 

R. Neale, A. Randall, C. Cox, 

J. Evans, J. H. Cox, U. Preiser, 

J. Haubert, J. Wolf, B. Bond. 
D. Davis, 

1816. Messrs. Eichard Caton, Benjamin and James Ellicott, 
Levy Hollingsworth, and others, obtained licenses from several pro- 
prietors, and employed John Leadbetter to bore for coal in the 
neighborhood of Saratoga and North streets, but without success. 

Subscriptions to the new Bank of the United States were opened 
for a capital of twenty-eight millions, and $4,014,100 was subscribed 
here in the name of 15,610 persons, principals and proxies. A 
branch office was opened early in the next j^ear, of which James A. 
Buchanan was appointed by the parent board president, and James 
W. McCulloch cashier; and then the banks generally resumed 
Bpecie payments, which had been suspended since 1814. 

The Mayor and City Council resolved " to employ on behalf of 
the city of Baltimore, ou such terms as they may deem proper, 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. ' 381 

any artist in the I'nitccl States to execute two superb paintings, 
one of the Battle of Korth Point near Baltimore on the 12th 8ep- 
temlier. 1814, the other of the Bombardment of Fort McJlenry on 
the 13th September, 1814. The said paintings to be as nearly as 
may be of the following dimensions, viz : fifteen feet long by ten feet 
high." In addition to the paintings mentioned, the City Council 
passed a resolution requesting Maj.-Gen. Samuel Smith, Brig.-Gen. 
Stricher, and Lieut.-Col. Armistead to sit for their respective por- 
traits; also a vote of thanks to Brig.-Gen. Winder and Commo- 
dore Rogers for the important services rendered by them during 
the late attack of the cnem}' uj^oii JJaltimoi'C. 

On the 11th of Ma}', John E. Howard, Thos. Tennant, William 
Lorman, Isaac ]\rcKim, Bobcrt Gilmor, Jr., and F. Lucas, Jr., a 
committee appointed by the citizens, proceeded to Fort Mcllenry 
and pi-esented to Lieut.-Col. Armistead a superb silver punch-bowl, 
representing one of the largest bomb-shells thrown into the fort 
by the British. The vase was accompanied b}^ silver cans and 
ladle, the latter in the form of a shrapnel-shell, and the whole 
placed on a large silver tray. The same committee presented an 
elegant sword to Lieut. Webster, famous for the services he ren- 
dered at the " six-gun battery," and afterwards one to Lieut. New- 
comb of " Fort Covington." 

At the session of isit! the Legislature passed an Act to annex 
the Precincts, as the}' were called, to the city of Baltimore, against 
the consent of nine-tenths, perhaps, of the people of both, By 
this pi-ocedure the city acquired a population of 16,000 or 17,000 
souls, and still had only two members in the House of Delegates 
— a fortieth part of the power of legislation, and a fitlh. if not a 
fourth, of all the white persons in the whole State. The mere ad- 
dition thus made to Baltimore city for population or value of 
property was far greater than that of any one of seven or eight 
of the counties of the State, and equal or superior to that of two 
several pairs of united counties. But each county sent four mem- 
bers to the Legislature. 

On the decease of the Right Pev. Bishop Clagett, this year, 
Pev. Dr. James Kemp becomes Bishop of the Du)cese, and the 
6r,st liishop of the Protestant JOpiGC()i>al Church resitling in Balti- 
more. 

^lessrs. John E. Howard, William Patterson, William Gibson, 
William Lorman, Solomon J'^tting, (Jcoi-ge Warnei', Owen Dorsey, 
Geo. Winchester, .lames Moshiji-, W , Mc.Mechen, John llillen, Joseph 
Townsend, and Jlenry Thompscui are ajipointed eommissioners to 
survey :uid lay off sti'cets, lanes and alleys added to the city. 

Messrs, Jonathan Meredilli, Thomas Kell, and D, llollnian are 
appointed insolvent commissioner.s, to examine applicants and 
grant provisional relief 

Capt. George Stiles was elected Mayor of the. city. 
'•On the Itith of May, departed this life Jumes Mcllenry, one of 



382 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

the framers of the Constitution of the United States, a secretary 
to Gen. Washington in the war of Independence, and of the De- 
partment of War in 1798. On the 14th of August, at an advanced 
age, James Calhoun, first Mayor of Baltimore; and on the 7th of 
Octobei', at his residence in the county, Col. N. E. Moore, com- 
mandant of cavalry and late member of Congress. 

On the 26th of December, an elegant public entertainment was 
given to the gallant Commodore Decatur, at Barney's Fountain 
Inn, in the handsomest style of that day. General S. Smith, in the 
absence of the Mayoi", presided. Among the many toasts given, 
Com. Decatur gave the following: "The citizens of Baltimore: 
their patriotism and valor defeated the veteran forces of their 
enemy, who came, saw, and fled ! " 

The Marjdand Hospital was incorporated on the 29th of Janu- 
ary, and on February 1st, the St. Andrew's Society of Baltimore, 
and on the same day the Medical Society of Maryland. 

The following very interesting letter, giving some of the un- 
published history of the war of 1812, was written by Major-Gen- 
eral Samuel Smith, to Acting Secretary of War George Graham, 
Esq. : 

" Washington, 30th December, 1816. 
"George Graham, Esq., Acting Secretary of War: 

" I have the honor to inform you that I have deposited with the 
accountant of the War Department the accounts of the Mayor and 
corporation of the city of Baltimore, for expenditures paid by 
them, principally in 1813, viz: For repaii-s in Fort McIIenry, for 
new platforms for the guns of the water-battery, gun-carriages 
for fome of the cannon appertaining to the fort, and for the guns 
borrowed from the French Consul, for balls for the same, for 
ammunition, for erecting furnaces, for booms in front of the fort 
to prevent a surprise by night, for a small flotilla to row guard 
by night some distance in advance to give notice by signal 
of the approach of the enemy, for a seaman's corps to man 
the same and the great guns, which being mounted on ship- 
carriages and worked with tackles, could not be worked by com- 
mon artillerists, for labor in removing the earth and throwing 
up works within the precincts of Fort McHenry, for liquor to the 
persons emjoloyed, and for a variety of charges incidental to the 
pi-eparations necessary for the defence of Fort McHenrj^ ; all of 
which were made conformably to orders given by General Swift 
(chief-engineer to Major Beall, the commanding officer of that gar- 
rison), or by directions of Col. Wadsworth. 

"Those expenses were admitted by General Armstrong to be 
charges against the United States, and would have been paid by 
his order, but on the agent (James W. McCuUoch) presenting the 
papers to the accountant, they were found to be unprepared for 
Bcttlement, and were all sent back to be better arranged, except 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 383 

for the pay due the militia, which had been advanced liy the city, 
and whieli the paymaster by order of the 8eeretaiy of War re- 
funded. I rejH'at that (ienei-al Arnislroiig had ag-i-eed to pay all 
thosecharges, ami not hi ni; but the i ntbrmality of the ]>apers prevented 
the adjustment and payment of those accounts. The muster and 
paj'-rollsof the militia, which had been paid by the city.beiiii!; in pro- 
per foi-m, were presented at the same time, and the amount repaid to 
the city. Those expenditures wei-e made at my request, and under 
m}' oi-ders as Major-General commanding at Baltimore; they were 
addressed to the committee appointed by the Mayor and corpora- 
tion, because there was at that time no Quartermaster-Cxeneral at 
that port or other military officer authorized to act. Had such 
officers been appointed, all such accounts as came within their 
powers would have been paid by them, which I shall show was 
the case; when a pro fe?>i. quartermaster was appointed on my 
pressing solicitation. The following view may not be deemed un- 
necessary to a complete understanding of the subject: 

"On the 11th of .March, 1813, the Governor of Maiyland visited 
Baltimore with a view to ascertain its situation as to defence, and 
at his request I addressed him a letter. On the 12th or 13th ho 
issued a general order dii-ecting me to purchase powder, ball, &c., 
&c., to a small amount, which has been paid for by the State, and 
in which he ordered me 'to take the earliest opportunity of mak- 
ing the necessary ai-rangemcnts of the militia for the defence of 
the port of Baltimore.' In consequence of this order I commenced 
immediately to make the necessary preparations to repel the 
enemy in case of an attack. My letter-book, which I submit to 
your perusal, will show you copies of Gov. Winder's orders, l)y cor- 
respondence between the Hecretary of War and Navy departments 
and myself, by which you will see that my command was by them 
fully acknowledged, both of those gentlemen having directed 
the officers under their command to co-operate with me, which 
Older was obeyed by Major Beall of the land troops, and Captain 
Gordon of the navy. General Ai-mstrong's letter of 15th of May, 
1813, admits that 1 was in full command, and therefore my right 
to do what was necessary is fully admitted. At my solicitations, 
Mr. James W. McCulloch was appointed in April, 1813, as acting 
Deputy-C^uartermaster-General, and in that capacity was directed 
by (Jcneral Armstrong to obey my orders; that he did so, will be 
Been by his letter to me, by my order to him of 27lh April, 1813, and 
by his accounts herewith settled at the War l)ei)artment ; my or- 
ders being his oidy vouchers. I state those facts to show that I 
acted, was obeyed, aiuJ recognized as in lull command, and there- 
fore fully authorized to make every neccsHary prejtaralion for (ho 
dffence of the port where I commanded. ('oIomcI Wadsworth. 
then at the head of the Ordnance Department, was sent as engi- 
neer to direct any new works that might bo deemed necessary. 
lie directed a very extensive work to protect the gate, and caused 



384 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

Fort Covington to be erected ; and on bis first arrival be promised 
(tbe enemy tben in sigbt) tbat tbe gun-carriages and ball for tbe 
French guns sbonld be paid for as well as those for tbe guns be- 
longing to tbe fort ; however, after the enemy bad gone, be de- 
clined taking that responsibility on himself, and refei-red to the 
Secretary of War, who assured me tbat they should be paid for. 
The guns are still mounted, and the balls are still in the fort, ex- 
cept those expended in practising and in resisting tbe bomb-vessels 
when the attack was made upon the fort. Seven of those balls 
pierced one of them, and compelled her to take a safe distance ; 
indeed, I may attribute tbe preservation of the fort to those French 
guns and balls. Tbe enemy knew they were mounted, and knew 
they carried balls of 41 lbs. weight, and that furnaces bad been 
prepared to make them red hot. 

"When I assumed tbe command I visited Fort McHenry. I 
found that one of tbe platforms was rotten ; tbat the water bat- 
tery was totally destroyed ; that the ground between tbe fort and 
the water was in its natural state, affording a good cover to an at- 
tacking enemy ; that some of the carriages within the fort on the 
battery were unfit for service; tbat there were no furnaces; in fine, 
tbat the fort was not in a condition to repel a serious attack. On 
my representation to the Secretary of War, Col. Swift was sent to 
Baltimore. Hegave us but one day, but during that day he sketched 
directions to Major Eeall, which were highly approved of by me, 
and were executed under the Major's superintendence ; but much of 
the expense was paid for b}' the city. Those orders directed an 
extensive line of water battcrj-, which made it necessary to remove 
an immense quantity of earth, to lay a long line of platforms for 
tbe guns, on which 1 caused to be mounted the French guns, bor- 
rowed from tbe Consul. On tbe approach of tbe enemy, I caused 
bulks to be ballasted, prepared and moored head and stern, to be 
sunk if necessary to prevent the enemy from passing the fort. 
Tbey were not sunk, but their preparation, removal, and injuiy sus- 
tained, was paid for by tbe city, and is certainly a just charge 
against the Lhiited States. One of the charges is for flints, powder 
and ball, and the nvaking of cartridges. This was absolutely neces- 
sary. There was no public supply ; a small quantity only had been 
deposited at the fort, and I had no other means of providing am- 
munition but through the aid of tbe city. Care was taken to pre- 
serve the carti'idges, and they were used at Bladensbui-g and at 
North Point. Entrenching tools were indispensable, and were in 
part supplied by tbe city, and part from the public stores. It is 
proper lor me to state, that in the year 1813, in which tbe great 
amount of expenses were incuried, there was no work to which 
the city aided (out of Fort McIIenry) except a small work for six 
guns which was thrown up b}^ tbe brick-makers without charge, 
and that there cannot be a charge to any great amount on that ac- 
count. That battery destroyed one of the enemy's barges in their 
night attack and compelled them to retreat. 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 385 

" 1 bei; leave to refer 3'ou to Goiienil Armstroni^'s letter of 22cl 
of April, 1813, in which he informed mo that he appointed Mr. 
MeCulloch de|)ut3' Quartermaster-General, and in which he says: 
' Tliat the committee of public su]'plies had rendered all the ser- 
vices that he could have obtained i'rom a more early appointment 
of a quartermaster, and that he will of course direct him to pay all 
the expenditures made by them, which may come within the pur- 
view of his duty,' thus recoi^nising the essential services of the 
committee, and authorising tlie payment of such expenses paid by 
them as came within the quartermaster's department, some of 
which were paid by Mr. MeCulloch. llv imjilicitl}' admitted thereby 
that other fair charges on other departments would be paid, and 
that such was his intention is evident fi'om his requesting me to 
desire the Mayor to send forward the accounts for adjustment. ' I 
repeat that these not being paid was owing to their informality. 
The committee were not well informed as to what items did come 
under the purview of the Quartermaster's authority, and only pre- 
sented a ])art. The same principle expressed b}- the Secretary as 
good i-eason for pajing the items coming under the power of the 
D. Q. M. Ci., is equally a))[)licable to the payment of ordnance 
stores, employment of hulks, and for powder, lead, &c., &c., to wit: 
'That the committee have rendered all the services that could 
have been rendered by officers properly authorized.' Had the 
proper otficers been api)ointed in 1813 as was in 1814, all or nearly 
all the expenditures made and paid by the committee would have 
been paid b}- them, and certainly not with more economy. Gen- 
eral Armstrong writes, 3d April, 1813: 'You are making your- 
selves ready comparatively with little expense to the United States, 
and will no doubt be prepared to meet the enemy.' In that letter he 
complains of a want of money. The committee supplied that want. 

" In fine, I feel confident that on a perusal of my correspondence 
with the Secretaries of War and Navj-, you will have no doubt that 
I was acting with their full concurrence, and that the committee 
under my orders as comman>ling genei-al acted as the otfiicers of 
Quartei'master and Commissary of Purchases Avould have done 
had iiwy been then a|)pointed. That all they did was economically 
done cannot be doubted, and of this fact I can assure you, that the 
work done and prcpai'atioii made in 1813 was the cause of its pre- 
servation when attacked in 1814, and that the preparations made 
in 1813 enabled us to meet the enemy when he attacked us by land 
in 1814. The citj* was saved by the preparations of 1813, and I can- 
not doubt but the debt then contracted by the city will be honor- 
ably discharged by a settlement at tin; War Department. I have 
the lionor to be 

'" Your (obedient servant, SAMUEfi Sautii. 

"P. S.— It may be proper to state that in April, 1813, A<lmiral 
Cockburn appeared off the mouth of the Patapsco, and threatened 
25 



386 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

an attack on Fort McHenry. He sent a flag under a pretext of 
sending a letter to the Secretary of State, but in truth to get a 
view of the fort and to sound the river. The flag was met at the 
distance of four miles by ray aide-de-camp, and detained by Capt. 
Chayter, who commanded one of the flotilla barges at that distance, 
until my answer retui-ned. He asked whether we had mounted 
the guns of the French 74, and was answered that we had mounted 
the heaviest : and this information it was afterwards said in the 
fleet prevented an attempt being then made. In August, 1813. on 
Admiral Harvey appearing at a landing at Kent Island, 1 was 
called into the service of the United States by General Armstrong 
whilst in Baltimore on his way to the North, and on the 26th of 
August, 1814, I was ordered into service as M. G. of the Quota." 

On the 19th of June an ordinance was passed by the Mayor and 
City Council, granting permission to the Gas Light Company of 
Baltimore to more effectually light the streets of Baltimore. The 
Company obtained their charter on the 5th of February, 1817. 
The original corporators were Rembrandt Peale, William Lorman, 
James Mosher, Robert Carey Long, and William Gw3'nn, Mr. 
Gwj-nn was then editor of the old Baltimore Gazette, and aided 
largely by his pen in writing the infant project into public favor. 
The first building in this city lighted with gas was Peale's Museum 
on HoUiday street, (now Old C^ty Hall.) This was Mr. Peale's in- 
dividual enterprise, and visitors paid a small fee to see the new 
light. The experiment suggested the idea of lighting the city by 
the same means, and a charter was accordingly obtained from the 
Legislature, one hundred shares being set apart at the time to be 
assigned to Rembrandt Peale as a compensation in full for the 
privilege of using the invention of Doctor Benjamin Kugler of 
Philadelphia, for manufacturing, collecting, and using carburetted 
hj^lrogen gas. The Compan}^ got fairly under way about 1820, 
rts first president being William Lorman, The gas-works were 
located at the corner of North and Saratoga streets, and the 
first public building lighted with gas by the Company was 
the old "Mud" or "Belvedere" Tlieatre, at the north-west 
corner of North and Saratoga streets. The first private 
dwelling lighted with gas was that of the late Jacob J. Cohen 
on North Charles street; the second, that of the late Hugh 
Birckhcad, in the same street. From thist time the consumption of 
gas steadily increased, until, instead of the three original takers in 
1820, there were, in 1870, 15,301 consumers of gas in the city. 
Besides this, the Company also supplies 3400 city-lamps for light- 
ing the streets. 

1817. On the 11th of February, the Hibernian Society of Balti- 
more was incorporated, and on the IGth of February the Second 
Dispensary was incorporated by the Legislature. 

At thi-s period, Sunday-schools were organized b}^ the religious 
societies generally, and the members of the Catholic Church es- 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE, 387 

tablisbed a free school for both sexes, which was forthwith incor- 
porated. Mr. John ^[cKini, deceased this year, had requested his 
heirs to appropriate six hundred dolhirs of ground rents per annum 
for the support of a free school under the direction of the Friends' 
Society. This institution, founded b\' John McKini and supported 
by his endowment, now occupies the beautiful structure erected by 
his son Isaac McKim, at the corner of Baltimore and Aisquith 
streets. It is built in imitation of the temple of Theseus at Athens. 

On the 5th of Mai'ch, at niijht, the wing occupied by the crimi- 
nals in the penitentiary, containing about 300, was set on fire and 
nearly consumed, but no lives Avere lost. 

At a meeting of sundry persons convened at the house of Henry 
Paj'son, Esq., on the 10th day of February, 1817, for the purpose 
of taking into consideration the expediency of forming a religious 
society, and of building a new church for the accommodation of 
Christians who are Unitarians, and who cherish liberal sentiments 
on the subject of religion, Henry Payson was called to the chair, 
and Nathanacl Williams appointed secretary. The object of the 
meeting having been stated and discussed, it was unanimously re- 
solved, that it was expedient and desirable to form a society for the 
purposes aforesaid ; and a plan or constitution of government being 
proposed, as provided by an Act of the General Assembly of Mary- 
land, entitled " An Act to incorporate certain persons in every 
Christian Church or congregation in this State," the same was 
debated and adopted. From this assembly of gentlemen, most of 
them originally from New England, the First Independent or Uni- 
tarian Church of Baltimore took its origin. A lot on the north- 
west corner of Charles and Frank'lin streets was shortly afterward 
purchased, and Maximilian Godefroy, a distinguished architect 
of the da}', was emploj'cd to design and build a church. The 
corner-stone of the present noble edifice was accordingly laid with 
due ceremony on June 5th, 1817, and the building having been 
sufficiently advanced for public worship, it was solemnly dedicated 
to the service of Almighty God on the 29th of October, 1818. On 
November 1st of the same year, the first Sunday services were 
held in it; the Rev. Mr. Colman olfieiating in the morning, and 
the Rev. Dr. Freeman in the evening. The Rev. Jared Sparks of 
Cambridge, Mass., was engaged to preach for some weeks, and on 
the 31st of January, 1819, he was unanimously called to the pastor- 
ate of the church. He accepted the invitation, and was ordained 
accordingly on May 5lh. The sermon on this occasion waspreaehcd 
by the Celebrated J)r. William I'^llery Cbanning of Boston, Mass., 
the most distinguished champion of the Unitarian faith, and it was 
regarded as one of the most powerful effoi'ts of his life. Mr. 
S})arks was a man of much ability as a writer aiul thinker, and 
greatly beloved for his fine social (jualities. During his niiriistiy ho 
entered into a controversy with Rev. Dr. VVni. E. VVyattof St. Paul's 
Church, who had warndy attacked the principles of the Unitarian 



388 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

faith ; and Mr. Sparks replied in a series of articles defending Uni- 
tarianism with signal skill. His pastorate lasted until July, 1823, 
when he i-esigned his charge, partly on account of ill health and a 
desire of change of pursuits. He left the ministr}' altogether, al- 
though he always remained a Unitarian, and henceforth devoted 
himself to literary lahors. He became widely-known as one of the 
foremost of American historians by his " Life and Letters of George 
Washington," "Life and Letters of Franklin," and "Correspon- 
dence of the Revolution." He was editor of the North American 
Review and of " S])arks' American Biography," for three years Pro- 
fessor of History in Harvard Universit}^, and became also its presi- 
dent. He died universally respected and beloved on March 14th, 
1866, in the seventy-seventh year of his age. He retained always 
an affectionate interest in the city and people of Baltimore. "The 
amount of Mr. Sparks' literary labor and its popular estimation, 
may be judged from the fact that more than six hundred thousand 
volumes of his various publications have been published and dis- 
posed of." 

After the letirement of Mr. Sparks the church struggled on 
for some years without a settled minister, various clei'gynien sup- 
plying the pulpit from time to time until April 23, 1828, when the 
Rev. George W. Burnap, who had for nearly a j^ear previous been 
preaching in the church, was ordained as its pastor. Mr. Burnap 
was a young man Avhen he entered on his ministry, and he con- 
tinued to be the devoted and zealous shepherd of his flock for a 
period of near thirty-two years. During this period he became 
widely known as a writer in controversial theology, and also pub- 
lished a number of volumes, such as " Lectures to Young Men," 
"Lectures to Young Women," &c., &c., which gave him a deserved 
and handsome reputation in literature. He was universally be- 
loved for his pure and unselfish character, and was on terms of 
cordial I'riendship with many of the orthodox clergy in Baltimore. 
During the latter part of his ministry some persons seceded froin 
the church, and established another congregation under charge of 

Rev. Bowcn, preaching at the old Masonic Hall. Mr. 

Bowcn continued the pastor of this second society until some time 
after the outbreak of the Rebellion, when he entered the Federal 
army as chaplain. Dr. Burnap died suddenly on September 8th, 
1859, to the great grief of his congregation. 

The Rev. N. H. Chamberlain, of Canton, Mass., was elected 
to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Dr. Burnap, and 
he was duly installed on March 28th, 1860. About a year after 
he was settled the Civil War broke out, and a number of per- 
sons left the church on account of politics. Mr. Chamber- 
lain continued in charge until January 1st, 1863, when he resigned 
the pastorate, chiefly on account of a change in his religious views. 
His resignation was accepted, and he subsequently united himself 
to the Episcopal Church, and was ordained to its ministry. Dur- 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 389 

ing Mr. Chamberlain's ministry the Unitarian Church was injured 
by a fire, burning a number of the pews, &c., caused by a defect in 
the furnace. 

The licv. John F. W. Ware, of Cambridge, Mass., was invited 
on January 12, 1864, to become the pastor of the cliui-cli, and ac- 
cepting the call, he, without any formal installation, began duty 
on May 15, 1864. He was a forcible and able ])uli)it orator, but 
becoming dissatisfied with his situation, he resigned his charge on 
June 29, 1867. He contin'ued for some time, however, to j^reaeh 
elsewhere in the cit}'. and his Sunday evening discourses at Ford's 
Opera House attracted much attention. After Mr. Ware's depar- 
ture there was another interregnum for some time in the affairs of 
the ciiurch. various ministers conducting the services, and among 
them the Rev. Orville Dewey, D.D. A choice was at length made 
of the Rev. Edward C. Guild, of Boston, Mass., who entered upon 
his duties on September 19, 1869. He continued in charge until 
Ma}- 27, 1872, when, greatly to the regret of his flock, lie sent in 
his resignation, remaining, however, as the pastor until September 
1st. The Rev. Charles R. Weld, B, D., who had just gi-aduated at 
the Divinity School of Cambridge, Mass., was invited to become 
the minister in place of Mr. Guild on October 27, 1872. He ac- 
cepted the position thus tendered, and was accordingly ordained 
as the pastor of the church on Thursday, January 2d, 1873. Mr. 
Weld is a descendant of the celebrated Dr. Jonathan Edwards, of 
Korthampton, Mass., the famous orthodox divine. Mr. AVeld 
brings to his charge the finest mental accomplishments, while his 
puljiit oratory is remarkable for depth of thought and fascination 
of stjde. Under his ministiy the congregation has already largely 
inci-eased, and the affairs of the church arc more prosperous than 
ever before. 

A society was formed in aid of the Colonization Society, which 
was established at Washington, to procure the voluntary trans- 
])ortation of free blacks to the coast of Africa. Col. Howard, who 
was vice-president of the parent society, was chosen president of 
this one. Luke Tiernan, treasurer, and Edward J. Coale, secretary. 

On the 18th of June departed this life at Georgotown, aged 70 
years, the Most Rev. Leonard Neale, second Archbisho]) of Balti- 
more ; and was succeeded by the Rev. Ambrose Mareschal, who 
was consecrated on the 14th of December of the following year. 
Bislio]) Nealc was distinguished for sound judgment, profound li'arn- 
ing, heroic zeal, and unafi'ecteil humiliiy. He was boi-n at Port 
Tobacco, in the Province of Maryland, on the 15th of October, 1716, 
of wealthy and respectable ])arents, whose ancestors emigrated to 
this country with Ijord Baltim(jre, in tiie year 1632, from Ireland. 

On Friday night, the Sth of August, the rain descended with 
exceeding violence. It was almost an incessant and inci-easing 
torrent or delug(! of water, until al)out 1 o'clock V. M. on Satur- 
day. By this time Jones Falls, which runs through the city of 



390 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

Baltimore, and divides that part familiarly called "Old Town" from 
the rest, had swelled tQ a great height. This stream is about 14 
miles long, with a very rapid descent; passes through a hilly 
country, and affords, perhaps, more mill-seats than almost any creek 
of its length in the United States; neai'ly all of which are very 
highly impi'oved. In general, it may be at an}' point forded without 
reaching above a horse's knee, and within the compact parts of 
the city is contined by stone-walls built on piles, by houses on its 
banks, or wharved to a space of 60 feet wide above Baltimore 
Street bridge, but of some greater width below to the basin. At 
1 o'clock the wooden bridge at Centre street (the highest on the 
stream witlun the newly extended limits of the city-limits) was 
lifted from its abutments and happily deposited in a garden below. 
Many of the mill-dams above had, by this time, been sw^ept away, 
and their accumulated waters Avere added to the torrent. The 
next bridge, at Bath street, also of wood, shared the fate of 
the former, but passed in an undivided body down the stream and 
lodged against the stone bridge at Gay street. Here it instantly 
collected an immense mass of floating timber, parts of houses, &c., 
and formed a complete dam. The water then spread over the low 
grounds west of the Falls, and impetuously passed down Fish street 
(now Saratoga) to Harrison and Frederick streets, — that part of 
the city called the "Meadow" being overflowed to the depth of 
10 to 15 feet. The greatest force of the torrent in this part fell 
against the brick bouses near the intersection of the south side of 
Gay with Frederick and Harrison streets, and especially in the 
latter, where some frame buildings were in a moment swept off, 
and those of brick hardly resisted the force of the stream, their 
foundations being near rooted up. Harrison is a very Avide street, 
extending northwardly from what is called the " Market Space," 
or place where the principal market-house of the city is located, 
and afforded v^nt for an immense quantity of water, in many 
places more than six feet deep, and of such power at the head of 
the market-house as to render it unsafe for man or horse to cross 
it, — though, except for about half an hour, when the flood was at 
its greatest height, it was forded by carts loaded with peojile; but 
a coach, in attempting it, was swept ofi' and lodged against the posts 
at the market, the horses very narrowly escaping. Market Street 
bridge, built of stone and not being dammed as that at Gay street, 
was protected by the diversion that the damming of the latter 
caused, stood the current which passed under it with the rapidity 
of an arrow. Before this, the two light foot-bridges between 
Market and George Streets (now Lombard Street) bridges, had 
given way, — and George Street bridge of wood, old, and designed 
to have been speedily supplied by one of stone, soon shared the 
same fate; it lodo;ed crosswise a<>;ainst the stone brid<j;e at Pratt 
street, and soon formed another complete dam. The water then 
took an additional rise, but rather momentary, of about three feet 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 391 

in less than threo-qiuvrters of a mimite; and a large quantity of 
])ro|)erty, until then but partially iiijured, was sacrificed. This was 
the lowest bridge on the Falls, and the water, after passing it, 
spread over the low grounds in its course to the basin, and did l)ut 
little comparative damage. Of all the bridges on the Falls, that 
at Market street ordy escaped uninjured. Those at Gay and Pratt 
Htreets were so much injured that they could only be passed on 
foot in safety, and were required to be rebuilt, — one arch of each. 

It is utterly- impossible to embody on paper the scene that this 
deluge presented. Hou.ses, horses, cattle, with many swine, carts, 
drays, and other carriages, with perhaps thousands of cords of 
wood, and immense quantities of heavy timber of all sorts and de- 
scriptions, and some entire tree^s, with a multitude of articles of 
household furniture and mechanical industry, hogsheads and barrels 
of whiskey*, flour, etc., Ac, and, on two or three occasions, human 
beings, were seen mingled in tiemcndous confusion, dashing against 
each other, and impelled with irresistible force. Women and 
children in the u])per stories of their houses were sending forth 
their shrieks, and calling for assistance from their frail fiiUow-men 
gallantly risking their lives to rescue them, but without much suc- 
cess until after the floo<l was at its greatest height, which was 
about three o'clock. When we recollect the awful force of the 
water, and mea.sure the de))th that it had, we ai'e humbled with a 
sense of gratitude that so few persons w^ere lost — not exceeding six 
in the whole. There wa.s much doubt and considerable dispute 
whetlier this freshet wa.s so great as that suffered in 1786. '' Wo 
of ourselves kmtw nothing of the latter, but from all that we 
can hear, are inclined to believe that a greater quantity of water 
came down then than on Saturday last, but that this freshet was 
higher in several places (owing to the encroachments upon the 
water-course and other obstructions of the stream) by 3i or 4 feet 
than the former ; but, possibly, lower in others, more immediately 
on the banks of the Falls." 

On Mondaj', July 2vSth, "The First Mechanical Volunteers," 
one of the companies attached to the fifth regiment, erected on the 
spot where the advanced i)arty under Major Heath was engaged 
with the British foi-ces on the battle-field at North Point, a mon- 
un\ent to the memory of Aquilla Randall, one of the members who 
fell in that engagement. The conipan}', headed by their comman- 
der Capt. B. C. llowai'd, marched fi'om the city at an early hour, 
and were joined on the ground at 11 o'clock by (^ol. Heath, Lieut.- 
< 'ol. Bai-ry, Major Steuart, and several other oflicei's of the regi- 
ment. The cej'emony of putting uj) the monument was then com- 
menced, and in a veiy Hh(;rt lime completed under the dire<'tion of 
Mr. Towson, Lieut, of the company. Having comjdeted the ne- 
cessary labors of the undeilaking, the comjiany was then drawn 
up in front of the monument ; the ofiicers of the regiment attend- 
ing by invitation were posted in front of the company, and Cap- 



392 CHEONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

tain IIoAvard delivered u modest but impressive address. After 
fii'ingtliree volleys over tlie monument, the company was dismissed 
to partake of a handsome collation. 

On the 12th of October, Andrew Clemments, an industrious 
French farmer, at the north extremity of Gay sti'eet, was killed by 
another Frenchman, Jean Lemarde, in his employ, on the way fi'ora 
market, and his body was concealed in the garden. On November 
21st, Lemarde was convicted, and on November 23d he attempted 
suicide by opening a vein in his arm. On the 9th of Di-cember, 
after his sentence to death, he hanged himself in his cell l)y mak- 
ing a rope of his shirt. He left the following writing : " A Chinese 
condemned to death by a special court, it is to his honor to be his 
own executioner. That which is virtue with one nation is vice 
with another. The sun enliglitens all. What were you before you 
existed ? Nothing. What will you be when you cease to exist ? 
Nothing. So ends Jean Lemarde, aged 47 years, nine months and 
nine days. Died victim." 

At the anniversaries of the battle of North Point and of the 
bombardment of Foit McIIenry, the companies which had assisted 
in the defence of Fort McHenry visited that now xevy res])ectable 
fortress, where they partook of a splendid i-epast in the presence 
of Commodore JRogers and Lieutenant-Colonel Armistead. The 
happy occasion was embraced to present to the gallant Commodore 
Rogers a rich service of plate, prepared for him by the citizens of 
Baltimore, in testimony of his services at the time of need. 

The powder mills belonging to Messrs. Levering and others, 
about seven miles from Baltimore, blew up on October 4th, with 
terrible effect. There Avere three explosions in succession, by which 
four men were killed and several badly wounded. 

On the 29th of September, Messrs. Richard Caton, Isaac Mc- 
Kim, and John Hoffman, on the part of a number of citizens, 
presented to Commodore Stephen Decatur, then in the city of 
Washington, a splendid service of plate, as a testimonial of their 
respect lor his private virtues, and gratitude for his distinguished 
public services. 

Died on Friday morning, the 24th of October, Col. Nathaniel 
Ramsay of Baltimore, who in the Revolutionary war distinguislied 
himself as a brave, meritorious, and humane officer. ]Ie was loved 
and esteemed by all the army, particularly^ by the great, good and 
discerning man, General Washington. At the battle of Monmouth, 
when our army was pressed by the enemy advancing rapidly. Gen. 
Washington asked tor an officer. Col. Ramsaj^ presented himself; 
the General took him by the hand and said, " If you can stop the 
British ten minutes (till I form) you will save my arm3^" Col. 
Ramsay answered, "I will stop them or fall." He advanced Avith 
his party, engaged and kept them in check for half an hour, nor 
did he retreat until the enemy and his ti'oops wei'e mingled; and 
at last, in the rear of his troops, fighting his way, sword in hand, 
fell pierced with many wounds, in sight of both armies. 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 393 

The different Marine Insurance Companies determined to have 
the shoals of the river sounded, and buoys fixed to be a i^iiide to 
the sliippinir, Avhioh was undertaken by Capt. Lewis Brantz, and 
the corporation caused the soundings to be carried throughout the 
harbor. But the General Government afterwards assumed tho 
charge of the buoys, and in 1820 erected a light-house at tho 
BodUin, and another at North Point. 

1818. Departed this life on Saturday the 25th of Ai)ril, Lieut.- 
Colonel George Armistead, of the United States arnw, the defender 
of Fort Mclienry on the memorable 13th September, 1814, in 
the o9th year of his age, and was consigned to the tomb on Sun- 
day, with cver^- respect that a grateful people could bestow. Dur- 
ing the solemnities of the occasion, a detachment of the .1st regi- 
ment of artillerists of the 3d brigade fired minute guns from 
Federal Hill. The procession was the largest ever witnessed in 
this city on a similar occasion. 

The eastern mail was robbed a few hours after it left the city, 
on the night of the 11th of March, and Ilaro and Alexander were 
convicted of the deed in the United States Court, and having put 
the driver in jeopardy of his life, were hung in the jail yard, on 
Thursday the 10th of September. On this occasion, tho mode of 
execution from a cart was changed to a drop or scattold, with a 
trap door, and so continued in later executions. 

"The Savings Bank" was incorporated, conducted by twenty- 
four managers, of whom Captain Daniel Ilowhuid was chosen 
president. 

Joshua Barney was born in Baltimore, Maryland, on the Gth of 
Jul}', 1759. He went to sea when a small boy, and at the age of 
fourteen years was second mate of a vessel, and at sixteen was 
commander. After many adventures abroad, lie arrived in the 
Chesapeake in October, 1775. The following June ho was ap- 
pointed a lieutenant in the United States nav^', and was tho first 
to unfurl the American flag in Maryland. He was a very active 
officer during the whole war. He brought the first news of i)eaco 
with Great Britain on the 12th of March, 1783. Continuin«r in 
service, he was one of the six commanders appointed under the 
Act of 1793, but he declined the honor. He went to France with 
Monroe, and was the bearer of the American flag to the National 
Convention. He entered the French sei'vice in command of two 
frigates. He resigned his French commission in 1802, and re- 
turned home. He again entered the naval service of the United 
States in 1812, and distinguished himself during tho war that 
ensued. He died of bilious fever at Pittsburg on tiie 1st of De- 
cember, 1818, at the age of fifty-nine years and six montiis. 

A most destructive fire lia|)pened in Baltimore on Tliursday, 
the 22d of Octol)or. It was discovered in one end of the old 
tobacco inspection warehouse on Pliilpot and Queen streets (now 
Pratt), Fell's Point. Owing to a very strong northwest wind 



394 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMOEE, 

at tlie time, the conflagration soon increased, and sjjread very 
rapidly to the east and south, and in a short period a number of 
warehouses were in flames, includini^ two frame dwellino-s occupied 
by Messrs. James Morrison and John Robinson, also three other 
frame dwellings and a bloekmaker's and ship-Joiners's shop. 
The fire then extended to the opposite side of the street, and 
burnt three brick dwellings occupied by Messrs. Samuel Ken- 
iiard, Joseph Coleman, and George Wagner. Six of the frame 
and two of the brick houses belonged to Wm. Patterson. 

The loading of tobacco in the rivers being almost wholly dis- 
continued, the quantity brought to Baltimore was greatly in- 
creased, and a market continually open through intermediary 
dealers.^ Messrs. Amos and G-eorge Williams obtained a license to 
erect an inspection warehouse on O'Donneli's wharf The next 
year the public warehouse at the Point was accidentally burned 
down, and in 1820 Mr. Moses Shej^herd had another warehouse 
licensed for him on Light street wharf, when the warehouses of 
Messrs. O'Doiinell und Williams were united under one inspec- 
tion. The year after Messrs. Samuel P. Smith and Christopher 
Hughes obtained licenses to erect a warehouse each on or near 
Light street wharf, the first of which was built accordingly ; and 
two years after Mr. William Patterson obtained another license for 
a "Warehouse on his wharf near Commerce street. 

The number of public carriages licensed and in use at this time 
was of hackney-coaches 100, of carts 350, drays 200, and of scows 
or lighters about 20. 

1819. In the summers of 1819 and 1821, the city of Baltimore 
was visited by that dreadful scourge yellow fever. Its ravages were 
principally confined to that section of Baltimore called Fell's Point. 
The utmost eff'ort of medical skill was unable to arrest its pro- 
gress. The young and vigorous, as well as the aged and infirm, 
were alike victims of the fatal malad}". Business was in a great 
measure suspended. Most of those w^hose means enabled them to 
remove from the " infected district," as it was designated, sought 
refuge in the countrj', or in distant parts of the city. The })oor 
and sick were almost the only inhabitants of a portion of the city 
that had been distinguished for its active enterprise and the thrifty 
indiietiy of its population. Want of employment deprived many 
families of that support which willing industry had never failed to 
provide. The utmost efforts of the well were required through- 
out the day and night in attending the sick. Here a father of a 
family was nursed by a devoted wife, whose little ones required all 
her care: there a wife was indebted to a hardy and athletic hus- 
band, who would have toiled with pleasure during the long summer- 
day for his loved ones, but was sadly deficient in the gentle blan- 
dishments of a nurse. Sometimes both were stricken down, and 
the care of parents devolved upon inexperienced childhood. Often 
the sad scene was varied by death, and the sick survivors saw the 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE 395 

objects most dear to them on earth borne to the silent grave with- 
out bein<; able to pay the last sacred rites to parent, child, or 
cherished partner. The physicians, with the lofty intrepidity of 
their profession, exhausted their skill and their strcn<;th in assidu- 
ous attention to the sufferers, seconded by some few generous spirits 
who dared to be nurses in tlie midst of pestilence. Death struck 
down some of the physicians, and the streets became more deserted 
and the suiferers more desolate. The destitute condition of the 
suiferers awakened the warm sympathy of their more favored 
fellow-citizens, and Baltimore, ever distinguished for its generous 
impulses, made provision for the sick in the Maryland Hospital, 
and estai>lished an encanijnnent on the hills on the north-eastern 
side of the city, to which the poor were removed and were j)rovided 
with provisions at the public expense. In the same tents, and on the 
very spot where they ha<l encamped a few years before in military 
array, many of the inhabitants of Fell's Point now found refuge 
from an enemy far more di-eaded than "an army with banners." 
And the beauteous spectacle was exhibited of citizens the most 
distinguished for virtue, talents and wealth, devoting their utmost 
energies to alleviate the sorrows of those who were houseless and 
penniless. Among the survivors the effects were visible long after 
the epidemic had ceased. As winter approached, widowed mothci-s 
and orphan children occupied the places of once cheerful and happy 
families. Men Avho had been accustomed to earn a comfortable 
subsistence for themselves and families by their industry, were now 
to be seen with enfeebled constitutions and broken spiiits mourning 
the loss of the wife of their bosom, or of children who had been 
their comfort. AVith some, want of emjiloj-ment, with others, in- 
ability to work, made assistance from the benevolent necessary. 
The distresses of the citizens were greatly increased by the failure 
of the " Cit}' Bank," and mismanagement of the office of the United 
States and other banks, accompanied by the tall in the ])rice of 
flour and tobacco in foreign markets, affecting the prices of all kinds 
of property here. 

After several previous unsuccessful attempts to organize, in the 
city of Baltimore, an association for the promotion of science, in 
the year 1819 a few gentlemen formed a society, which met in a 
huml)le room over a stable, in the rear of the houses on the north- 
Avest corner of Lexington and St. Paul streets. Amongst its mem- 
bers were i'lobert Giimor and Drs. Ducatel, Frick, George Wil- 
liamson and Macauhiy. Notwithstanding the zeal of its mem- 
bers, the society was very short-lived. Its funds, however, were 
carefully husbanded; and s\d)s('4ucntly, amounting to over $1200, 
they were given to the Academy which was formed in 1822. This 
was the first successful attemjjt to establish a scientific institution. 
Dr. L. II. Gerardin, a distinguished French savant, wiio was also 
Principal of Baltimore College, was chosen as the first president. 
lie died in the year 1825. During his presidency, the Academy 



396 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

met at Baltimore Colleo;e, and subsequently over the Post-office, at 
the north-east corner of Fayette and North streets. On the 16th 
of FebiHiary. 1826, the members were incorporated, under the name 
of the " Maryland Academy of Science and Literature." After this, 
the Academy removed to the Athenffium, at the south-west corner 
of Lexington and St. Paul streets. Here the collections were greatly 
inci"eased, a valuable museum was formed, and the members were 
active and zealous, till the 7th of February, 1835, when the build- 
ing, and with it the greater part of the library and collections of 
the Acadeni}', were destroyed by fire (see fire 1835). After this, 
the Academy became almost e.xtinct. There are still living three 
venerable gentlemen who, fifty years ago, were members of this 
society; viz., Philip T. Tyson, Josias Pennington and Gr00i*ge W. 
Andrews. In 1836 the Academy was again revived, and the 
meetings were held over the Post-office, "in its old room. Dr. 
Patrick Macaulay was chosen president. In 1837 was published 
the first and only volume of the "Transactions of the Maryland 
Academy of Science and Literature." After a short and languish- 
ing existence of about 8 years, the Academy was dissolved in 1844, 
and its books and collections were distributed amongst its members. 
After 1844, unless we except the Geological and Phrenological So- 
cieties, nothing was attempted in Baltimore for the cultivation of 
science. Both these associations were very short-lived. On the 
7th May, 1855, the Maryland Historical Society established a 
" Committee on Natural History." This Committee met at the 
rooms of the Historical Society every fortnight, until the close of 
the year 1862. On the 22d January, 1863, a meeting was held at 
the house of Philip T. Tj'son ; and the present " Maryland Academy 
of Sciences" was organized, hy the adoption of a Constitution, and 
the election of Mr. Tyson as its president. The meetings of the 
Academy were held every fortnight at the house of some member 
of the Academy, until April, 1867, when they were held at the 
building of the Facultv of Art and Sciences of the University of 
Maryland, No. 32 Mulberry Street. On the 15th Mareb, 1867, 
the Academy was incorporated, under the name of the Maryland 
Academy of Sciences. A room was subsequentl}^ rented in 1868, 
in the Chatard Building, southwest corner of Lexington and 
Charles streets; and a museum and a library were commenced. 
In 1873 the Academy obtained a lease on a lot of ground on Mul- 
berry street, from the University of Maryland, on which is now 
being erected a commodious building for a museum and hall, for 
the meetings of the Academy. In 1873, a new constitution and 
by-laws were adopted ; and all things seem to encourage the 
hope that this Academy will be more prosperous than any that 
have preceded it. 

Gen. Andrew Jackson arrived in Baltimore from Philadelphia 
on the 27th of Februarj^, and his a])proach was announced by dis- 
chai'ges of artillery from a detachment of Captain Wilson's Inde- 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 397 

pendent Blues, stationed on Federal Hill. On landing, he Avas re- 
ceived by Captain Barrett's fine company of Jiegular Blii-^s, and 
very handsomely escorted to his quarters at Williamson's hotel. 
During the day he was waited ujion by a great number of our most 
respectable citizens, Avho wei-e received with great alfabilit}^ and 
frankness. At one o'clock the members of the City Council and 
the officers of the corporation, with the ^[ayor at their head, visited 
him. and presented an ajipropriate address, to which Gen. Jack- 
son made a flattei'ing resjioust'. 

Died on the IGth of June, after a most painful and lingering 
illness, Cajit. George Stiles, late Mayor of JJaltimore, in the 59th 
3'ear of his age. Also on the 1st of Jul}", Major-General Levin 
Windei", in the 63d year of his age, a soldier of the llevolution, 
late Governor of Maryland, and recently Grand Master of Masons 
therein. 

A society was organized for the gratuitous distribution of soup 
to the necessitous, and soon after another one for the prevention 
of pauperism generally. On the 25th of October, the encampment 
near the city of those fearing the yellow-fever was broken up, and 
the ]K'ople returned to their former homes. The generous people 
of Tantytown and its neighborhood, in Frederick county, trans- 
mitted to the commissioners of the poor twenty ban-els of flour 
and a large invoice of clothing and otIuT articles for the use of 
those who needed them. 

On the 15th of August died, much lamented, the learned and 
eloquent Rev. J)r. James Inglis, pastor of the First Presbyterian 
congregation who was succeeded by the l\ev. William Nevins. 

On the 17th of ^larch, certain persons in Baltimore suspended 
a ^^ stuffed paddy" from the masthead of a schooner lying at one 
of our wharves. A number of the natives of Ireland collected and 
cut down the mast, and otherwise injured the vessel ; the civil au- 
thorities promptly interfered, and ihe chiefs of the party were 
secured and held to answer for the ofFenco at the next sittin<£ of 
the city court. 

1820. The liberal citizens of Baltimore conti-ibuted to the sufl'ei-- 
ers by the great fire in .Savannah, Ga., the sum of §5,232. 

The late James Dall, of Baltimore, bequeathed to the presitk-nt 
and directors of the Bank of Maryland tiie sum of §5,000, in trust 
to establish a free school in this city on the plan of the Boston 
schools. 

The E.x'change Building was regularly opened for business in 
June, and the great hall was filled with the most important mer- 
chants of tlie city, who agreed to meet at a certain lioui" in each 
day for the des|)atch of business. The building created universal 
admiration, and was considei'ed to l)e one of the handsomest es- 
tablishments of the kind in the world. 

(Jn Monday, Nov. 13th, the pews of the Cathedral were offered 
at auction, when one-half were sold, producing upwards of §10,000, 



398 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

On the 2d of March, John F. Ferguson, William Murphy, Thos. 
O'Brian, Charles Weaver, Isaac Allister, John Jackson and Israel 
Denny, who seized upon the privateer Irresistible in the port of 
Margaretta, in 1819, and brought her to the United States, and on 
the voyage also they were charged with the commission of certain 
acts of piracy of which they were convicted, were brought before 
his Honor Judge Bland, who, after a short but impressive address, 
pronounced upon them the sentence of death. The awful sentence 
of the law was only carried out on two of them, John F. Ferguson 
and Israel Denny, who were executed on Thursday, April 13th. 

As the Eastern mail, due at Baltimore, did not arrive on the 
25th of May on regular time, a suspicion was entertained that 
it had been robbed. The alarm Avas instantly raised, and parties 
of citizens went out immediately to scour the country in all direc- 
tions. The driver, mail and carriage were found about eight and 
a half miles from the city, in a thicket near the Philadelphia road, 
where a quantity of brushwood had been laid to obstruct it. The 
driver (John Heaps) was discovered with his ai-ms extended and 
fastened to the trees, murdered by a bullet wound and two stabs 
in his breast, the mail-bags cut open and rifled, and the fragments 
of letters strewed upon the ground. On the afternoon of the 
same day two persons were arrested in Baltimore and committed 
to jail, charged with the murder and robbery, one of them named 
Perry Hutton, the other named Morris N. B. Hull. On their per- 
sons were found more than $6000, and their trunks being ex- 
amined, upwards of $10,000 more were recovered. At the time of 
their trial they made a full confession of their guilt to Judge 
Bland of the United States District Court, and on the 14th of July 
were hung in the jail-yard. 

With this trial was connected a singular transaction, the only 
one of its kind, we believe, that ever occurred in this country. 
We have an account of it from one who was not himself an eye- 
witness, but had it described to him by one of the participants. 

While the trial was pending, and before Hutton had made his con- 
fession, there was a great desire felt by the excited public that one 
or the other would admit the deed. The evidence so far had been 
altogether circumstantial, and while there was a general belief in 
the guilt of the accused, the erroneous popular view of the more 
conclusive nature of direct testimony made eveiy one feel that a 
confession from either would be a most satisfactory thing. To 
obtain this recourse was had to a device founded upon a form of 
ordeal used in the Dark Ages ; not publicly, but by a few persons 
with the connivance of some of the authorities. 

A room in the jail was j)repared for the purpose. It was hung 
with black, and in the centre, on a table covered with black cloth, 
was laid the corpse of the murdered man, the breast bare, and a 
few lights around it. This was concealed by a screen from the 
sight of any one entering the room. The prisoners were brought 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 399 

separately out of their cells at night, without any intimation of 
the purport of this summons, were led into the room and to tiic 
screen, when sudden!}' each was placed before the tat;le, and a 
stern voice, breaking the silence, commanded, " Lay your hand 
there!" upon the breast of the corpse. 

In ancient times this ordeal had arisen from a superstition that 
the corpse of the victim would bleed again at the touch of the 
nuirderer's hand, and it is not unlikely that this belief may yet 
linger in some of the dark holes and corners of the eartii. Per- 
haps those who tried thj experiment thought that the accused 
men migiit tlread "the judgment of God" tluis solemnly appealed 
to; but it is more probal^le that they only hoped that the sudden 
shock might frighten them from their caution and surprise them 
into a confession. 

Hutton, it is said, was so overcome by the sight tliat he shook 
in every limb, was near fainting, and could barely force himself 
to touch the body, Hull, on the contrary, showed not the slightest 
emotion ; he calmly and with a graceful gesture laid his hand 
lightly upon the breast of the corpse, and looked steadily at those 
around, the least moved of any there. So the test was without 
result so far as any immediate disclosure was concerned, unless in- 
deed it led to Ilutton's confession afterwards; but we have thought 
it worth recording as the fii'st and last instance, so far as we arc 
aware, of the blood-ordeal in America. 

In 1823 the mail was again robbed on the same road, for which 
three persons, employed in the neighborhood, were sentenced by 
the United States Court to confinement for several years. 

The Bellona powder mills, near the city, again exploded on the 
morning of the 29th of August; three men were killed and several 
dreadfully wounded. 

A meeting of the presidents of the several banks of the city 
was held on the 7th of September, and it was resolved, after the 
16th inst., that they will not " either issue or reissue any notes 
less than five dollars, and will not I'cceivc in payment or on de- 
j>osit such notes other than their own." 

On the morning of the 28th of August some of the prisoners 
in the -Maryland Penitentiary made a desperate attempt to escape ; 
one was killed and several severely wounded by the officers ancl 
their guai'd. 

Ren\l)ran<lt Pealc of Baltimore is engaged on his celebrated 
picture, the "Court of Death," from Bishop Porteus' poem. 

John Montgomery, Ksq., is elected Mayoi* of the city. 

1821. On tlie ;->lst of May, the lioman Catholic Cathedral, which 
was begun in 1800, was consecrated by the Most Rev. Archbishop 
Marcsclial, assist«^d by the Jiishop of Philadelphia and the Bishop of 
Boston. This building, suspended by the war, was recommen';ed 
in 1817, by funds arising from a sale of the old cemetery on ('harles 
street, part of their grounds obtained lor the cathedral itself on 



400 



CHEONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 



Franklin street, and a lottery, together with individual contribu- 
tions. 

On the 21st of August, departed this life, in the seventy-second 
year of his age, Gen. John Swann, formerly Brig.-Genei-al of the 
third brigade, and a meritorious officer of the cavalry of the Revo- 
lutionary army. 

Four persons were killed and two badly Avounded by an explo- 
sion of the stamping mill at the Bollona powder works, near Balti- 
more, on Monday, October 15th; among the former was the man- 
ager of the woi'ks. 

1822. It is fortunate for the popular fame of Marshall, that besides 
rearing the monument of his constitutional decisions, he served in 
the army of the Eevolution and wrote the life of Washington. 
The reputation of Kent and Story is held by their graceful addi- 
tions to the litei-ature of their profession. Wirt was an able 
Attorney-General, but he will be better known as a pleasing author, 
and through the genial biographj' of Kennedy. WilHam Pinckney, 
the eminent lawyer of Marj'land, has perhaps more than any of 
those M'e have mentioned, a strictly professional reputation. He 
was born at Annapolis, Marjdand, March 17, 1764. His father, 
Jonathan Pinckney, an Englishman by birth, is enrolled among 
the Loyalists of the Eevolution. It was characteristic of the inde- 
pendence of the son, that even in boyhood he chose the opposite and 
pati'ictic side. We next hear of him at Baltimore engaged in the 
study of medicine with a leading practitioner, a pursuit which does 
not appear to have held him long from the main occupation of his 
life. Failing in with Samuel Chase, the subsequent Justice of the 
Supreme Court, he commenced the study of his profession under his 
excellent direction, at the age of nineteen, and after a course of 
three years was called to the bar in 1786. Leaving Annapolis, 
Pinckne}- began practice in Harford county on the Susquehanna, 
from wdiich district he was sent in 1788 to the State Convention 
which ratified the constitution of the United States; and, in the 
same 3'eai-, a representative to the House of Delegates, of which 
he continued a member from the county till his return to Anna- 
j)olis in 17!)2. He was in the meantime married, at Havre de Grace, 
to Miss Ann Maria Podgers, the sister of Commodore Podgers. 
For three years irom 1792 he was a member of the executive 
council of Maryland, when he was chosen a delegate to the Legis- 
lature from Anne Arundel county. He was in 1796 appointed by 
President Washington a commissioner on the part of the United 
States under Jay's British Treaty of 1794, to determine the claims 
of American merchants to compensation for losses and damages 
sustained ly jicts of the English Government. He remained in 
Englaijd till 1804, engaged, besides the duties of the commission, 
in the adjustment of an important claim in chancery of the State 
of Maryland. On his return to America in 1804, he resumed the 
practice of the law at Baltimore. In the following year he was 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 401 

appointed Attorne3'-(Teneral of the Stale. In 180fi lie was again 
sent t<» Knii-land as commissioner jointly with Mr. Monroe, rcspeet- 
ing the toiitinned aggressions of that power. On the i-etirement 
of Monroe in 1807 he was left minister resident in London, in which 
capacity he remained till he earnestly solicited his recall from Mr. 
Madison in 1811. On his arrival in Maryland he was elected a 
menii)er of the State Senate, and at the close of the year received 
the a])|)ointment from President Madison, of Attorney-General of 
the Uniled States, lie was an earnest advocate and supporter of 
the war of 1812. He defended the policy of the Government by his 
pen, and when his region was invaded, marched at the head of a 
eonijiany of riflemen to Bladensburg. in its defence, and was wounded 
in the tight. In 1814 he resigned his post as Attorney-General. 
In 1815. lie was chosen a representative in Congress from the city 
of Baltimore. lie resigned his seat before the expiration of his 
term, on his apjiointment by President Monroe as ininister to 
Russia and special envoy to Naples. He returned to Baltimore in 
1818, and resumed his old practice at the bar. He was retained in 
the vSujireme Court in 1819 by the Bank of the United States, in 
maintaining its claim of exem])tion from State taxation. In 1820, 
Pinckney was elected to the United States Senate. He continued, 
meanwhile, his labors in the Su])reme Court, and it was while in 
these double emplo3'ments of the Senate and bar, pi-eparing new 
debates, that his health suddenly failed him. He suH'ered a severe 
attack of illness in the middle of February, 1822, which in a short 
time terminated his life on the twenty-tifth of that month. 

Thei-e must have been something highly impressive in Pinckney's. 
conduct at the bar, to secure the higli terms in which, with a full 
exercise of ci'iticism, he is spoken of by his contemporaries. Stary 
as.>jerts that *' no man could hear liim for any length of time with- 
out being led captive by his eloquence." In an analysis of his style, 
the same judicious authority tells us of his "marvellous felicity" 
in a "complete mastery of the whole compass of the English lan- 
guage," giving to his style '• an air of originality, force, copious- 
ness and expressiveness which struck the most careless observer." 
Ilogcr B.Taney saj's : '-When William Pinckney returned from 
England and resumed the practice, the reign of Luther Martin was 
at an end. He was a perfect contrast to Martin. He was very 
attentive to his dress, indeed more so than was thought suitable 
for ids age and station. It approached to dandyism, if it did not 
reach it. He was alwaj's dicss<'d in the extreme of the newest 
fashion, and lor some lime after his J'cturn, took notes at the bar 
and s|)(»ke with gloves on nice enough to wear in a ball-room. I 
have lieard almost all the gi'cat advocates of the United States, 
I'oth of the jiast and present generati(/n, but I have seen none 
itjual to Pinckney. He was a jirofound lawyer in ever}' depart- 
ment of the science, as well as a powerl'ul and elofpient debater." 
His death was announced in the House of Representatives by Mr. 
2G 



402 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

Randolph, of" Virginia, who Baid : " T rise to nnnoimcc to the House 
the not unlooked-for death of a man who filled the first place in 
the public estimation, in the first pi'ofession in that estimation, in 
this or any other country. We have been talking of General 
Jackson, and a greater than he is not here, but gone forever. I 
allude, sir, to the boast of MarjMand, and the pride of the United 
States — the pride of us all, but more particularly the pride and or- 
nament of the profession of which you, Mr. Speaker (Mr. Philip 
P. Barbour), are a member, and an eminent oiie." Chief-Justice 
Marshall remarked to Judge John Scott, an eminent lawyer at 
Richmond, in the presence of that distinguished lawyer Walter 
Jones, that Mr. Pinckney was the greatest man he had ever seen in 
a court of justice, and Mr. Jones remarked, "Yes ; no such man has 
ever appeared in any country more than once in a century." "'He 
was a great man," wrote Wirt on his death — "on a set occasion, 
the greatest, I think, at our bar." " He was desirous of fume," 
says Story, "of that fame which alone is enduring, the fame which 
reposes on sound learning, exalted genius, and diligent, nay, inces- 
sant study." For these things, and as an able, honored represen- 
tative of the State at home and abroad, his career will reward the 
most patient investigation. Luther Martin was now a wreck. 
His vast learning was hidden in the oblivious darkness of an extin- 
guished intellect. And so generous, and withal so improvident, 
had been this great lawyer, that after all the great professional 
harvests he had reaped, the Legislature of Marjland, in February, 
1822, passed the following joint resolution : ^'■Resolved, That each 
and every practitioner of law in this State shall be, and he is here- 
by compelled, from and after the passage of this resolution, to ob- 
tiiin from the clerk of the county court in which he may practise, 
a license to authorize him so to practise, for which he shall pay 
annually, on and before the first day of June, the sum of five dol- 
lai^s : which said sum is to be deposited b}' the clerk of the county 
court from which he may procure such license, in the treasury of 
th-e Western Shore or Eastern Shore as the case may be, subject to 
the order of Thomas Hall and William H. Winder, Esqs., who are 
hereby appointed trustees, for the application of the proceeds 
raised by virtue of this resolution to the use of Luther Martin : 
provided that nothing herein contained shall be taken to compel a 
practitioner of law to obtain a license in more than one court, to 
be annually renewed, under penalty of being suspended from the 
bar at which he may practise. And provided, that this resolution 
shall cease to be valid at the death of the said Luther Martin." 

At this time there are thirteen cotton-mills in the vicinity of 
Baltimore, which drive at least 32,880 spindles. Two woollen mills, 
one copper-rolling-mill — which is the onlj'one of note in the United 
States — three extensive rolling-mills which manufacture annually 
at least 1500 tons of iron into rods, hoops, bolt and sheet-iron, be- 
sides at least 30 of the best and most improved merchant-mills 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 403 

within the limits and environs of the city, that manufacture about 
300,000 barrels of flour annually. 

Died ai nis seat near the city, at an advanced age, Col. Nicholas 
Rofjers, formerly one of the justices of the county and Orphans' 
Court, and aide of Major-General Baron de Kalb in the war of the 
Eevolution. 

The commissioners for opening streets employed Mr. T. Popple- 
ton, who published a plat of the whole city, harbor, &c., embellished 
by views of all the principal buildings. 

A societ}' is formed to loan useful books to the youths of the 
city, called the Apprentice's Library, of which Col. James Mosher 
is chosen president. 

On Sunday the 2.3(1 of June, there happened the greate'st fir« 
ever known in this city up to this time. It commenced in a lumber 
yard in the rear of McElderry's wharf, and soon communicated to 
two adjacent yards. The three yards were computed to have had 
not less than two million feet of lumber in them. All this stock 
of combustible material was soon in a blaze, and with it from 25 to 
30 buildings, most of them large and valuable warehouses on the 
wharf tilled with goods. Seventeen were destroj'ed in one range. 
The contents of some of these were also nearly consumed, and 
many thousand dollars' worth of goods were thrown into the dock, 
as if for the despei'ate purpose of lessening the amount of com- 
bustible matter. This vast body of fire defeated the most power- 
ful ettbrts to check it for about four hours. It is hard to imagine 
the quantity of heat thrown out, but the curbstones of a narrow 
street that separated the board-yards from the warehouses were 
dissolved by it, and blocks of marble and free-stone in a stone- 
cutter's yard to the value of ^3000 were destroyed, converted into 
lime or cracked to pieces. 

The statue was placed on the " Battle Monument " on the 12th 
of September, according to the plan and ceremonies adopted by 
the Building Committee. 

On the 2d of December 533 paupers of the city and county 
were I'cmoved to the new Alms House at Calverton, two miles west 
of the city. 

Edward Johnson, Esq., is again elected Mayor of the city. 

The following letter was written by the Hon. William Wirt to 
his daughter: 

" Baltimore, November 24th, 1822. 

"My Dear Catharine — Yesterday morning I arose before day, 
shaved and dressed by candle-light, took my cane and walked ts 
market. There are two market-houses, each of them about three 
or four times as long as ours in Washington. The first one I came 
to wa-< the moat market; the next, which was nearest the basin, 
was the fish and vegetable market. O! what a quantity oT superb 
beef, mutton, lamb, veal, and uU sorts of fowls — hogsheads full of 



404 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

wild ducks, <yeese, pheasants, partridges; and then, on one side of 
the market-house, leaving only a narrow lane between them, a 
line of wagons and carts, groaning under the loads of country pro- 
ductions ; these wagons and carts on one side and the market- 
houses on the other, forming a lane as long as from our house to 
St. John's Church. I must not forget to mention the loads of 
sweet-cakes of all sorts and fashions that covered the outside 
tables of the market-houses, and the breakfasts that were cooking 
everywhere, all around, for the country people who came many 
miles to market. You may conceive the vast quantity of provi- 
sions that must be brought to this market, when 3'ou are told that 
sixty thousand people draw their daily supplies from it. which is 
more than twice as many people as there are in Washington, 
Greorgetown, Alexandria, and Richmond, all put together. Well, 
and so after I had walked all round and round and through the 
market-house, I left it and bent my steps towards the country, and 
walked two miles and a half out to Mr. Thompson's to breakfast. 
It had been cloudy and rainy for several days, but the night be- 
fore had been clear, and although the road was still wet, the morn- 
ing above head was bright and beautiful. After walking about a 
mile, I came to the summit of a hill that overlooks the city, and 
there I stopped a moment to take breath and look back on it. 
The ground had begun to smoke from the warmth of the rising 
sun, and the city seemed to spread itself out below me to a vast 
extent — a huge dusky mass, to which there seemed no limit. But 
towering from above the fog was the Washington Monument (a 
single beautiful column 160 feet in height, which stands in How- 
ard's Park, and is rendered indescribably striking and interesting 
from the touching solitude of the scene from which it lifts its 
head), and sevei-al noble steeples of churches interspersed through- 
out the west of the city, whose gilded summits were now glitter- 
ing in the sun. Casting the eye over Baltimore, it lights upon the 
Chesapeake bay. and after wandering over that flood of waters, it 
rests on Fort McHenry and its star-spangled banner. This is the 
fort where our soldiers gained so much glory last war, and the 
very banner with regard to which Mr. Key's beautiful song of the 
' Star-Spangled Banner ' was written. 

"After feasting my eye for some time on the rich, diversified, 
and boundless landscape that lay before me, meditating on the 
future grandeur of this city and the rising glories of the nation, I 
turned around my face to resume my walk into the country, when 
all its soft beauties burst, by surprise, upon me. For, while I had 
been looking back on the town, bay, and fort, the sun had risen, 
and was now so high that its light was pouring full upon hill and 
valley, field and forest, blazing in bi'ight reflection from all the 
eastern windows of the hundreds of country-houses that crowned 
the heights around me, and dancing on all the leaves that waved 
and wantoned in the morning breeze. No city in the world has a 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 405 

more beautiful country around it than Baltimore, in the direction 
of the west, north, and east. In the direction of Washin«rton it is 
unimproved, but in the other points all that could have been ex- 
pected from wealth and tine taste has been accomplished. The 
grounds, which were orii^inally poor, have been made rich ; they 
lie very finely, not flat and tame, nor yet abrupt and ruirged, but 
rising and falling in forms of endless diversity, sometimes soft and 
gentle, at others bold and commanding. This beautifully undu- 
lating surface has been improved with great taste, the fields richly 
covered with grass, the clumps of trees, groves and forests pruned 
of all dead limbs and all deformities, and flourishing in strong and 
healthy luxuriance. The sites for the houses are well selected, — 
ahvaj'S upon some eminence, embosomed amid beautiful trees, from 
which their white fronts peep out enchantingly, for the houses are 
all white, which adds much to the cheerfulness and grace of this 
unrivalled scenery. I hope one of these days to show it to j^ou in 
person, and then you will be able to imagine what a delightful 
ramble I had to Mv. Thompson's yesterday morning. I too'k them 
quite by surprise, but it was a most agreeable one, and they were 
rejoiced to see me. Mr. Thompson inquired most kindly after all 
in Washington, and giving me a good country breakfast (most de- 
lightful butter), brought me back to town in his gig, where we 
arrived by nine o'clock, an hour before court. Was not this an 

industrious morning ? 

******** 

" Your affectionate father, 

" Wm. Wirt." 

1823. A company lately incorporated, erect a shot-tower on the 
west side of JSorth Gay street, which was raised 187 feet above 
ground by Jacob Wolfe, builder, under the direction of Col. Joseph 
Jamicson, president of the company. 

A number of gentlemen associate together to establish an 
Athcnseum, and the institution is commenced by the purchase of 
books, etc. 

This is a time — before the introduction of railways — when it is 
proper to make mention of some three or four old Baltimore in- 
stitutions, which are fast fading avvay in the world's ])rogress; we 
mean tlie vast blue, white-canvassed Conestoga wagons, their gi-and 
Penns^'lvania horses, the stage coaches, and ti)e taverns or inns, with 
their cons]>icuous " signs," their substantial fare, wide yards and 
liberal stables; and the frocked wagoners and teamsters who drove 
or tended their stalwart beasts for burthen or for market. These 
taverns and their signs were frequent reminders to Englishmen of 
the country inns found in every British town and hamlet ; and 
alas! but few of them remain among us of the present generation. 
These were still the times of horseback and saddle-bag travelling. 
Most of our citizens who have not passed far beyond middle life, 



406 CHEONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

"will still remember the " Golden Horse " which swung so gaudily at 
the northwestern corner of Franklin and Howard streets ; and 
the " White Swan," which still floats, like a dim ghost of its former 
self, on the sign, a square beyond, at the southeastern corner of 
Franklin and Eutaw streets ; while the " Golden Lamb " reclined 
on its rich yellow fleece until a few years ago, at the northwestern 
corner of Paca and Franklin streets, until it was supplanted by a 
confectionery; or the "Black Horse," and some other country 
inns, bej^ond the turn of Franklin street into Pennsylvania avenue. 
Then there was the " Hand Tavern " and yard, still surviving 
on Paca, near Lexington street, giving refuge to the market people 
and their wagons and cattle ; and the chained " Black Bear " Inn, 
designed for the same purposes, next to the corner of Howard, on 
Saratoga street, where the Bevans now cut and carve their marble 
mantels and tombs. The more aristocratic " General Wayne " Inn, 
Cugle & Frost's stjMish " hostelrie " for Western travellers, horse- 
dealers and cattle-drovers, was at the corner of Paca and Balti- 
more streets, where the Revolutionary hero still faintly survives 
on the weather-beaten sign which was raised to its present place 
near fifty years ago. The "May Pole" was still further south of 
this on Paca and German streets, and the "Three Tuns Tavern" 
yet beyond, at the corner of Paca and Pratt streets. These were 
the main houses of entertainment, cattle-yards and stables, for 
horse-dealers, wagoners, and cattle men, west of the Falls ; while 
Old Town had its famous "Bull's Head," on Front street, the 
" Rising Sun," on High street, and the well-known " Habbersett's," 
whose hospitable doors and excellent tables were always open to 
the dealers and farmers of Hai'ford county espeeiall}'. The old 
"Fountain Inn," with its limpid, gushing sign, was always the pet 
of the Eastern-Shoremen, (so accessible as they came up Light 
street from the Basin,) long after it ceased to be the pet of the 
Presidents, after Jefl^erson's day and the rise of the " Indian Queen," 
under Gadsby's auspices, and, long subsequently, to " Barnum's " 
in the square, and " The Eutaw House," which were the two first 
inns that wholly discarded the old-fashioned index of a "sign." 
There was also the famous " Globe Inn " on Baltimore and Howard 
streets. At most of these, in the days of turnpikes, the daily, tri- 
weekly, or weekly stage-coach called regularly, with sounding 
horn, to take up the passengers "booked" at the office. The 
western taverns were filled with staunch, rough teamsters and 
drovers, and the tavern yards generally occupied by fat cattle for 
the shambles, and splendid horses for sale, trade or swap; while 
westwardly from Howard street, along Franklin to its junction 
with Pennsylvania avenue, and out the avenue to George street, 
and often beyond it, in the busy season, one half of this great 
highway was nightly blocked up by the ponderous Conestoga 
M'agons, and their supurb teams feeding or munching in a trough 
fastened to the wagon-poles, Next day they delivered their flour, 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 407 

whiskey and provisions along Howard and otber fitroets, and 
quickly reloaded with groceries, dry and foncy goods for the West, 
and s])eedily set forth with their four or six-in-hand team, each 
animal tinkling his jolly crest of a dozen bells along the narrow 
<letiles of the Alleghanies, the drivers cracking their huge, savago 
whips, giving notice of each other's approach in the many passes 
of the mountains or valleys. 

But Baltimore was to take a fresh start in the race of prosperity. 
She had heen teuiporaril}' disheartened and crippled, but not des- 
troyed ; for her natural resources could not be taken away, and 
the people who had improved them in earlier days were still at 
hand to engage in new oi)oration8. The men of enterprise and 
talent were still there, and though not so young or hopeful, were 
-nevertheless not without zeal and enterprise, tempered by experi- 
ence. They saw that a change had come over the spirit of Ameri- 
can trade, not only by the ccvssation of war at home and in Europe, 
but that great material imj)rovement8 in transportation, steam, 
and the rivalries of successful trade were operating on the minds 
of j'ounger men of equal intelligence, in other sections of the na- 
tion; and that, when success creates rivals, peace not only affords 
but stimulates the means for successful rivalry. The}^ saw that 
labor, patience, capital, were to take the place of that rapid, daring 
war-commerce which had so magically assisted the fortunes of 
Amcricaii, and especiall}' Baltimore merchants, for twenty or 
thirty years. They saw that ejiterprise, to be repaid, must be 
content with slower processes, and that the clipper of our bay 
was no longer the Aladdin of their counting-houses. With this 
j)atience at heart, though of course reluctantly admitted, an aus- 
picious change took place in the commercial affairs of Baltimore 
between 1820 and 1825. Capital and enterprise again became 
active. The extensive establishments and ventures became more 
limited, but were still more significant in both foreign and do- 
mestic trade. Baltimoi-e was then, undoubtedl}', still the largest 
flour market in the woi'ld, sending forth in 1822 205,345 barrels, 
and 241,950 in 1823. Oi' tobacco we shipped to foreign countries 
19,250 hogsheads in 1822, and 21,733 hogsheads in 1823; as well 
as large (piantities of provisions and manufactured goods. The 
shijiments of 1S22 and 1823 snowed that we had no crushing ri- 
valry to contend with in trade that circumstances have so gi'catly 
changed. 

Our ships went principally to the Spanish Main, U) Buenos 
Ayres, to Brazil, to Chili, Peru and ALexico, and this species of 
commerce in succeeding 3i'ars has fixed itself upon a fair l)asis of 
equality, so far as (Uir enterprise and cai)ital were able t(^ support 
it in competition with other ports. Our i)eople seem to have iieen 
impressed with the idea, since then, that the first duty of Balti- 
more was to recover possession of the internal trade of the country ; 
aiid hence j)robalily more reliance has been plaeed on the juagixjal 



408 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

change which the "Internal Improvement" system was to pi-o- 
duce, as soon as fresh modes of communication were opened with 
the growing West and its dependencies. The idea seems to have 
been that if we could soonest reach the vast Western trade by the 
shortest route, we should C07«wirt/u/ it; and that Baltimore would be 
re-established, and advance to continental supremacy. While 
waiting these long years for the fruition of this hope, it is possible 
that the commerce and manufactures of our. city have not ad- 
vanced as rapidly as they might have done under diflFerent inspira- 
tions ; yet certain it is, that ever since 1825-8 the minds of our 
people have been greatly concerned with canals and railways, and 
the supreme results they were to produce for Baltimore and Mary- 
land. 

On the 21st of December, a town-meeting was held in the ro- 
tunda of the Exchange, (now our post-oflSce building) to tal<e the 
opinion of the people on the siibject of canals, and especially to dis- 
cover whether the citizens preferred a canal to be made iirst to the 
Susquehanna river or to the Ohio. A great majority, it seems, 
preferred the canal to the Susquehanna. Accordingly an act was 
passed by the Assembly then in session, authorizing the corporation 
of the city to make a canal to the head of tide-water on the Sus- 
quehanna, and thence to the Conewaga falls in Penu'^ylvania, if 
such an extension should be permitted by the Legislature of that 
State. Another act was also passed incorpoi*ating a company to 
make a canal from the tide-water of the Potomac to the Ohio 
river, if assented to by the National Government and the States 
through which the canal would pass. G. Winchester, Esq., Judge 
Bland, and John Patterson, Esq., were commissioned by the State 
to survey a route for the Susquehanna canal. 

John Oliver, Esq.. of Baltimore, lately deceased, left the sum of 
$20,0(10 to the Hibernian Society, of which he was president, for 
the purpose of establishing a free school in this city, for the educa- 
tion of poor children of both sexes, without distinction as to their 
religious tenets. 

The trustees of the Orphaline Charity School, aided by liberal 
donations from several individuals, purchase of the trustees of the 
Baltimore College a part of their grounds on Mulbeny street, and 
erect a spacious school-house. 

1824. In the Assembl}^, the act of the Virginia Legislature, in- 
corporating the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal Company, was con- 
firmed ; and in 1825, stock to the amount of the State's interest in 
the Potomac Canal Company, with 5000 additional shares, wore to 
be vested in the new company on the part of Maryland. A simi- 
lar number of shares were to be taken in the Susquehanna Company, 
then again incorporated, the old Susquehanna Canal Company's 
interest being secured in the new one. 

On the 10th of August, the corner-stone of the Baltimore Athe- 
naeum was laid, with appropriate ceremonies, at the S. W. corner 
of St. Paul and Lexington streets 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE 



409 



On tliQ 24th of August a deputation from the eorporation of 
BnltiuAore, consisting of Messrs. Jknile TJandall, E. L. Finley, and 
Edward G. Woodyear, arrived in ^few York, and wei-e presented 
l)y the Mayor of that city to Manpiis de la Fayette, in the ('ity 
Jlall. On being introduced, Mr. Finley presented to the General the 
resolutions adopted by the City Council of Baltimore, welcoming 
him amongst them as the "guest of the city of Baltimoi-e." 

Agrcealtly to the arrangements made, the elegant steamboat 
United States, commanded l)\- Capt. Tripp, left Baltimore on Wed- 
nesday, the 6th of October, to receive Gen. La Fayette at French- 
town.' She was fitted out and furnished in the most splendid man- 
ner, and among her ]iassengers were the committee from the coi'- 
poration, consisting of John B. Morris, Wm. Patterson, Beale Kan- 
tlall, Benjamin C. Howard, John ileese, Samuel Moore, Edward G. 
Woodyear, and E. L. Finle}', and Cols. Lloyd and Dickinson, aides to 
the Governor. The military committee consisted of MaJ.-Gen. 
Harper and suite, and Cols. Steuart, Eobinson, Sheppard, Milten- 
berger, Heath, Edes, Leakin, and Stiles, and Lieut.-Col. Barry and 
Major Hotfman. Gen. Smith and Col. Bentalou attended, to re- 
])resent the Cincinnati. Among the invited gentlemen present was 
the venerable Mr. Du Bois Martin, a citizen of Baltimore, who 
provided and commanded the vessel which first landed La Fayette 
in America. When the boat arrived at Frenchtown, the Governor's 
aides, accompanied by a squadron of cavalry, proceeded to meet 
the General at the Delaware line. In the meantime Mr. Adams, 
Secretary of State, arrived on his way to AVashington. He had 
been previously invited, and cheerfully joining himself to the party, 
was introduced to all present. The General having been detained, 
did not arrive at the Maryland line till after one o'clock in the 
moiMiing. He was there presented by Louis McLane, chairman of 
the Delaware committee, to the aides of the Governor of Maryland. 
The first aide announced to the General in very appropriate and 
warm tei-ms, in behalf of Gov. Stevens, a cordial welcome to the 
State of Maryland; and infoi-med him that the}' were ivad}' to 
escort him to beadrpiarters, which was established at FortMcHenry^ 
Baltimore. The aides of the Govei-nor then conducted the General 
on board the steamboat, where the deputations received him upon 
deck. Mr. John B. ^lorris, president of the First Branch City 
Council, and cliairman of the committee, advanced to the guest, 
and addressed him in a manner that evinced at once that he felt 
wliat lie spoke from the bottom of his heart. The General liaving 
l»ut just left his J)elaware friends, and meeting so suddenly this re- 
ec'plion, it atlected him most sensibly. Jlc pressed his hand to his 
lieai-t and said, "I am grateful." He was then introduced by Mr. 
Morris to the gentlemen of the corporation — then to General Har- 
per, who addressed him on the part of the military. (Jem-ral 
Smith and Col. Bentalou stepj)ed forward and announced U> liim 
the object of their mission, and the joy they felt in meeting him 



410 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMOEE, 

again. The General embraced them in the warmest and most af- 
fectionate manner, and inquired particularly after his old friends 
and associates " in times that tried men's souls." The meeting of 
the General with the amiable, retiring and venerable Mr. Du Bois 
Martin was of a most touching character to the sensitive mind ; 
they held each other by the hand and conversed together in French 
for a considerable time. After the inti'oductions were gone through, 
Captain Tripp announced that he had an entertainment ready for 
the company. They all followed the General to the cabin, and a 
little after 3 o'clock the General repaired to the ladies' cabin, pre- 
pared for his lodging-room, and invited Mr. Adams to accompany 
him. 

During the night the rain poured down in torrents; but just 
as the boat entered the Patapsco the threatening clouds dispersed, 
the morning sun shone forth its brightest effulgence and seemed 
to bid " Welcome to La Fayette." On approaching the fort, the 
steamboats Maryland, Virginia, Philadelphia, and Eagle, all beauti- 
fully dressed, with flags and streamers flying, came down the river, 
full of anxious citizens, to meet the boat United States, and passed 
transversely around her. As they did so, the people on board 
waved their hats and gave the niost hearty, enlivening, and oft- 
repeated cheering. The five boats in i*egular order, the United 
States leading the van, proceeded for the fort, where they came 
alongside alternately, the passengers saluting the General, which 
he received, uncovered, in the most cordial and delicate manner. 
" The whole scene was most interesting — it was splendid — we 
cannot describe it. The imagination must take the place of the 
pen." 

The landing was a ver}'- interesting scene. The first barge, 
commanded by Capt. Gardner, and manned bj' some of our most 
respectalile ship-masters, was the first that made for the shore. 
It contained Gen. La Fayette, Mr. Secretary Adams, Gen. Smith, 
Ml*. Du Bois Martin, and Mr. Morris. In the second boat, George 
Washington La Fayette (the General's son). Monsieur La Vasseur, 
Col. Paul Bentalou, Mr. Wm. Patterson, and the Governor's aides. 
The other members of the deputation followed in succession. The 
General was received at the platform of Fort McHenry by Col. 
Hindman of the army of the United States, and Edward G. Wood- 
year, a member of the Committee of Arrangements. The officers 
of the army and navy now in Baltimore, the citizen volunteers at 
Fort McHenry during the bombardment, the Committee of Vigi- 
lance and Safety of 1814, and the officers of the 36th and 38th 
United States regiments of infantr}^ had their stations, and the 
General passed through their line on his march up to the " star 
fort." Upon entering the gate the troops of the garrison pre- 
sented arms, then opened to the right and left, which brought to 
his view the tent of Washington ; upon which Governor Stevens 
ndvaiiced from the tent, and greeted him with a hearty welcome 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 411 

address to the State of Maryland. Upon its conclusion the Gov- 
ernor conducted him to the tent, where he found the Society of 
the Cincinnati, the patriarchs of the Revolution. Here he was 
received and embraced by all of them. The scene was one of the 
most impresHive and heart-touching that was ever witnessed. All 
were convulsed into tears, but they were tears of joy and «i;ratula- 
tion. As soon as the feelin<>; of the occasion had a little subsided, 
Col. Howard presented an address, to which the General made the 
followin<^ I'Pply : 

'•The pleasure to recognize my beloved companions in arms; 
the sound of names whose memory is dear to me : this meeting 
under the consecrated tent where we so often have pressed around 
our paternal commander in-chief, excite emotions which 3-our sym- 
pathizing hearts will better feel than I can express. This fort also, 
most nobly defended in the last war, while it brings the affecting 
recollection of a confidential friend in my military family, associates 
with it the remembrance of the illustrious defence of another fort, 
in the Revolutionary war, by the friend now near me, (Gen. Smith). 
It has been the lot of the Maryland Line to acquire glory in in- 
stances of bad as well as good fortune, and to whom can I better 
speak of the glory of that Line than in addressing Col. lloward? 
My dear brother soldiers, ni}^ feelings are too strong for utterance, 
I thank yon most affectionately." 

Ill uttering his affectionate and feeling reply, the General testi- 
fied bv his manner how deejily his heart was engaged in the solemn 
and interesting occasion. The meeting of La Fayette with the 
venerable Charles Carroll, Col. John E. Howard, Generals Stewart, 
Strieker, Reed, Benson, and other Revolutionary soldiers, in the 
tent of Washington, had a most powerful effect on the feelings of 
all. He grasped their hands, he folded them in his arms, and with 
his eyes brimful of tears, and others who like him had fairly stood 
in the hottest of the fight in many battles, were dissolved by the 
pressure of the i-ecollections that thickened upon them. He recog- 
nized several of them, especially Sergeant Everhardt, who had once 
been instrumental in saving iiis life in battle. Within the tent waa 
a part of the camj) equipage of Washington, containing knives, 
plates. &c., which were exposed to view. On one side of the tent 
was placi^'d an American cannon, and on the other side a French 
one, T»oth of which had been used at the siege of Yorktown. After 
the presentation of Gen. Macomb, Cols. Jones an<l Hook, and Maj. 
Vandeventer of the U. S. army, with Captains JMicholson and 
Claxton of the nav}', (Jeorge Washington Custis, the owner of the 
tent, and sevei-al ladies, the entire pai-t}' sat down to an elegant 
collation. Upon leaving the fort the General was escorted into a 
splendid barouche, drawn by four elegant black horses, attended by 
grooms in full livery. Seated with him were Charles Carroll of 
Carrollton, Gen. S. Smith, and Col. John E. Howard. The (ieneral's 
son, Mons. Lo Vasseur, and Governor Stevens occupied the next ; 



412 CHRONICLED OF BA-LTIMORE. 

a third contained Gen. Strieker, Col. Bentalou and Mr. DeBois 
Martin, and the committee of arrangements and the Society of Cin- 
cinnati followed in carriages. As he passed Federal Hill, a de- 
tachment of artillery saluted him with twenty-four guns. 

The General entered the city at Forrest (now Charles) street, 
and at the intersection of Montgomery street he passed under a 
beautiful arch of forty feet span, flanked at each end by another 
of fifteen feet span. On the smaller arches were the mottoes 
Brandywine, Yorktown, and on the principal arch, Welcome La 
Fayette. The General was then conducted through Light, Lee, 
Sharp, Pratt, and Paca streets, and was greeted everywhere with 
the huzzas of the citizens and the waving of handkerchiefs, from 
every position which afforded the least prospect of beholding him. 
At the intersection of Paca and Baltimore streets the following 
arrangement was made : The General remained in the front 
barouche alone, the gentlemen who accompanied him thus far now 
taking their seats in the second and third barouches. As he en- 
tered Baltimore street, the elevated ground rendered him a con- 
spicuous object for many squares below, and thousands of voices 
now set up a united shout of welcome. At the intersection of 
Baltimore and Eutaw streets was erected, fronting to the west, 
the city arch. This elegant structure was composed of three 
semi-circular. arches. The centre arch was forty feet in chord over 
the coachway ; the lateral ones were about twelve feet in chord, 
all springing from the same line, and on piers or pedestals of suit- 
able proportions. The outer line of each archival te was formed 
by a wreath of laurel, from which (at about one foot apart) radi- 
ated well polished bayonets. On the vertex of the great arch was 
the great star of fellowship, in a blue field, encircled by thirteen 
silver stars, from which radiated the national ensigns, &c., &e., &c. 
After passing under the city arch, the General entered upon the 
right of the splendid line of artillery, infantry, and riflemen, sta- 
tioned in the order designated by the Major-General of the divi- 
sion. The General received the salutes of the difterent corps as 
he passed the line uncovered ; while, from the windows and other 
positions along the streets, thousands of handkerchiefs were waved 
by the ladies, adorned in their loveliest smiles and gayest attire. 

Continuing along the line, the General came to a beautiful 
structure, which the citizens of the third, fourth, fifth, and 'sixth 
wards had erected in honor of him, at Baltimore street bridge. 
At a short distance from the eastern side of the bridge rose to a 
lofty and imposing height a noble civic arch of thirty-six feet span 
in the clear, raised upon square Doric columns fifteen feet high, 
the imposts being carried over the foot-way on either side, with 
the Doric drop. On the face of the right column, ornamented in 
oil painting, were the names of the thirteen original States, and 
on the left column the names of the most distinguished Revolu- 
tionary Generals. The whole face of the arch, with its soffit, was 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 413 

handsomel}' ornamented in oil paintings. On the west front of 
the crown of the arch was a poitiait of Washington, surmounted 
by a scul])tured gilt-eagle ; on the east side was a motto of " Wel- 
come to our guest," surmounted also by an elegantlj' sculptured 
eagle. In the centre of the imposts over the foot-ways were por- 
traits of Washington, La Faj'ctte, and Warren, and the whole 
decorated in the most elegant and tasteful manner with flags af^d 
festoons of drnpory. From the centre of the arch hung a large 
transparent painting, fifteen feet by ten, on one side of which was 
represented the surrender at Yorktown, including a full length 
portrait of La Fayette ; on the ojiposite side was an allegorical 
painting, representing Fame presenting to Ilistor}- a wreath, and 
communicating to her the event of the Declaration of Independence. 
Between the figures was a mound, surmounted by a square 
pedestal, emblematic of our simjile form of government. Upon 
the pedestal was a bundle of reeds, erect, bound together with a 
fillet, upon which was inscribed the names of the prominent sup- 
porters of liberty at that period, &c. On the bridge was erected, 
at equal distances, thii-teen arches to represent the old thirteen 
States ; these were decorated with a profusion of variegated 
lamps, which, with the ti'ansparencies on the principal arch, were 
to be illuminated in the evening. 

When the General arrived at the end of the line he was again 
received by the escort of the city troops, the Cincinnati, and the 
corporation committee. Ife was then conducted through Balti- 
more, Bond, and Pratt streets, througljout which the same testi- 
monies f)f joy and gratitude were exhibited towards him. On 
entering Gay street, he passed in view of the boys belonging to the 
different schools, with their teachers at their head, drawn up six 
deep, in uniform dress, and wearing La Fayette badges. 

Passing up Gay street, the General alighted at the principal en- 
trance of the Exchange, and was conducted into the great hall, 
where the Mayor and City Council were in waiting to receive him. 
The seats on the floor of the hall were occupied by distinguished 
strangers, deputations from neighboring cities and towns, Jievolu- 
tionary soldiers, and officers of the army and navy. The galleries 
were occupied by ladies. The General was conducted to an ele- 
vated platform at the we<t end of the hall, the floor of which was 
covered with crimson eloth,' and at either end was u mai'ble bust of 
Washington and Hamilton. Upon this elevation the General was 
)-i'ec'ive<l by the Mayoi* with an address. To which the General 
made a reply, in which he said: — "It is under the auspices of Bal- 
timore jiatriotism, by the generosity of the mei'chants, b^' the zeal 
of the ladies of this city, at a ei'ilical j)enod when not a day was 
to be lost, that I have been enabled in 1781 to begin a cani])aign, 
the fortunate issue of which has still enhanced the value of the 
service then rendered to our cause," 

We will here subjoin a list of those noble citizens of Baltimoio 



414 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 



(at that time an obscure village) adverted to by La Fayette, and the 
amount subscribed by each, at one of the most critical moments of 
our Eevolutionary history. When the Congress was sorely pressed 
for money, and the army in want of almost everything necessary 
to its comfort and efficiency, they nobly came forward and ad- 
vanced to General La Fayette, on his simple obligation, a sum of 
mbney to enable him to procure clothing for his suffering army : 

Jacob Hart $276 14 

Ricliard Carson 234 06 j 

Nathaniel Smith 93 56;^ 

Nicholas Rogers 102 89 

Ridgelyaud Priugle. ... 234 06i 

Stephen Mewart 379 18 

William Ncill 411 87 

Daniel Bowley 234 06^ 

Hugh Young 458 70 

Samuel »& 11. Parviance.. 468 13 

Russell and Hughes 236 06^ 

Russell and Giiman Il7 03J 



James Calhoun $272 52 

James McHenry 110 76i 

John Slerrett 250 16^ 

Charles Carroll 124 76 

John Smith, Jr 851 10 

William Smith 468 13 

Alex Donaldson 117 084^ 

Stewart and Salmon 468 13 

William Patterson 468 13 

John McLure 468 13 

Thomas Russell 210 60 

Samuel Hughes 702 20i 



When the reply of the General was delivered, the members of 
the corporation were respectively introduced, after which a num- 
ber of the soldiers of the Bevolutiou who had been mustered by 
Col, Mosher. The scene was highly interesting: tears of delight 
lolled down their furrowed cheeks. The Mayor also introduced 
to the General, Alexander McKim, William Patterson, Samuel Hol- 
lingsworth, and Nathaniel Levy, as a small remnant, as he ob- 
served, of the gallant and patriotic troop of " First Baltimore Cav- 
alry" who voluntarily repaired to the standard of La Fayette on 
his call upon Maryland for soldiers, and fought under him in Vir- 
ginia during the campaign in 1781. 

After a short interval the General again entered his barouche, 
and was escorted to an elevated pavilion at the intersection of 
Light and Baltimore streets, accompanied by the Governor, mem- 
bers of the Cincinnati, Mayor and members of the corporation, 
where he received the passing salute of all the troops under arms, 
commencing with cavalry. It was perhaps the most splendid 
military display that our country can easily furnish, Baltimore 
having long been remarkable for the number and the beauty of 
her volunteer corps, which on the present occasion were joined by 
our old friends from York, Pennsylvania, and several comjDanies 
from Frederick, Annapolis, Elkridge, Prince George's, &c., horse 
and foot. 

An association of youths, called the De Kalb Cadets, were ad- 
mitted into the line on the left of the National Guards. The mar- 
shals of the association had each a scroll in his hand, bound with 
blue ribbon, upon which was inscribed the word "gratitude." As 
iney arrived in succession at the pavilion, each marshal deposited 
bis scroll at the feet of the General. He repeatedly opened and 
closed his arms, as if in the act of pressing them to his heart ; 



CHROKfCLES OF BALTIMORE. 



415 



and -when the procession bad ended, suddenly turned away and 
liurst into tears. He -was then escorted to his lodgings at 
the Fountain Inn, where he reposed awhile, being much ex- 
hausted. In about two hours, being somewhat refreshed, he, with 
the Mayor, passed through the multitude assembled round the 
liouse, shaking hands with a great number of people. He then 
retired to rest, and afterwards dined with the committee of the 
corporation with about one hundred invited guests. 

In the evening there was a general illumination ; maiiy trans- 
])arencies were exhibited and gi-eat taste displayed in the orna- 
ments of the windows. The streets were thronged with people 
until past ten o'clock, when the citizens and strangers generally 
went to rest. Never did an illumination pass off with more honor 
to a city than this. The General passed through the streets incog., 
and expressed his delight at the appearance of the people and 
highly praised their orderly deportment. 

The next day he received visitors at the Exchange and dined 
with the corporation, &c., &c., and in the eveniiig visited the CJrand 
Lodge; after which he attended the splendid ball given in Holli- 
day Street Theatre, which had been fitted up for the occasion. 
After the introduction of the surviving officers and soldiers of the 
Revolution who resided in and near Baltimore, to General La Fa- 
yette on Fi-iday, he observed to one of the gentl'emen near, " I have 
not seen among these my friendh' and patriotic commissary, Mr. 
David Poe, who resided in Baltimore when I was here, and out of 
his own very limited means supplied me with five hundred dollars 
to aid in clothing my troops, and Avhose wife, with her own hands, 
cut out five hundred pairs of pantaloons, and superintended the 
making of them for the use of my men." The General was in- 
formed that Mr. Poe was dead but that his Avidow was still living. 
He expi'essed an anxious wish to see her. The good old lady 
ljear<l the intelligence with tears of joy, and the next day visited 
the General, by whom she was received most aftectionatel}' ; he 
spoke in grateful terms of the friendly assistance he had received 
from her and her husl)and: "Your husband," said he, pressing his 
hand on his breast, " was my friend, and the aid I received from 
you both was greatly beneficial to me and my troops." The effect 
of such an interview as this may be imagined but cannot be de- 
scribed. On the Uth General La Fayette left the city with an 
escort lor Washington. 

John Montgomery is elected Mayor. 

On the IGth of February I'ilisha Tyson died, who had reached 
the age of threescore and fourteen. He was the great cham])ion 
of the rights of the sable sons of Africa; and it is ihought that 
not less than 3000 persons of color attended his renuiins to the 
grave. 

William H. Winder was born February iSth, 1775, in Somerset 
County, Maryland. He received his early education at Washington 



4] 6 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMOEE. 

Academy, Somerset county, and finished at the University of Penn- 
sylvania, and commenced the study of law with his uncle, John 
Henry, completing his studies in Anna|)olis in the office of Gabriel 
Duval, afterwards one of the judges of the Supreme Court. In 
1798, at the age of twentj-threc, he was elected to the Legislature. 
In 1799 he married his cousin Gertrude, daughter of William Pulk, 
of Somerset, Judge of the General Court for the Eastern Shore. 
In 1802 he removed to Baltimore, and his talents soon placed him 
in the foremost rank of his profession. In March, 1812, he was 
appointed lieutenant-colonel. In the ensuing spring he was com- 
missioned as brigadier-general, with a warm acknowledgment of 
his valuable services from the Secretary of War. At Stony Creek 
he was taken prisoner, but soon after was paroled. Immediately 
upon his release he was appointed adjutant-general, and when the 
danger to the Capital became imminent, he was invested with the 
command of the Tenth District, for which post he had the honor 
to be selected by Mr. Madison himself He was defeated at Bladens- 
burg, with an army numerically about equal to the British, but 
with the exception of four hundred men, a mere mob — thrust upon 
him at the last moment, some arriving fifteen minutes before the 
action, none before the 18th — some without ammunition, without 
arms, some with arms that had been condemned. The Capital fell 
into the hands of the enemy. After the retreat of the British 
from Baltimore, General Winder received orders to pi-oceed to the 
Niagara frontier, where his services were deemed important. A 
committee having been appointed bj^ Congress to investigate the 
cause of the disaster at Bladensburg, their report bore unfavorably 
upon the conduct of General Winder, absent at the time. He ap- 
plied immediately to the President I'or a court of inquirj^, which 
was granted, and General Scott, Colonels Fenton and Drayton, 
were appointed a court, and met in Baltimore, January 26th, 1815. 
After a recital of the means at his disposal, they concluded their 
report thus: " They nevertheless feel it to be their duty to sepa- 
rate the individual from the calamities surrounding him, and to 
declai'c that, to the officer on whose conduct they are to determine, 
no censure is attributable; and, on the contrar}^, when they take 
into consideration the complicated difficulties and embarrassments 
under which he labored, they are of opinion, notwithstanding the 
results, that he is entitled to no little commendation. Before the 
action he exhibited industry, zeal and talent, and during its con- 
tinuance a coolness, promptitude and personal valor highly honor- 
able to himself and worthy of a better fate." At the close of the 
war he resigned his commission and returned to the practice of 
his profession. At the time of his death, which occurred on the 
24th of May, 1824, in the 49th year of his age, his practice was 
the largest at the Baltimore bar, and one of the large&t in the 
United States Supreme Coui"t. He was interred with the highest 
Masonic, civic and military honors, and it was estimated there were 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 417 

15.000 persons assembled to pay the last tribute of respect to his 
memory. 

On Monday evening and Tuesday morning, June 28th and 29th, 
we had about the most severe, if not the severest, thunder-storm 
that was ever witnessed in this cit}'. A number of houses were 
struck with linhtiiing and one man killed ; but it is chiefly to 
record the following singular circumstance; — A flash struck the 
auction store then at the corner of Charles and Baltimore streets. 
One part of the shaft followed the main branch of the gas ))ipo on 
the noi-therii si<le of Baltimore street in an easterly direction, and 
for the distance of about ibur squares extinguished all the gas 
lamps in its passage, scarcely doing any other injurj^ ; another part 
of the shaft followed the main branch of the gas-pipe in a westerly 
direction, as high as McClelian's Alley, extinguishing in like 
manner every gas lamp in its passage on the northern side of Balti- 
more street, doing no other injury, comprehending, in the whole 
extent, nearly eight squares on Baltimore street. The gas lamps on 
the south t<ide of Baltimore street were perfectly unaffected by the 
flash. In one of the stores adjacent to the auction room, entirely 
lighted b}^ gas, the total darkness so soon followed the bright blaze 
of the electric fluid, that the persons therein entertained for a short 
time the horrible idea that they had become blind. 

An Act was passed by the Legislature extending the jurisdiction' 
of City Justices of Peace in matters of small debts to one hundred 
dollars, and to Justices generally, a new jurisdiction in action of 
ti'espass not exceeding fifty dollars damages. 

On the 13th (jf Februaiy there was a town meeting held at the 
Exchange, to protest against the caucus of Congressmen to nomi- 
nate candidates for President and Vice-President, and in the 
course of the summer ward meetings were held by the friends 
of General Andrew Jackson and John Quincy Adams. 

On the 18th of April the boiler of the steamboat Eagle, return- 
ing from the Patuxent ami Annapolis, exploded, and Henry M. 
Muri'ay, .State District Att(;rney, passenger, and some hands were 
severely injiin.'d. Mr. Murray languished until the 28th, when he 
died from the accident, which was the first fatal explosion in the 
Chesajteake. 

On the IDth of December, died of a paralysis under which he 
had sulfci-td many yeai's, William Buchanan, of George, Register 
of Wills of this count}'. 

182"), In March General Jackson arrived in Baltimore, and in 
the evening attended a ball given in his honor -at Barnum's. On 
Saturday morning he jiresentcd, by request, a stand of colors to 
the Fursyil) company of riflemen, a valuable and numerous corps; 
iVom twejve to two o'clock he received all such as were i)leased to 
wait uj)on him, with his accustomed courtesy. The press of the 
people to lake him by the hand was great; a collation was pro- 
vided in an adjoining I'oom, of which many hundreds partook. In 
27 



418 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

the evening he visited the theatre, whore he was received with 
distinguished marks of respect. On the following morning he 
departed for his residence in Tennessee, being escorted, for some 
distance out of the city, by a number of gentlemen on horseback. 

The following companies and societies received this year acts 
of incorporation : The Academy of Sciences, Robert Gilmor, presi- 
dent; The Maryland Institute of Arts, W. Stewart, president; 
The Pennsylvania, Delaware and Marj^land Steam Navigation 
Company ; The Fireman's Insurance Company ; The Lafayette 
Beneficial Society; The Patapsco Fire Engine Company; The 
^tna Company for the manufacture of iron, and the Seamen's 
Union Bethel Society. 

Some of the uniformed volunteer militia of the city, consisting 
of a regiment of infantry, riflemen, cavalry and artillery each, are 
formed into a brigade by law, and Col. George H. Steuart is ap- 
pointed their General. 

Eobert Goodloe Harper was born near Fredericksburg, Vir- 
ginia, in 1765. In 1785 he graduated at Princeton. After leaving 
college he proceeded to Philadelphia, and from thence sailed for 
Charleston, South Carolina, where he in a short time was elected 
to the Legislature. In 1794 he was elected to the National House 
of Pepresentatives, serving with distinction until 1801. In 1801 
he retired from Congress. He married Catharine, daughter of 
Charles Carroll, of Carrollton, and removed to Baltimore. He was 
employed as counsel for Judge Samuel Chase in his famous trial of 
impeachment, in connection with J. Hopkinson and Luther Mar- 
tin. He also defended Aaron Burr. He participated in the de- 
fence of Baltimore against the attack of tbe British in 1814, and 
during the war attained the rank of Major-General. In 1815 he 
was elected to the United States Senate, and took an able and 
active part in the debates. In 1819-20 he visited Europe with his 
family. His own reputation and the celebrity of his father-in-law 
gave him ready access to the most illustrious society of the con- 
tinent. He returned to Baltimore, resuming the practice of his 
profession, and taking a very active interest in the Maryland Colo- 
nization Society. He died very suddenly on the 14th of January, 
1825. He had only the day before argued a case in court for three 
hours with his usual ability, and gave no sign of the slightest in- 
dis})osition up to the very moment of his death. He attended a large 
party the evening before his decease, and appeared in most lively 
spirits. The succeeding morning, alter breakfast, while standing 
befoi'e the fire and* reading a newspaper, he fell and instantlj' ex- 
pired. General Harper's mind was of singular clearness, and his 
power of statement was considered almost unequalled. His private 
virtues endeared him to a wide circle of friends, and his public 
services rendered him an honor to the State and to the nation. 

Died suddenly, on the 23d day of June, in the 67th year of his 
age, Gen. John Strieker, a soldier of the lievolution, and comman- 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE 419 

del' of the third brigade at the battle of North Point on the 12th 
of September, 1814, and at the time of his death president of the 
Bank of Baltimore. lie was one of the most amiable and best of 
men. His ivmains were interred with military honors. 

Mrs. p]llen Moale died in this cit}' in March. She was the first 
white child born within the city of Baltimore, which at the period 
of her death contained 70,000 souls. 

December l-lth being the day appointed for the meeting of the 
delegates from the several counties of Maryland, to deliberate 
upon measures best calculated to promote the internal improve- 
ment of the State, at eleven o'clock the delegates appointed 
by the several counties hereinafter mentioned, assembled in the 
chamber of the first branch of the City Council of Baltimore, ap 
propriated for their accommodation by the Mayor of the city. The 
meeting was called to order by the Honorable John R. Plater of St. 
Mary's county, when on motion of Governor Sprigg, of Prince 
George's county, the venerable Charles Carroll of Carrollton was 
unanimousl}' appointed to preside over the deliberations of the 
convention. On motion of Daniel Jenifer, Esq., of Charles county, 
John S. Skinner, Esq., of the city of Baltimore, was appointed 
secretary, and Thomas Phcnix, of said city, assistant secretary. 
The roll being called, the following gentlemen answered to their 
names, viz: from Frederick County, John McPherson, William 
Tyler, Grafton Duvall, Richard Potts, John Nelson, John Thomas, 
John Lee. Alleghany County, John McMahon, John McIIenry, 
John Iloye, John Tepleman, Andrew Bruce, Robert Swan. Wash- 
ington County, William Gabby, Thomas Buchanan, Wm. Fitzhugh, 
John Blackford, William Price, Thos. C. Brent, Franklin Anderson. 
Anne Arundel County, Thomas Snowdcn, Daniel Murray, Charles 
Carroll of Carrollton, Geo. Howard of Waverly. Harford County, 
Israel D. Maulsby, John Forward, George M. Gill, Alexander 
Norris, Charles S. Sewell. Baltimore County, Tobias E. Stansbury, 
R. T. Spence, Elias Brown, James Howai'd, John Spear Smith, 
George Harrj-man, Joseph R. Foard. Baltimore City, John p]. 
Howard, Thomas Ellicott, Isaac McKim, George Hoffman, William 
Lorman, John P. Kennedy. Annapolis City, Dennis Claude, James 
Murray, J. J. Speed, Thomas II. Carroll, Jeremiah Hughes. Prince 
George's County, Sam'l Sprigg, John R. Magruder, Robert W. Bowie, 
John C. Herbert, Wm. T. VVootten, Wm. Bowie of Walter, Geo. 
Seminc^. Montgomery County, Geo. C. Washington, Wm. Darno, 
Richard Holmes, Archibald Lee. St. Mary's County, John R. 
Plater, Peter Gough, Gerard N. Cassin, Joseph Stone, Enoch J. 
Millard, H. G. S. Ke}'. Charles County, Ni(diolas Stonestreet, 
Daniel Jenifer, William I). Merrick, Gwinn Harris, Henry IJrawner, 
John Fergusson. The deliberations of the convention were opened 
by Mr. Potts of Frederick county, who after a few preliminary 
remarks submitted a set of resolutions, which were concurred in. 
The committee to whom was referred the subject of internal im- 



420 CHEONICLES OF BALTIMOEE. 

proveinent, and the consideration of the ways and means in their 
judgment best calculated to eftect the great and common object 
of the people of Maryland, submitted a report that the practicability 
of a canal from Baltimore to intersect and unite with the Chesa- 
peake and Ohio canal, thence to Pittsburg, and thence to Lake 
Erie, no longer admitted of a doubt, but should be carried out. 

i3uring the year a line of packets was established between 
Baltimore and Charleston, Savannah, and New Orleans. 

Messrs. D. Barnum, W. Shii:)ley, and J. Philips, Jr., commenced 
to erect the present " Barnum's City Hotel," at the corner of 
Fayette and Calvert streets. 

1826. At the election for City Councilmen in October, two 
gentlemen of the Jewish persuasion were chosen by the suffrages 
of a large part of the citizens of their several wards — Messrs. S. 
Etting and J. I. Cohen. They were the first Jews ever elected by 
the people in Maryland, being until lately denied the rights of citi- 
zens by the Constitution of the State. Mr. Etting was afterwards 
elected President of the First Branch of the City Council. 

The first exhibition of the Marjdand Institute was held on 
Tuesday, November the 7th, at a hall in South Charles street. 

On the 12th of May Mr. Beacham launched from his ship-yard 
a beautiful sixty-four gun ship for the Brazilian Government. 

Soon after sunrise on the 20th of Jul}", the tolling of the bells 
of the city announced the com,mencement of the ceremonies 
which a grateful people were abou't to offer as a testimony of their 
profound grief for the death of the illustrious fathers of the Revo- 
lution, Adams and Jefferson, who died at their respective homes 
on the fourth, at verj' advanced ages. The flags of the shipping 
and public places — the closed doors of all the mercantile estab- 
lishments — the dark shrouding of the chaste and beautiful Battle 
Monument, from the beaks of whose eagles hung in sweeping folds 
large pieces of mourning drapery, conspired to raise the deepest 
emotions of sorrow for the afSictive national bereavement ; and the 
subsequent solemn and impressive spectacle promoted those feel- 
ings of grief and respect which are the surest pledges of attach- 
ment offered by the living to the memory of the dead. A proces- 
sion was formed, first of a troop of horse, and immediately behind 
it followed a long line of carriages containing the clergy of the dif- 
;ferent denominations. Then, drawn by six noble black horses, with 
plumed heads and housings of black cloth, came the funeral car, 
Dearing upon it two large fiat coffins shrouded in black, &c. After 
the car, as chief mourners, came Carroll of CarroUton, accom- 
panied by Col. John E. Howard and Gen. Samuel Smith. After 
these came the State authorities ; then came old grey-headed men, 
who could tell of '76 as of yesterday ; then the officers of the differ- 
ent courts and municipal authorities; then society after society ; 
then long lines of youths and children ; then seamen, with their 
flags enveloped in crape ; then came the crowd of citizens of all 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 421 

ages and conditions, filling the street from side to side, children 
leading thcMr parents, parents leading their children ; then, closing 
the procession, on came the deej) ranks of soldiers. At last the 
head of the column reached Howard's Park, and turning into the 
Belvedere gate, wound through the woods until, after jiassing the 
crown of the hill, it descended into the natural amphitheatre be- 
low. In the centre of this, surrounded by twenty thousand people 
who looked down upon it, was the platform for the ceremonies ; 
this crowd, collected under the broad shadow of the oaks, all look- 
ing to one object, all listening to one theme — the eulogy of Adams 
and Jefferson, At the sound of the trumpet the opening prayer 
was delivered by Bishop Soule; then followed the oration of Gen, 
Smith, and the ceremonies were concluded with a prayer by Mr, 
Duncan. 

Col, Jacob Small is elected Maj^or. 

Died at his residence near Baltimore, on the 26th of September, 
Captain Robert Trail Spence, of the United States Navy. He had 
just been appointed to the command of the West India squadron. 
He was a polished gentleman and a gallant sailor. And in this 
city, from a fall in a warehouse, Col. Paul Bentalou. 

By the official report this year of the managers of the Maryland 
Penitentiary, it appears that there were 340 persons confincMl in 
this institution. The nett capital of the institution was $203,840.18. 
The profit for the year was $12,347.12. Fi-om this latter sum, 
however, is to be deducted $8,000 paid annually by the State 
towards the salaries of the keepers, &c., which leaves a clear gain 
of neai'ly $4,500 for the year. 

Luther Martin, a very distinguished lawyer who graced the 
bar of Maryland, was born in New Brunswick, New Jersey, in 
1744. In 1762 he graduated at Princeton College with the highest 
honors. In 1771 or 1772 he was, through the aid of the distin- 
guished George Wythe and John Randolph, admitted to the Vir- 
ginia bar. He sojourned for a session at Williamsburg, and then 
took up his residence in Somerset, Maryland, and established 
rapidly a very lucrative practice. He continued to attract the 
public as an able and brilliant lawyer, and in 1774 he was ap- 
pointed one of the convention which assembled at Annapolis to 
resist the pretensions of the mother country. In February, 1778, 
through the influence of Judge Samuel Chase, Martin was ap- 
pointed Attorney-General of the State of Maryland. In 1794 his 
friend Judge Chase, of the Sujjreme Court of the United States, 
having been impeached in the House of Representatives, on charges 
contained in eight articles, for malfeasance in ofiicc, Martin de- 
fended him in connection with Hobt. (Joodloc Harper and J. Hop- 
kinson. His argument on that occasion was one of the most powerful 
ever heard in an American court-room, and is still refei-red to with 
wonder. .lu<lge Chase was acquitted. It was the fortune of 
Martin to be engaged in another cause of wider celebrity, and also 



422 CHEONICLES OF BALTIMOEE, 

again with Mr. Harper, in the trial of Aaron Burr for high trea- 
son. In 1807 Burr was brought to trial before the Circuit Court 
of the United States at Kichmond, Va., for treasonable designs, 
"in preparing the means of a military expedition against Mexico, 
a territory of the King of Spain, with whom the United States 
were at peace." During this memorable trial Martin exerted all 
his genius in defending Burr, who, as is well known, was acquitted. 
In 1814 Mr. Martin was appointed Chief Justice of the Court of 
Oyer and Terminer for Baltimore city and county, and held the 
office until he resigned. In 1318 he was again appointed Attorney- 
General of the State of Maryland and District Attorney for the 
city of Baltimore ; but by this time the advances of age and disease 
had impaired his vigor and his intellect, so that he was unable to at- 
tend personally to his duties. His powers at length were shattered 
by a stroke of paralysis, and owing to his pecuniary embarrassments 
he removed to New York, accepting the friendly hospitality of 
Aaron Burr, who repaid the services which Martin had rendered 
him in former years, until at the age of eighty-two the cele- 
brated lawyer died, on the 10th of July, 1826. It is to be regretted 
th;.t one so gifted should have been afflicted with habits of ex- 
travagance and intemperance, Avhich, while offering warnings to 
others, rendered his own life often unhappy, and in his old age 
clouded his noble intellect and reduced him to extreme penuiy. 

1827. Upon the principles contemplated by the will of the lato 
John Oliver, Esq., a lot is procured on North street by the Hiber- 
nia Society, and a spacious school house erected, finished and occu- 
pied accordingly. 

Dr. Nathaniel R. Smith is appointed to the chair of Surgery in 
the Medical Universit}'. 

M v. William Patterson offered to the corporation, by letter dated 
the 24th of January, two squares of ground on Hampstead Hill, 
with additions since made by purchase, which is now known as 
" Patterson Park," f )r the use of the citizens as a public walk. On 
the 1st of March it was resolved to accept the same, and Jacob 
Small, Mayor, and Solomon Etting, President of the First Branch 
City Council, and Philip Moore, President of the Second Branch 
City Council, tender the thanks of the citizens through the corpo- 
ration for his generous and liberal gift. 

James Kemp, Bishop of the P. E. Church, died on the 16th of Oc- 
tobei-, aged 62 years. He was much regretted by his pastoral flock, 
and highly respected by all who knew him for his private charities, &c. 

The City Council, on the 9th of January, unanimously passed a 
bill adopting the lavv of the Legislature relative to the establish- 
ment of public schools. 

On Sunday morning, March 18th, a fire broke out in the ware- 
house of Mr. Webb in Howard street, which, with the warehouse 
adjoining, and the chief part of their contents, were destroyed. 
John Paid<ard and Frederick Knip were instantly killed by the 
falling of the gable end wall of one of the warehouses. 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 423 

On Tuesday, March 20tli, subscription books were opened for 
stock to the Btiltiniore and Ohio Hailrotid, and were closed on the 
Slst. There were taken forty-one thousand seven hundred and 
ei<;hty-one shares, inclusive of the five thousand allotted to, and 
taken by, the corporation of Baltimore. The amount of money, 
therefore, subscribed by this cit}'' alone was four millions one 
hundred and seventy-eight thousand dollars, divided among twenty- 
two thousand names. 

On the IGth of ^lay, the ladies of the city get up a fair in hand- 
some style at the Masonic Hall, St. Paul street, for the relief of the 
suftering inhabitanis of Greece, realizing over ^1,600. 

The Baltimore Light Infantry Company, under the command 
of Captain John II. B. Latr<)l>e, left the city on the 29th of April 
on a visit to the city of Philadelphia, at which place they received 
a warm and cordial welcotne. This company was the right-flank 
or first company of the 5th regiment, which took so distinguished 
a part in the defence of Baltimore during the attack made by the 
British troops in 1814, and was the first volunteer compan}'^ of 
citizen soldiery who visited a neighboring city on a friendly visit 
from this ciiy. 

John Eager Howard was born on the 4th of June, 1752, in 
Baltimore count}', in this State. His grandfather, Joshua Howard, 
an Englishman by birth, having whileyet very young left his father's 
house in the vicinitx' of Manchester to join the army of the Duke 
of York, subsequently James II., during Monmouth's insurrection, 
was afterwards afraid to encounter his parent's displeasure, and 
came to seek his fortune in America. This was in the year 1G85 86. 
He obtained a gi'ant of the land in IBaltimore county on which 
Col. Howard was born, and which is still in the family, and married 
Miss Joanna O. Cai-roll, whose father had lately emigi-ated from 
Ireland. Cornelius, one of his sons by this lady, and father of the 
Hubject of this brief sketch, married Miss Ruth Eager, the grand- 
daughter of George Eager, whose estate adjoined and now makes 
a considerable jnu-t of this city. The Eagei-s came from England, 
probably soon atler the charter to Lord Baltimoi-e, but the records 
afibrd little information prior to 1GU8, when the estate near Balti- 
more was purchased. 

John Eager Howard, not educated for any particular profession, 
was determined to that of arms by the circumstances of his country. 
One of the first nieasures of defence adopted by the colonies against 
tlic mother country- was the assemblage of bodies of the militia, 
termed flying cam]>s. One of these was formed in Maryland in 177G, 
and Ml-. HowanI uas appointed to a captaincy in the regiment of 
Colonel J. Carvil Hall. His commission, signed by Matthew Tilgh- 
man, the Pi-esident of the Convention of Maryland, is dated the 
25th of June, 1776, a few days after he had com|)leted his twenty- 
fourtli year. This ci)V\)h was dismissed, however, in December of 
tiic same year, Congress having required of each of the States to 



424 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMOKE. 

furnish a oei-tain portion of reo-iilur troops as a more effective 
system of defence. On the or<ranization of the seven reifiments 
which were to be furnished b}' Maryland, Cajjtain Howard, who 
had been retained by the wish of the comn)issi(mers empowered to 
appoint officers rather than his own, was promoted to a majority 
in one of them, the Fourth, under his former commander Colonel 
Hall. His commission is dated the 10th of April, 1777. On the 
1st of June, 1779, he was appointed lieutenant-colonel of the Fifth, 
and in the following spring he was transferred to the Sixth ; and, 
finally, after the battle of Hobkirk's Hill, he succeeded to the com- 
mand of the Second, in consequence of the death of Lieutenant- 
Colonel Ford, who never recovered of a wound received in that 
battle. To the services of Colonel Howard during these years and 
throughout the war, we have before referred. " He deserves," said 
Greene, "a statue of gold no less than Roman and Grecian heroes." 
"At the battle of Cowpens," saj's Lee, "he seized the critical 
moment, and turned the fortune of the day. He was alike con- 
spicuous, though not alike successful, at Guilford and the Eutaws; 
and at all times and on all occasions eminently useful." Colonel 
Howard continued in his command till the army was disbanded, 
when he retired to his patrimonial estate near this city. He soon 
after married Margaret Chew, the daughter of Benjamin Chew, of 
Philadelphia; a lady whose courteous manners and elegant hospi- 
tality will long be remembered. In November, 1788. Col. Howard 
was chosen the Governor of Maryland, which post he filled for 
three years; and having in the autumn of 1796 been elected to the 
Senate of the United States to fill the vacancy occasioned by the 
resignation of Mr. Potts, he was the same session chosen for the 
full term of service, which expired on the 4th of Mai'ch, 1803. He 
was commissioned a major-general of militia in 1794, but declined 
the honor. Washington invited him to a seat in his cabinet at 
the head of the War Department in 1795. That honor he also 
declined. He lost his wife in 1824; and on the 12th of October, 
1827, he too left the scenes of this earth, at the age of 75 ^'ears. 
Honor, wealth, and the ardent love of friends were his lot in life, 
and few men ever went down to the grave more truly lamented 
than JoJiii Eager Hoivard. His remains Avere committed to the 
tomb, attended by an immense civil and military procession ; and 
the general gloom that pervaded the cit}' testified the great respect 
and esteem for his worth and services. Hon. John Quincy Adams, 
the President of the United States, being in the cit}^, attended the 
funeral. 

On the 14th of October President John Quincy Adams arrived 
in Baltimore on his return to the seat of government, and was in- 
duced to prolong his visit until Wednesday the 17th. On Tuesday 
morning, accompanied by a large party of citizens, the President 
visited the the battle-ground at North Point, and in the aiternoon, 
ii'om 2 o'clock until 4, received the visits of the citizens; among 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 425 

other visitors were the consuls of different nations, nii'l the TJev. 
Mr. Eoelestiin, viee-president of St. .Mnrv's College, atloncK'd l)y u] - 
Avards of one hundred students from that institution. At four 
o'ch;ek he dined with the Cincinnati of Maryland, and the officers 
and sokliers wounded in the iiattk^ of Xorth Point, The entertain- 
ment was liandsome and creditabU* to Mr. Barnum. From seven 
to nine o'clock he received the visits of his fellow-citizens, of whom 
he took leave in a brief and coi-dial address. 

The profits of the Maryland Penitentiarv for the vear 1825 
amounted to 612,347.21; 1826, $12,843.28; and of this year, nearly 
§20,000. 

The corps of enojineers detached by the General Government 
to survey the route of the Baltimore and Ohio Kailroad left Balti- 
more on the 20th of November. 

1828. Mr. Evan Ponltney opens a banking house in Baltimore 
street in June, being the first institution of this kind opened in 
the city. 

^Messrs. Luke Tiernan, K. 11. Osgood, Joshua Mozick, and others, 
form a company, and obtain a charter to make a screw dock for 
rejiairing ships' bottoms, the same being erected at Mr. Ramsay's 
wharf, Thames street. Fell's Point. 

Messrs. Gideon Lee, Peter Cooper, Francis Price, Ely Moore, 
James J^amsa3', and others of New York, and Messrs. W. Patter- 
son, Columbus O'Donnel, Ebenezer Z. Finley, W. Gwynn, and 
others, of Baltimore, purchase the lands cast and west of Harris's 
Creek, with the water rights on the north side of the north branch 
of ti)e Patapsco, from the neighborhood of the Point to the Laza- 
retto, and obtain charter rights by the name of the Canton Com- 
pany-, of which Mr. Gwj'^nn is chosen president. 

On the opening of subscriptions in March for the Baltimore and 
Susquehanna Jiailroad, 'much more than the requisite number of 
shares were taken in the city, besi<les a few shares at York, although 
the Legislature of Pennsjdvania had refused to aid or countenance 
the uiuicrtaking by a continuance of the contemplated road within 
that State. 

The circular brick tower erected b}' the Phcenix Comjiany for 
making shot, at the corner of Front and Fayette street, reached 
tlie intended elevation, being two hundred and thirt^'-four feet 
■three inches high from the pavement. Its diameter at tiie l)ottom 
is fort}' feet, and at the top twenty. The stone foundation wall is 
ten feet thick at the bottom, and six at the top. The bi-ick work, 
which commences at the surface, is four feet and a half thick, of 
which thickness it continues for the height of nearly filly feet ; 
when it diminishes four inches in every story, being twenty inches 
thick at the ton of the ])ara))et, three feet in height, wdiich crowns 
the summit. This huge structure, which is an excellent piece of 
brick-work, was commenced on the second of June, 1828, and fin- 
ished on the 25th of November same year, and was built without 
scatTolding. 



426 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMOEE. 

The celebration of the Fourth of July, and the ceremonies at- 
tending the commencement of the Baltimore and Ohio raih-oad, 
brought to town a gi-eat concourse of strangers a da_y or two before 
the celebration. On the afternoon and evening immediatelj^ pre- 
ceding, all the roads to town were thronged with passengers, while 
in the city itself, the lively and incessant crowds in Baltimore 
street; the movements of various cars, banners, and other decora- 
tions of trades, to their several points of destination ; the erection 
of scaffolds, and the removal of window sashes, gave many "notes 
of preparation " for the ensuing fete. Fortunately, the morning of 
the fourth rose not only bright but cool, to the great comfort of 
the immense throng of spectators that, from a very early hour, 
filled every window in Baltimore street, and the pavement below, 
from be^'ond Bond street on the east, far west on Baltimore street 
extended, a distance of about two miles. What the numbers were 
vre have no means of ascertaining; fifty to seventy thousand spec- 
tators must have been present, among the whole of whom was 
witnessed a quietness and good order seldom seen in so immense a 
multitude. The procession left Bond street a little before eight 
o'clock, and moved up Baltimore street in the order previously ar- 
ranged and published. The good ship the "Union," completely 
rigged on Fell's Point, was on the extreme left of the line, and as 
the various bands of music, trades, and other bodies in th^ proces- 
sion passed before it, it was evident from their greetings that they 
regarded this combined symbol of our confederacy and navy with 
especial approbation. 

About ten o'clock the procession reached the spot on which the 
foundation stone of the railroad was to be placed, a field two miles 
and a quarter from town, south of the Frederick turnpike road, 
and near Carroll's upper mills on Grwynn's falls. Through the 
middle of this field runs, from north to south, a ridge of an eleva- 
tion of perhaps thirty feet, in the centre and on the summit of 
which was erected a pavilion for the reception of Charles Carroll 
of CarroUton, the president and directors of the railroad company, 
the engineers, the mayor and city council, and the orator of the 
day. Among the guests of the pavilion were also the Speaker of 
the House of Representatives of the United States, Governor Coles 
of Indiana, the members of Congress and the Legislature, the Cin- 
cinnati and the Revolutionary soldiers. Col. Grenier and Gen. De-. 
vereux. On either side of the pavilion and along the line of the 
ridge ■w^as ranged the cavalry. In front of it towards the east, and 
on the brow of the ridge, was the excavation for the reception 
of the foundation stone, beneath which, and parallel with the ridge, 
lay a long and level plain in which the procession formed on its 
arrival, facing towards the pavilion. The cars were drawn up in a 
body on the left and inclining towards the rear of the pavilion. 
The Masonic bodies formed a large and hollow square round the 
Hvni stone. 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 427 

The ceremonies were commenced with prayer by the Ecv. T)r. 
Wyatt, Masonic Grand Chaphiin, the vast audience uncovering 
their heads, when Mr. Heath, after an eloquent ])rcface, read the 
Dechiration of Independence. The CarroUton March, composed 
by Ml-. Clifton, was then performed. Mr. John B. Morris de- 
livered an eloquent address from the president and directors of the 
Coinj^any. Uj)on the conclusion of the address, two boys dressed 
as Mercuries advanced to the canopy, and prayed that the prin- 
ters might be furnished with a copy of the remarks and address just 
delivei-ed, that they might be pi-inted and distributed to tlic people. 
A deputation from the blacUsniiths' association next advanced and 
presented Mr. Carroll the pick, spade, stone-hammer and trowel, 
prepared by them for the occasion, and made an address. The 
deputation from the stonecutters now came forward, and the car 
containing the foundation stone was driven to the spot. While 
the stone was preparing, ^[r. Carroll, accompanied by the grand 
marshal of the day and JMr. John B. Morris, and bearing in his 
hand the spade just presented, descended from the pavilion and ad- 
vanced to the spot selected for the reception of the foundation 
stone, in order to strike the spade into the ground. lie walked 
with a firm step and used the instrument with a steady hand, 
vcritying the prediction of a song published on the morning of the 
fourth : — 

"The haml tliat held the pea 
Never falters, but again 
Is employed with the spade, to assist his fellow-men." 

The stone was then dexterou>*ly removed from the wagon in 
which it had been conveyed to the ground, and placed in its bed. 
The Grand Master, attended by the P. G. Chaplain of Maryland, 
and by the Grand Master of Pennsylvania and Virginia, then 
applied his instruments to the stone, and after handing them for 
the same purpose to the other Grand Masters, and receiving their 
favorable repoi-t, pronounced it to bo "well formed, true and 
trusty." The Grand Chaplain invoked the benediction of heaven 
upon the success of the enterprise, the prosperity of the city, and 
the i'uture life of the venerable man who had assisted in laying the 
Btone. The ceremony was concluded in the usual manner, by 
pouring wine and oil and scattering corn upon the stone, with a 
corresponding invocation and response, followed by the grand Ma- 
sonic honors. 

The following inscription was on the stone: — "This stone, pre- 
sented b}' the stone-cutters of Baltimore in commemoration of the 
commencement of the Baltimore and Ohio railroad, was here placed 
on the 4th of July, 1828, by the Grand Lodge of Maryland, assisted 
by Charles Carroll of CarroUton, the last surviving signer of the 
I)eclaration of American Independ(!nce, and under the direction of 
the president and directors of the Ilailroad Company." On each 



428 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

side of the stone was this inscription: — "First stone of the Balti- 
more & O. R. R." In a cavity of the stone was deposited a glass 
cylinder hermetically sealed, containing a copy of the charter (the 
first railroad charter obtained in the United States) of the company 
as granted and confirmed by the States of Maryland, Virginia, 
Pennsylvania, and the newspapers of the day, together with a 
scroll containing these words: 

"This stone is dejDOsited in commemoration of the commence- 
ment of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, a work of deep and vital 
interest to the American peojjle. Its accomplishment will confer 
the most important benefits upon this nation, by facilitating its 
commerce, diffusing and extending its social intercourse, and per- 
petuating the happy union of the confederated States. The first 
meeting of the citizens of Baltimore to confer upon the adoption 
of proper measures for undertaking this magnificent work, was on 
the 2d day of February, 1827. An Act of incorporation by the 
State of Maryland was granted February 28th, 1827, and was con- 
firmed b}^ the State of Virginia March 8th, 1827. Stock was sub- 
scribed to provide funds for its execution, April 1st, 1827. The 
first board of directors was elected April 23d, 1827. The company 
vt\as organized April 24th, 1827. An examination of the country 
was commenced under the direction of Lieut.-Col. Stephen H.Long, 
and Capt. William G. McNeill, U. S. topographical engineers, and 
William Howard, IT. S. civil engineer, assisted by Lieuts. Barney, 
Trimble, and Dillehunt, of the U. S. artillery, and Mr. Harrison, 
Jul}'- 2d, 1827. The actual surve3'S to determine the route were 
begun by the same officers, with the additional assistance of Lieuts. 
Cook, Cxwynn, Hazzard, Fessenden, and Thompson, and Mr. Guion, 
JSTov. 20th, 1827. The charter of the company was confirmed by 
the State of Pennsylvania, February 22d, 1828. The State of Mary- 
land became a stockholder in the company, by subscribing for half 
a million dollars of its stock, March 6th, 1828. And the construc- 
tion of the road was commenced July 4th, 1828, under the manage- 
ment of the following named Board of Directors: — Philip Evan 
Thomas, president; Charles Carroll of Carrollton, William Patter- 
son, Robert Oliver, Alexander Brown, Isaac McKim, William Lor- 
man, George Hoffman, John B. Morris, Talbot Jones, William 
Stewart, Solomon Etting, Patrick Macauley ; George Brown, 
treasurer." A national salute was then fired by the artillery 
stationed on a neighboring hill to the north. At night a display 
of fire-works took place on Federal Hill. 

In December, Mr. Ross Winans (then of new Jersey) exhibited 
in Baltimore the model of a rail wagon running upon its way, 
weighing, as is stated, about 125 lbs. On this little wagon were 
deposited 5 cwt., or ten "fifty-sixes," on these two men were many 
times placed, and the whole was drawn by a piece of twine or pack- 
thread playing over a pulley, by which a half pound weight was 
suspended, and which was publicly handled by many gentlemen, 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 429 

among whom was the vcneraMe Carroll of Carrollton. Thus, this 
piece of pack-thread and half-pound power sevei-al hundred times 
drew across a largo room the car weighing 125 lbs., 10 fifty-sixes, 
560 lbs., and two persons 300 lbs.— total 985 lbs. 

On the 4th of July the rival enterprise of the Chesapeake and 
Ohio Canal, in which this State is greatl}' interested, was com- 
menced with similar ceremonies, President Adams himself first 
hreaUing ground. 

Died on the 29th of Januar}^, in the GOth year of his age, the 
Most Eev. Ambrose Mares^hal, Archbishop of Baltimore. He was 
a man universall}' esteemed for his piety, benevolence and learning; 
tolerant in his principles, he respected the religious tenets of 
others, and was only anxious to excel in doing good. 

In addition to the l^altimore and Ohio and Baltimore and Sus- 
quehanna Eailroad Companies, two lines of steamboats were es- 
tablished this year, one to AYashington and Alexandria, and the 
other between this city, Norlblk, Petersburg, and Eichmond, Va. 

The winter of 1827-8 being exccedingl}- mild, and no ice being 
made in the neighborhood, many full cargoes were received for 
sale front several ports in Maine, and proved profitable ; this was 
the first introduction of Northern ice in this city. 

It being knoMn that the Hon. Henry Clay would arrive in 
Baltimore on Monday, May the 12th, the steamboat Patuxent, 
crowded with citizens, proceeded down the river to meet the 
boat United States. When the boats approached each other, and 
it was ascertained that Mr. Clay was a passenger, nine cheers from 
the Patuxe7\t gave to that gentleman the first intimation of the 
presence of so many of his fi-icnds. The Patuxent now changed 
her course, and taUing the lead of the United States, afforded the 
committee and citizens an opportunity of being on the wharfs 
to receive Mr. Clay at his landing. Mr. Clay landed in the pres- 
ence of a dense crowd, and was immediately conducted to Bar- 
num's Hotel. The next day, from 11 o'clock in the moi-ning until 
2, and from 7 until 9 in the evening, he received the visits of all 
who were pleased to call upon him, and during these five hours 
there was one continued throng of peojile ])assing through the 
room which ho occupied, ilr. Clay having declined a jjublic din- 
ner, partook of one in company with the committee who attended 
upon him, and the chairmen of committees of the sevei-al wards. 

On Monday, May 2Gth, General Swift and Geoi-ge Winchester 
loft Baltim(»re to make a reconnoissancc of the countr}' bet ween 
this city and the Susquehanna, pi'cparatory to the commencement 
of a survey for the ])ropose<l I5;illiinoi-e and Susquehanna Raih-oad. 
On the following day Wm. V. Small, civil enginei-r, left the cit}- fur 
the same purpose. 

]5altimore was visited by a violent storm on the evening of 
Wednesday, June 4th. The peals of thunder were tremendous, 
and for several hours incessant flashes of li;;htninir illuminated the 



430 CHKONICLES OF BALTIMOEE. 

heavens, while the rain poured down in torrents. The lightning 
struck at least twenty different points, but did not cause any mate- 
rial injury. Between the Severn and Patapsco rivers some hail 
as large as hen-eggs were picked up; one measured five and a half 
inches in circumference some considerable time after it was found. 
In Calvert County a colored man exposed to the hail was so much 
hurt as to occasion his death. 

A numerous meeting of the citizens of Baltimore was held at 
the assembly-room of the Fountain Inn, November 26th, in pur- 
suance of public notice, to memorialize Congress to abolish auctions 
and auctioneers. Mr. Philip E. Thomas was called to the chair, 
and John T. Barr and Evan Poultney were appointed secretaries. 
Mr. George Warner, Hugh W. Evans, John T. Barr, Wm. Norris, 
and Daniel Raymond were appointed a committee to prepare a 
memorial to Congress, which was done. 

For several years j^revious to 1826, a number of intelligent and 
zealous citizens of Baltimore feeling great solicitude for the educa- 
tion of the rising generation, determined to make provision for es- 
tablishing a system of public instruction. These generous men 
gave all their energies and feelings to the cause, and enlisted in its 
behalf an influence that procured the passage of a law by the Leg- 
islature of the State, in February of the year 1826, authorizing the 
city of Baltimore to establish a system of public schools. In 1827 
the City Council took some favorable action in the matter, but no 
schools were put in operation until the year 1829, when four 
schools were opened, one male and one female in the eastern, 
and the same number in the western part of the city. The first 
one was opened on the 24th of September. These schools were 
opened in rented houses entirely unfitted for the purpose, and very 
slender means wei*e furnished the commissioners for their support; 
nevertheless they succeeded to the satisfaction of their friends. 
In the years 1838 and 1839, many modifications and improvements 
were made in the school system. The monitorial method, which 
had heretofore been pursued in the schools, was abolished, and as- 
sistant teachers appointed ; a more extensive course of instruction 
was adopted, and the central high school established. In the years 
from 1840 to 1843, five additional schools were added to the system. 
In 1844 a building was purchased for the use of the central high 
school; two female high schools were established, one in the east- 
ern and one in the western part of the city. In 1847 female 
teachers were employed in the male schools with decided success. 
Primary schools were opened in 1848, and the public schools first 
established were elevated to the grade of grammar schools, and 
suitable studies were introduced into them. During the years 1849 
and 1850, nine primary schools wei-e established, and additional 
accommodations and conveniences were furnished for male and 
female grammar schools already in opei'ation. 

1829. William Wirt, Esq., late Attorney-General of the United 



CHROIS'ICLES OF BALTIMORE, 431 

States, moves to and settles with his family in this city in A])i-il, 
where he had often displayed his talents at the bar before. 

The Baltimore bar, at that date, exhibited in its composition a 
eomewhat vemarlcable aspect. It had but very recently been dis- 
tinguished by an extraordinary assemblage of the higliest order of 
talent: men who, singly, would have shed lustre upon any pro- 
fessional assemblage in the country, and who, united on this theatre, 
composed a constellation which attracted universal notice. Luther 
Martin, William Pinknc}', Robert Goodloe JIarper, Koger B. Taney 
and William II. Winder were all names of commanding eminence. 
"William Wirt came in amongst these to add new radiance to a 
galaxy already of the brightest. For a season they were all con- 
temporaries ; but for a brief season only. Nearly all these lights 
went out together. Of the six, Mr. Wirt and Mr. Taney were all 
that remained within the year of Mr. Wirt's settlement in Balti- 
more. A younger generation stood between them. A long interval, 
we may say without depreciation of the merits of the successors, 
separated the present from the past. Meredith, Johnson, Glenn, 
McMahon, Mayer, and others kindred in character and ability, 
were comparatively young men, and were now to step into the 
places of their file-leaders who had fallen in the battle of life. That 
column has since advanced to occupy an honorable gi-ound in the 
van of a large array of talent and worth. Mr. Wirt and Mr. Taney 
stood amongst them and at their head, instructors to guide, models 
to be imitated, gifted with all qualities to stimulate the ambition 
of generous minds striving alter an honorable fame. 

On the 8th of August, 1729, an Act of Assembl}^ was passed, 
entitled " An Act for creating a town on the north side of Patapsco, 
in Baltimore county, and for laying out into lots 60 acres of land, 
in and about the place where one John Fleming now lives." And 
Saturday being the centenary anniversary of this interesting event, 
which the citizens had resolved to celebrate with proper ceremo- 
nies, it was embraced by the directors of the Baltimore & Sus- 
quehaniui railroad company as a proper occasion to lay the corner- 
stone of the great work, thus adding another to the many facili- 
ties which have contributed to advance Baltimore Irom the brief 
period of her existence, with a population of 43 inhaiutaiits and a 
boundary of 60 acres, to the third city in the Union, containing at 
this time a population of 80,000. and an area of 9,300 acres. 

The ceremonies of the day were commenced by an as.semblage 
of citizens at seven o'clock in Monument Square, where seats in 
front of the Court-llouse had been provided lor the Kevolutionary 
soldiei's. Governor and other officers of the State, cit}', navy, armv, 
and foreigners of distinction, sheltered by a canopy decorated In 
the most tasteful matjiier; wlien, after an appropriate and impres- 
bive ])rayer by the Rev. Mi*. Snethen, they were addressed by Geo. 
W. Read, Fsq., the orator selected for the occasion, in an clocpient 
and patriotic speech, in which ho took a rapid and interesting view 



432 CHEONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

of the rise and progress of the city. At the conchision of the 
oration, a procession was formed at the Masonic Hall, under the 
direction of the Grand Lodge of Maryland, which had been re- 
quested by the directors of the railroad company to lay the corner- 
stone, consisting of the grand and subordinate lodges, the grand 
R. A. Chapter, the Knights Templar, the directors and engineers 
of the railroad, and several youthful associations. The procession 
moved at about half-past nine o'clock, and passed through several 
of the principal streets. Having arrived at the site selected for 
laying the stone, the Governor, etc., took seats on an elegant plat- 
form erected tor their accommodation. The chaplain of the Grand 
Lodge, the Rev. Dr. Williams, then addressed the Throne of Grace 
and begged a blessing on the great undertaking. George Winches- 
ter, the president of the company, then delivered an address ex- 
planatory of its objects and views; and having concluded. Colonel 
Wm. Steuart, the Deputy-Grand Master, in the presence of the 
Masonic brethren and the thousands assembled to witness it, per- 
formed the ceremony of laying the corner-stone. The mallet or 
gavel emplo^'cd on this occasion was the one used by the Father 
of his Country in laying the corner-stone of the Capitol at Wash- 
ington. The Eev. Mr. Reynolds, of Harrisburg, Pa., next ottered 
up a beautiful and impressive prayer. He was followed by the 
Grand Marshal, who read the inscription on the composition plate. 
On one side were engraved these words : " In commemoration of 
the commencement of the Baltimore and Susquehanna railroad, 
this stone was placed, on the 8th day of August, A. D. 1829, by 
the Grand Lodge of Maryland, under the direction of the presi- 
dent and directors of the railroad company, being the first hundredth 
anniversary of Baltimore, which was laid under an act of assem- 
bly of the province of Maryland, passed on the 8th day of August, 
A. D. 1729." On the other side was inscribed the following; "In 
the 54th yeav of the Independence of the United States. Andrew 
Jackson, President of the United States; Daniel Martin, Governor 
of Maryland; Jacob Small, Mayor of the city of Baltimore; Geo. 
Winchester, President of the railroad coni}>any. Directors: James 
L. Hawkins, Sheppard C. Leakin, Justus Hoppe, James B. Stans- 
bury, Robert Purviance, John Kelso, Thomas Pinlay, Jas. Howard, 
William Jenkins, James C. Gittings, Henry Didier. William F. 
Small, Engineer. Engraved by J. Pratt." When the Grand Marshal 
had finished reading the plate, a glass jar containing the news- 
papers of the day and the current American coins, was deijosited 
in the stone, which was properlj' cemented. The ceremonies were 
closed by an oration from L. L. Finley, Esq., which was worthy of 
the occasion, and delivered with such power and effect as elicited 
the most intense attention from the numerous auditors, who ex- 
pressed the highest gratification at the able manner in which he 
fulfilled the duty assigned him. The procession returned to the 
city about 4 o'clock, and at night a splendid display of fire-works 
terminated the ceremonios. 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 433 

On the 29th of October, the I?oman Catholic Council being then 
in session in this city, pursuant to a resolution, the prelates who 
composed the council went in a body to pay their respects to the 
venerable Charles Carroll of Carrollton, the surviving signer of the 
glorious charter of their country's freedom, and one of the most 
aged and exemjdary members of their church. They were most 
hosjtitably entertained, and delighted with the good old patriot and 
his amiable family. 

On appropriating to State purposes the proceeds of licensed 
lotteries generally, the Legislature granted certain portions, 
amounting, with the profits of former lotteries, to $178,000, for the 
com]iletion of the Washington monument in this city ; enacting 
that the structure should be considered the property of the State, 
and that it should have an inscription expressive of the gratitude 
of Maryland to the hero and statesman whose honor and memory 
the monument was intended to perpetuate. This enabled the man- 
agers to proceed with the work, and on the 26th of November was 
raised the last piece of the statue, comprising the bust, &c., to the 
summit of the monument. It was cut out of fine white marble 
from the quarries on the York road, and presented by Mrs. F. T. 
D. Taylor, of Baltimore Count}', that lady having patriotically 
given it without charge. The statue is 16 feet high, and was 
wrought in th)-ee separate pieces from one block of 30 tons, by 
lEenrico Cancici, Esq., an Italian sculptor of merit, each block 
weighing about ol tons when worked ; it was elevated successfully 
by means of a pair of shears attached to the cap of the column by 
pidleys and ca|)stan, planned and directed by Capt. James l). 
Woodside, of Washington. 

Charters are granted for a congregation of Jews; the Baltimore 
and Bappahanock Steam Packet Company, the Sugar Befining 
Company, and the Howard Fire Companj^, thus increasing the 
number of hose and fire companies in the city to fourteen. 

In December, Charles Carroll of Carrollton performed the cere- 
mony of laying the last stone of the viaduct at Gwynn's Falls, and 
the jircsidfiit antl directors unanimously resolved that this noble 
structure be named " The Carrollton Viaduct." And on tbo 4th 
of December the magnificent bridge over the Patapsco was made 
passable, and the eomj)liment of first crossing it on horseback was 
reserved for the veneialile and valued citizen William Patterson^ 
who preceded the president and directors and a number of other 
citizens assembled on the interesting occasion. On this occasion 
twenty-seven persons were <li"awn in one car by a single horse at 
the rate of 9 or 10 miles an hour, to the end of the rail line. An- 
other car, one of Winans', in returning carried thirty-seven persons, 
among them several ladies, — one hoi-se being used. Some interest- 
ing experiments took place on the Baltimore & Ohio B. B. on the 
-8th of December, and were continued during the week. Among 
the number we find the followinj': — Two dotcs attached to a. car 
28 



434 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

trotted off with a load of six persons. A car was fitted with a sail, 
and though the breeze was gentle, six persons were carried in it at 
a rapid rate. On the 22d of January, 1830, a car which had been 
constructed to be propelled by a sail, was carried alorig at the rate 
of 20 miles an hour, the whole length of the rail. 

The following letter was written by Mrs. Mary Barney to Gen. 
Jackson, which will show the "politics of the day," Mrs. Bar- 
ney was the wife of the naval officer at Baltimore, removed, whose 
place was supplanted by the appointment of Mi*. Carr, at that 
time editor of the Baltimore Repvblicmi, whose nomination was con- 
firmed in the Senate by a majority of one vote only. This letter 
was so much thought of at the time, that large editions of it were 
printed on satin and circulated throughout the United States : 

" Baltimore, Ju7ie 15th, 1829. 

" Sir : — Your note of the 22d April, addressed to me through 
your private secretar}?^, accompanjnng the return of my papers, 
which expresses your ' sincere regret that the rules lohich you had felt 
bound to adopt for the government of such cases did not pt rmit the 
gratification of my wishes,' affords no palliation of the injury you 
have inflicted on a meritorious officer and his helpless family : it 
is dark and ambiguous. Knowing that the possession was not 
alone sufficient justification for the exercise of power, unwilling 
that your character for firmness should suffer by the imputation 
of caprice, or that your reputation for humanity should be 
tarnished by an act of wanton cruelty, you insinuate a cause, you 
hi7it at a binding ride, and lament that my husband is within its 
operation. If it were not unworthy the character of Gen. Jack- 
son, I ask you, was it not beneath the dignity of the President of 
these United States to insinuate, if bold assertion had been in his 
powder? When you had adopted for your government this inexor- 
able rule, was it not cruel in j'ou to conceal it from those on whom 
it was to operate the most terrible calamities ? Why should the 
President of a free country be governed by secret rules ? Why 
should he wrap himself up in the black robes of mystery, and, 
like a volcano, be seen and felt in his effects, while the secret 
causes which work the ruin that surrounds are hid within his 
bosom ? Is- this rule of which you speak a law of the land ; is it 
a construction drawn from any article of the Constitution ; or is 
it a section of the articles of war? Is it a rule of practice which, 
having been acted upon by any of your illustrious predecessors, 
comes down with the force of authority upon you? Did it govern 
the conduct of that great man in whose mould (according to your 
flatterers) you were formed ? If so, Avhy should you conceal it ? 
The Constitution, and the laws, civil and military, wall justify you 
and all who obey them; and the robes of power which you wear 
cannot be stained by an act which finds a precedent in the conduct 
of any of your predecessors. Is it any old principle of new appli- 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 435 

cation in the art of government, which, having escaped the search- 
ing mind of AVashington and the keen vision of succeeding Presi- 
dents, has been grasped by your gigantic mind? Or is it a new, 
wholesome principle patented to 3'ou, and ior which you alone are 
to receive all the rewards (of glory at least) which succeeding 
ages never fail to bestow on the first inventor of a public blessing? 

" The office harpies who haunted your public walks and your 
retired moments from the very dawn of your administration, and 
whose avidity for office and power made them utterly reckless of 
the honorable feeling and just rights of others, cried aloud for ro- 
tation in office. Is that magical phrase, so familiar to the dema- 
gogues of all nations and of all times, your great and much-vaunted 
principle of reform f If it be, by wiiat kind of rotary motion is it 
that men who have been but a few years or a few months in 
office are swept from the boards, while others (your friends) re- 
main, who date their official calends perhaps from the time of 
Washington? What sort of adaptation of skill to machinery is 
that which brushes away those only who were opposed to your 
election, and leaves 3'our friends in full possession? 

''Your official organ would impose upon the public the belief 
that you had adopted the Jetlersonian rule of honesty and ca- 
pacity, and that incumbents as well as applicants were tested by 
that infallible touchstone. The alleged delinquencies of one or two 
public officers have for this been a color, and the dye of their 
avowed iniquity has been spread with industrious cunning over 
the skirts of every innocent victim; even of those few who have 
been thus charged, their misconduct (reported) was unsuspected 
xmtil the prying e^'es of their successors came to inspect the official 
records of their proceedings, when their delegated ingenuity, as in 
duty bound, could do no less than find them guilty, and therefore 
could not have been the cause of their dismissal. Yours, therefore, 
is not the Jeflf(;rsonian rule. You ask, respecting incumbents and 
applicants, other questions than 'is he honest, is he capable V and 
the answer to your question decides the applicability of your rule. 
By thus ascertaining what your secret rule is not, we may easily 
come to the discovery of what it is. Supposing you serious when 
you say j'ou ai'e controlled by a rule, and that you do not move 
blindl}' like other storms, but that you have eyes which see and 
ears which hear, and hence that 1 have not yet described your 
rule, there remains, however, but one motive which could jiossibly 
have governed you — punishment of your political opponents and re- 
wards for your friends. This is yuur rule, and however you may 
wish to disguise it, or to deceive the world into the belief that your 
secret principle is something of a nobler sort, the true one is visible 
to every eye, and like a red meteor beams through your milnight 
administration, portending and working mischief and ruin. It was 
prescribed to you before you had the power to ])ursue it by one to 
whom you are allied by happy congeniality, whom you have 



436 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

neither the ability nor the wish to disobey, before whose omnipo- 
tent breath your presidential strength lies nerveless as infancy; 
Avho, while he suffers your heart to pursue its wonted palpitations, 
seems to have locked up the closet which confines your intellect. 
In this imprisonment of your mental powers you see with his eyes 
and hear with his ears. It is a misfortune for this great nation 
that you were born for him and he for you. At one and the same 
time he is your minion and your monarch, your priest and your 
demon, your public counsellor and your bosom friend. I blush for 
my country when I see such unnatural formations, such a can- 
cerous excrescence fastened upon the body politic, and the foot- 
stool of the President converted into a throne for a slave. 

"The injustice of your new principle of 'reform' would have 
been too glaring had it been at once boldly unfolded, and hence 
is it that it was brought out by degrees. At first it was pretended 
that those only who had made use of office as an engine for elec- 
tioneering purposes were to be 'reformed away.' But when it 
was discovered that there were in place very many of your own 
friends who had been guilty of this unconstitutional impropriety, 
as you have been pleased to call it, who, contrary to any feeling of 
gratitude or sense of duty, had stung the bosom which warmed 
and the hand which fed them, making use of their office in the gift 
of Mr. Adams as the means of furthering your designs upon the 
Presidency to his exclusion, and that your rule was a 'two-edged 
sword ' which, if honestly borne, would ' cut upon both sides,' it 
was so carefully withheld, and finally gave way to a much more 
comprehensive scheme of reform. 

" It was next declared that those in office who, in violence of 
opposition, had ofl^ended you in one particular (I need not name 
it) should meet with condign punishment. Indeed, you intimated 
in ^-^our private conversation with my husband that those who 
had passed that Rubicon had sealed their destruction. But the 
misfortune attending this rule was that there were none in office 
upon whom it could operate. Has the charge alluded to been fixed 
ujjon any individual of the multitude of those who have been re- 
formed away f Was it ever even whispei'ed in regard to my unfor- 
tunate husband? You know that it was not. 

" But I boldly declare that such a rule is altogether unworthy 
of the presidential office of a magnanimous nation! What! wield 
the public vengeance for your private wrongs ! Hurl from the 
armory of the nation the bolt of destruction on your private foes ! 
Was the power, dignity, and wealth of the Union concentrated in 
your person so misused ? Had a foreign prince or minister com- 
mitted a like offence, Avith the same propriety might you have 
made it a cause of public quarrel, and sent from the ocean and the 
land hecatombs of appeasing ghosts. 

" The whole circumference of your rule at length expanded 
itself full to the public view; the reign of terror was unfolded, and 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 437 

a piiiK'iple, unprecedented even in the annals of tyranny, like a 
destroying angel ranged through the land, blowing the breath of 
pestilence and liunine into the habitations of your enemies. 

" Your enemies, sir? No ; 3'our political opponents. You called 
tlxQin enemies ; but were they so ? Can there be no difference of 
opinion without enmity ? Do you believe that every man who voted 
I'or Mr. Adams, and who had not received from you some personal 
injury, preferred him because he hated 3'ou? Think you, sir, that 
there is no medium between idolatry and hate? It is not because 
you think there is no such medium, but because your elevated am- 
bition will allow of none. This makes you look upon all those 
who voted against j'ou as your bitter foes. 1 most firmly believe 
that, saving those whom you had personally made your enemies, 
every honest man in giving his sutiVage to Mr. Adams obeyed the 
dictates of his judgment, and that many did so in violence to their 
warmer feelings towards you. 

" My husband, sir, never was your enemy. In the overflowing 
patriotism of his heart he gave 3"0U the full measure of his love 
for your military services. lie preferi-ed Mr. Adams for the Presi- 
dency, because he thought him qualified, and you unqualified for 
the station. lie would have been a traitor to his country, he would 
have had even my scorn, and have deserved yours, had he supported 
you under such circumstances. 

" He used no means to oppose you. lie did a patriot's duty in 
a patriot's wa}'. For this he is proscribed — punished! Oh, how 
punished! My heart bleeds as I write. Cruel sir, did he commit 
any off'enee worthy of punishment against God or against his 
•country, or even against you ? Blush while you read this question ; 
speak not, but let the crimson negative mantle on your cheek ! No, 
Sir; on the contrary, it was one of the best acts of his life. When 
he bared his bosom to the hostile bayonets of his enemies, he was 
not more in the line of his duty than when he voted against you ; 
and had he fallen a mart3'r on the field of fight, he would not more 
have deserved a monument than he now deserves, for having been 
worse than martyred in support of the dearest privilege and char- 
tered right of American freemen. 

"Careless as you are about the effects of 3'our conduct, it woiUd 
be idle to inform you of the depth and qualit}' of that misery which 
you have worked in the bosom of my famil}- : else would I toll a 
tale that would provoke sympathy in anything that had a heart, 
or gentle drops of pit^' from every eye not accustomed to look upon 
scenes of human cruelty 'with composure.' Besides, you were 
appraised of our poverty, you knew the dependence of eight little 
cliildi-en i'or food and raiment upon m^' husliand's sahuy. You 
knew that advanced in 3'ears as he was, without the means to 

f^rosecute an^' regular business, and without friends able to assist 
dm, the woi'ld would be to him a barren heath, an inhospitable 
wild. You were able, therefore, to anticipate the heart-rending 



438 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

scene which you may now realize as the sole work of your hand. 
The sickness and debility of ray husband 7iow call upon me to vin- 
dicate his and his children's wrongs. The natural timidity of my 
sex vanishes before the necessity of ni}'^ situation ; and a spirit, Sir, 
as proud as yours, although in a female bosom, demands justice. 
At your hands I ask it. Return to him what you have rudely torn 
from his possession ; give back to his children their former means 
of securing their food and raiment ; show that you can relent, and 
that your rule has had at least one exception. The severity 
practised by you in this instance is heightened because accom- 
panied by a breach of your faith solemnly j^^^dged to my husband. He 
called upon you, told j^ou frankly that he had not voted for you. 
What was j'our reply? It was, in substance, this: 'that every 
citizen of the United States had a right to express his political 
sentiments by his vote ; that no charges had been made against 
Miijor Barney : if any should be made, he should have justice done, 
he should not be condemned unheard.' Then, holding him by the 
hand with apparent warmth, you concluded — 'Be assured. Sir, I 
shall be particularly cautious how I listen to assertions of appli- 
cants foi" office.' With these assurances from you, Sir, the President 
of the United States, my husband returned to the bosom of his 
family. AVith these rehearsed, he wiped away the tears of appre- 
hension. The President was not the monster he had been repre- 
sented. They would not be reduced to beggary; haggard want 
would not be permitted to enter the mansion where he had always 
been a stranger. The husband and the father had done nothing 
in violation of his duty as an officer. If an}'^ malicious slanderer 
should arise to pour his poisonous breath into the ears of the Pre^ 
sident, the accused would not be condemned unheard, and his in- 
nocence would be triumphant — they would still be happy. It was 
presumable also that, possessing the confidence of three successive 
administi'ations (whose testimony in his favor I presented to you) 
that he was not unworthy the office he held, besides the signatures 
of a hundred of our first mercantile houses, established the fact of 
his having given perfect satisfaction in the manner he transacted the 
busine>?s of his office. In this state of calm security, without a 
moment's warning, like a clap of thunder in a clear sky your dis- 
missal came, and in a moment the house of joy was converted into 
one of mourning. 

" Sir, was not this the refinement of cruelty ? But this was not 
all. The wife whom you have thus agonized drew her being from 
the illustrious Chase, whose voice of thunder early broke the s-psM 
of British allegiance, when, in the American Senate, he swore by 
Heaven that he owed no allegiance to the British crown — one, 
too, whose signature was broadly before your ej'cs, affixed to the 
charter of Independenc3. The husband and the father w'hom you 
have thus wronged was the first-born son of a hero whose naval 
and military renown brightens the page of your country's history 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 439 

from '76 to 1815, with whoso achievenicnts posterity will not con- 
descend to compare j'ours ; fur he fought amidst greater dangers, 
and he fought for Independence. By the side of that fiilhei*, in 
the second British war, fought the son; and the glorious 12th of 
Septenxher bears testimony to his unshaken intrepidity. A u'ife, a 
hushand, thus derived; a family of children drawing their exist- 
ence fiom thistlouble Kevohitionary fountain, you have recklessly, 
causelessly-, perfidiously, and therefore inhumanly, cast heliiless and 
destitute u])on the icy bosom of the world ; and the children and 
gi-aiidehildren of Judge Chase and Commodore liarney are poverty- 
strifken upon the soil which owes its freedom and fertility, in part, 
to their heroic patriotism. 

'•Sir, I would be unworthy the title of an American matron, or 
an American wife, if I did not vindicate his and my children's 
wrongs. In this happy land the panoplj^^ of liberty protects all, 
without distinction of age or of sex. In the severity practised to- 
wards my husband (confessedlj- without cause), you have injured 
me and mj^ children; you have grievously injured them, without 
achieving any correspondent good to individuals, to your country, 
or j-ourself .Silence, therefore, would be criminal even in me ; and 
when the honest and regular feelings of the people of this country 
(who cannot be long deluded) shall have been restored, and when 
party frenzy, that poison to our national happiness, liberties and 
honor, shall have subsided, I have no doubt that the exterminating 
63'steni of ' reform ' will be regarded as the greatest of t^-ranny, 
though now masked under specious names and executed with some 
of the formalities of patriotism and of liberty. It is possible this 
communication from an unhappy mother, and from a female, who, 
until now, had many reasons to love her country, will be regarded 
by 3'ou as unworthy of notice; if otherwise, and your inclination 
corresj)onds with your power, you have still the means of repairing 
the injury you have done. 

" I am, Sir, your obedient servant, 

"Mary Barney." 

The "New Theatre and Circus," (now called Front Street,) was 
first opened on Thursday evening, Septeml>er 10th, under the most 
favorable circumstances. The assemblage of spectatoi-s was " larger 
than j>revious experience led persr)ns to believe Baltimore could 
8Up|)ly," the number of those jiresent boi ng estimated at about 
3,000 persons. It was ojiened under the management of Mr. W. 
Blanchard, a gentleman at the time welbknown throughout this 
country' and Canada as the manager of a first-class e<piestrian 
corps. I'he jierlbrmances were opc-ned with a pi'ize address, written 
by Mrs. J{obert Morris, of Philadelphia, and read by Mrs. Hill, of 
the compaii}', from the London and New York theativs. After the 
equestrian pei'fbrmances, there was performed a musical farce en- 
titled " The Spoiled Child." Doors opened at ball-past si.\, and the 



440 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE 

curtain rose at quarter-past seven. Boxes 50 cents, pit 25, an 1 
colored gallery 25 cents. The followinif actors and actresses made 
their first appearance at this theatre: Miss Addie Anderson for the 
first time as Mazeppa. Mrs. Frank Drew was born near Eclair, 
Md., and made her debut here in 1842 as Duke of York to 
the elder Booth's " Richard Third." Mrs. Henry Eberle made 
her debut in December, 1840, as Peggy in " Raising the Wind." 
Mr. J. K. Field made his first appearance in America here in 1838; 
Mr. Samuel W. Glenn made his fii-st appearance here on November 
20th, 1848, as John Jones in the farce of that name. Mr. John S. 
Goodman made his first appearance here. J. Adams Graver also in 
1853. Miss Cornelia Jetfei'son also as the Duke of York. Henry 
Charles Jordan, who was born in Baltimore, made his debut here 
May 1st, 1841, as Marlin Spike in the "Scourge of the Ocean." 
Mr. James Wills in 1831. 

At a meeting held on Thursday, October the 6th, at the Athe- 
nasum, in the city of Baltimoi"e, for the purpose of forming a Tem- 
perance Society, the Hon. Judge Brice was called to the chair, and 
Mr. Francis H. Smith appointed secretary. Doctor Bond pre- 
sented and read a report from the committee appointed at a former 
meeting, to draft a constitution for the society. On motion, the 
preamble and each article of the constitution wei'e severally read, 
discussed and adopted, and the whole finally passed unanimously. 

A most gratifying spectacle was witnessed in Baltimore on the 
afternoon of Monda}', August 17th, in the assemblage "of the 
teachers and scholars belonging to the Sunday-schools attached to 
the different churches in the city. They amounted in all to about 
5000, and proceeded to Howard's Park," where addresses were de- 
livered, after which the children sang several hymns. 

Died on the 18th of April, Edward Johnson, Esq., in the 62d 
year of his age, one of the most benevolent men that ever lived, 
remarkable ibr his fidelity to his friends, though kind unto all 
men. He filled the ofiice of a delegate to the General Assembly, 
was twice or thrice an elector of our Senate, and as often an elector 
of President and Vice-president of the United States, and six or seven 
times chosen Mayor of the city, the duties of all which he performed 
much to the satisfaction of the people, and without the suspicion 
of one improper motive. And on the 17th of July, Gen. Charles 
Ridgely of Hampton, in the 70th year of his age. He was lately 
Governor of Maryland. From early age possessed of a princely 
estate, few individuals, perhaps, ever more enjoyed what are called 
the good things of this life and abused them so little. He eman- 
cipated all his numerous slaves who had not reached the age of 45, 
but the males under 27 and the females under 25 were to remain 
until the}'- arrived at these ages. 

On the 29th of December, the Steam Sugar Refinery of D. L. 
Thomas, Esq., was destroyed by fire, bringing ruin and desolation 
on a worthy citizen and family. 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. - 441 

The Sisters of Providence, a reli^MOiis society of Catholic cok)red 
■women, established a school for colored girls in Baltimore on the 
5th of June. Their school and St. Francis' chapel stood in Rich- 
mond street on the site of Park street extended, and were pulled 
down to make wa}' for the new avenue in 1871. 

In August several disgi-aeeful riots occurred among the laborers 
of tlie Baltimore and Ohio llailroad Company. On Friday, August 
14th, one man was killed near the city and several wounded in a 
broil ; and on Sunday the dwelling of Thomas Elliott, one of the 
contractors, was broken up by a bod}' of men, and Mr. E. severely 
wounded. 

1830. The '-Old Baltimore Museum" may be styled one of the 
old landmarks of Baltimore, and possesses reminiscences connected 
with remarkable events. This institution, which, like most of the 
other museums in this country, owed its formation to the inde- 
fatigable etforts of a member of the Peale family, is situated at the 
northwest corner of Baltimore and Calvert streets, and occupied 
the upper part of the late large building that has recently been 
damagt'd by tire. In September 1828 the site was occupied by 
three t'rame stores and dwellings, which were sold at pul)lic auction 
and pui'chased by Mr. John Clark, a prominent lottery broker, for 
the sum of 827,200. The lot at the corner, fronting 19 feet on 
Baltimoi-e street and 6.3 feet on Calvert street, sold for $12,400 ; 
the adjoining lot, 21 feet front on Baltimore street, sold for §7,500 ; 
and the lot immediately adjoining the last mentioned, 21 feet on 
Baltimore street, sold for §7,300. Mr. Clark soon after tore down 
the old buildings and erected the present Museum building. The 
marble front of the first story and the large arched window were 
])Ut in by him, as an ornamental facade to his banking-house. The 
Cohens at that time had their banking-house on the opposite or 
north-east corner, and these were the most prominent banking- 
houses. The post-office was close by, on Calvert street, under Bar- 
num's Hotel. In December, 1829, Mr. Clark rented the ujiper part 
of the Museum i)uilding to ]\Ir. Peale as a museum, who removed 
from the old building on Ilolliday street, now occupied by the City 
Council, where he had for many 3'ears carried on a musoum and a 
gallery of the fine ai'ts. Peale's Museum was reopened in the new 
building for the first time on Fi'iday evening, January 1st, 1830. The 
following prices of admission were charged: Tickets for a family, 
810 per 3'ear; for a gentleman and lady per year, $5 ; single ad- 
mission, 25 cents ; childi-en half-price. 

PVjr many years the Museum was used for the exhibition of cu- 
riosities, Htutfed birds and animals, wax figures, pictures, &c., &c., 
and was known as Peale's Museum. As an investment the enter- 
])risc did not prove a success, and the collection passed into the 
liands of stockholders. In 1833 it was under the conti-ol of trus- 
tees, and manage(l immediately by Mr. J. E. Walker, who was con- 
sidered at the time an untirin"; and able caterer for the amusement 



442 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

of the public. In 1844 Mr. Edmund Peale took the management 
of the concern, and meeting with more success than his pi-edeces- 
sors, he was enabled in a short time to purchase part of the stock, 
and eventually the whole of it. He instituted dramatic entertain- 
ments, which previous to his management were but occasional. 
The institution soon became very popular, though not greatly 
profitable, for the capacity of the Saloon, as the theatrical part of 
the Museum was then called, was quite small and in the fourth 
story of the building. It seated not more than five hundred per- 
sons. The stage was managed by Messrs Sefton and Chipendale. 
Mr. John E.Owens was the comedian, Messrs. Gallagher, Johnston, 

Gamen, Henry, Machin, Russell (now Mrs. John Hoey, of 

New York), Wilkinson, Watts, Gannon, who was a great favorite, 
Ludlow St. Clair, Misses Fanny and Emma Juce, formed the stock 
company. T. D. Rice, familiarly called Daddy Rice, Barney Wil- 
liams, Walcot, Brougham, and the great Western were the stars. 

In 1845 Mr. P. T. Barnum, the great showman, through the 
agency of Mr. Fordyce Hitchcock, purchased the Museum from 
Mr. Peale, and placed it under the management of his uncle, Mr. 
Alonson Taylor. Mr. Taj^lor onl}' lived six months after. At his 
death the place was put in charge of Mr. Charles S. Getz, at 
present our renowned scenic painter, who painted his first scene 
for this building, and who conducted it until it was purchased by 
Mr. Albert N. Hann, in behalf of the " Orphean Family," a musi- 
cal troupe, who during their management produced a number of 
English operas. Josh Silsbee, the " Yankee comedian," formed a 
partnership with Hann in the spring of 1847, and the place was 
remodelled and brought one siovy lower, giving it a much greater 
capacity, enabling the management then to engage a larger num- 
ber of actors and to pi'oduce a much finer entertainment. In 1849 
Silsbee was induced to start a similar jilace in Philadelphia, when 
he sold his share to Mr. John E. Owens ; the firm then was Hann 
& Owens. 

In 1850 Mr. Owens became the sole proprietor. In 1851 he 
sold his interest to Mr. Henry C. Jarrett, now one of the most 
successful theatrical managers in the country, at present running 
Niblo's Theatre in New Yoric, under the firm naiiie of Jarrett & 
Palmer. In 1856 Mr. Jarrett sold out to Mr. Geo. Zeiglcr. By 
this time the Museum had become a wreck, the collection was 
purchased bj^ Mr. Charles S. Getz, who distributed the works of 
art and the curiosities that were left among different institutions 
throughout the countr}^. In the financial storm which swept the 
countr}' in 1835 Mr. Clark ceased to become the owner of the 
building. It passed into the hands of the United States General 
Insurance Company, which failed in company with many other in- 
stitutions. The alt'airs of this compan}^ were Avound up by the late 
Judge John Glenn, who bought up most of the stock jointly for 
himself and Mr. Josiah Lee, banker. After the death of these two 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMOEE. 443 

gentlemen, the interest of Mr. Josiab Lcc was honght about 1854 
by W. W. Glenn, Esq. Tbe building in the rear, forniei-!y occupied 
by tbe Fanners' and Mercbaiits' Bank, bad also been purcbased in 
joint account, tbus making tbe size of tbe whole lot 61 by 104 
feet. Tbe whole property was purchased by Mr. Glenn for $80,000 
in fee. In March, 1874, be sold tbe entire property to the Balti- 
more and Ohio Bailroad Company for $225,000, who intend erect- 
ing on the site a magnificent building for the Company's use. 

Among the stars who performed at the Museum were tbe elder 
J. B. Booth, James AY. Wallack, Jos. E. Murdoch, J. E. Scott, 
Charles Webb, Geo. Famen, Edwin Dean, Joe Cowell, Chas. Burke, 
Joseph Jefferson, Edwin Adams and John S. Cbarke, plaj^ed in tbe 
stock. The lady stars were Miss Charlotte Cushman, Mrs. Famen, 
Miss Julia Dean, Mrs. Bowers (in tbe stock). Miss Davenport, Agnes 
Eobertson, Mrs. Sinclair, Fori'est, tbe Batemans, and many others 
of note. Tbe following actors and actresses made tbcii' first ap- 
pearance here: John W. Albaugh, February 1st, 1855, as Brutus, 
under the management of Mr. Joseph Jefferson. His first regular 
season commenced at tbe Holliday Street Theatre, August 22d, 
1855. Charles Boniface bad bis regular engagement here in 1849. 
Mr. S. K. Chester, whose right name is S. C. Knapp, made his 
debut here November 12th, 1856, as Lebaire in "Eustare Baudin." 
Mrs. Fred. B. Conway made her first appearance here in 1849. Mr. 
A. H. Davenport made bis debut in November, 1848, as Willis in 
" Paul Piy," at tbe Athenseum, Avhere be played for two months, 
and then went to the Museum. Miss Mary Ann Graham was con- 
nected with the Museum in 1856, and mari-ied Mr. Clifton W. Tay- 
leure, when she retired from the stage. Mrs. John lloey made her 
first appearance in America on tbe stage of tbe Museum in 18.39, 
which was then under the management of De Selden, as Eliza in 
" Natui-e and Pinlosopby," her sister Charlotte playing Colin. Mr. 
ileiiiy C. Jari'ctt's first essay at management was made in the 
purchase of the Museum in Decembei-, 1851, from John E. Owens. 
Mr. George Clifibrd Jordon, who was born in Baltimore, made his 
debut at tbe Museum under the management of John E. Owens. 
Mr. John K. Owens was born in England, and Avas brought by bis 
parents when three years of age to Baltimore. After a residence 
here of ten years he removed to Philadelphia. In 1849 he became 
joint manager of tbe Museum with ^Ir. ilann, and the succeeding 
year assumed control of the establishment. Before this he played 
at tbe Museum for §15 a week. On the 8th of December, 1845, 
he made liis first appearance in tbe Museum as a star in Gretna 
<Jreen and State Secrets to a §70.50 lu)use. On bis benefit night, 
I't'cember 13th, he played to a §124. (!2 house. James Wallaclc, 
Mrs. Wallack, and J. B. Booth the elder, ])layed one niglit (o a §30 
bouse. On the 19th of Aj)ril, 1.S45, Mr. Booth jtlayed Heuuty and 
the Beast for his benefit to a §102 bouse. Bai'iiey Williams was 
far from a success at bis commencement. On tbe 16lh of Decern- 



444 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

ber, 1845, be made his first appearance in Baltimore on this staa^e 
in the play of "Bumpology and the Irish Tutor," to a $46.50 
house, and at his benefit the receipts were only $55.87. The stars 
usually played on shares ; if they had a bad run, the proceeds of a 
benefit generally gave them nionc}' enough to get away from the 
city with their wardrobe. Mr. John Brougham also made his first 
appearance in Baltimore on the Museum stage. He played on the 
16th of September, 1845, to a $45 house, and at his benefit his re- 
ceipts were only $70. 

On the 22d of May, the president and directors of the Balti- 
more and Ohio E. E. Co. invited the members of the Legislature 
and other officers of the State, with the Mayor and City Council, 
the editorial corps, and some distinguished strangers and others, 
to proceed with them on their road to EUicott's Mills. There were 
about 100 in all, in four carriages each drawn by one horse. In 
one of them Mr. Charles Carroll of Carrollton returned as far as 
Elk Eidge, where he took the stage and proceeded to Washington, 
being the first person who used this road as on a journey for busi- 
ness not connected with its immediate concerns. On the 24th of 
May the cars commenced their regular journeys for business, 
charging for the round trip 75 cents. On the 28th day of August, 
the main key-stone of thenrches of the fine granite structure pa^ss- 
ing over the Frederick turnpike road at P^llicott's Mills, was ad- 
justed in the presence of the directors of the company and many 
citizens assembled to witness the ceremony. Eobert Oliver was 
called upon by the master-builder to assist in adjusting the stone ; 
after which, the president of the companj^, Philip E. Thomas, ad- 
dressed the spectators in a happy manner, during which he said: — 
"The directors of the Baltimore & O. E. E. Co., having deemed it 
advisable to dignify the several most important structures upon the 
road by the names of those citizens under whose influence and pat- 
ronage this great work has been sustained, the first viaduct was 
honored with the name of the oldest and most revered of our citi- 
zens, the last survivor of that illustrious band who signed the in- 
strument which declared us an independent nation. To the second 
was assigned the name of a liberal, patriotic, and highl}'' esteemed 
fellow-citizen, WilliamPatterson. The noble edifice of which we have 
just witnessed the completion, 1 have been instructed to designate by 
the name of a fellow-citizen no less distinguished for his liberality, 
public spirit, and generous support of the magnificent enterprise 
in which we have embarked. This structure will accordingly here- 
after be distinguished by the name of the Oliver Viaduct." 

Died in Baltimore, on the 8th of May, Samuel Hollingsworth, 
Esq., in his 74th year, a native of Maryland, and the last survivor 
of eleven sons and two daughters, all of whom lived to an advanced 
age. Mr. Hollingsworth took up arms at an early period of the 
Eevolution ; was in the battles of Trenton, Princeton, &c., and as 
first lieutenant of a troop of horse, rendered many subsequent 



CHROKICLES OF BALTIMORE. 445 

services. He was a inucU valued and high-spirited citizen and a 
zealous patriot. 

The Carmelites or Teresian nuns, whose convent is on Aisquith 
street, is the oldest in the United States, excepting the Ursuline 
Convent at New Orleans. Eev. Charles Nealc brought over four 
religious Sisters, April 19, 1790, and built them a house at Port 
Tobi\cco at his own expense. They Avere Mother Bernadinc Mat- 
thews, Superior, her sisters Aloysius and Eleanor Matthews, from 
Ilogstraet, and Sister Mary Dickinson, from the convent at Antwerp. 
Mother Mary Dickinson became Superior in 1800, and remained so 
till her death, March 27th, 1830. The convent was then removed 
to Baltimore in September of the year following. 

Baltimore has always been remarkable for enterprise ; and from 
the beginning her enterprise never lost sight of the fact that she 
was nearer to the navigable waters of the West than an}- other of 
the Atlantic cities. This advantage was availed of in the construc- 
tion, first of turnpikes, and then of canals, looking towards the 
setting sun. Although no one then anticipated the growth of the 
country beyond the AUeghanies, as it has since been developed, yet 
everybody felt that there were good things in store there; and 
New York, Philadelphia, Boston and Baltimore all essayed to grasp 
them. New York had her P^rie Canal, which aimed at flanking the 
mountains in the country of the great lakes. Philailel})hia bravely 
attacked them in front, and so did Baltimore. Boston watched for 
a place to pass them anj-how. Pailroads were then not thought of. 
Canals were the means relied on ; and besides the New York Canal, 
there was a canal constructed in Pennsylvania which actually 
afforded a water communication, imperfect it is ti'ue, but still a 
communication, between the East and West. Baltimore had a 
hope, at one time, of doing the same thing in the same way; but 
the report of General Bernard having proved that a canal in this 
direction was impracticable, except at a cost infinitely beyond our 
means, our people may be said to have sat down, like the Israelites 
of old by the waters of Babylon, and wept. Emigration was not 
only "spoken of" among the merchants, but emigration, in some 
cases, actually took place to New York and Philadelphia. We are 
speaking now of the years 1824 and 1825. I'he visit of Jju Fayette 
to Baltimore in 1824, and the gorgeous hospitality with which he 
was received, threatened to be the fitful flash of the last remnant 
of our enterprise, before its lighti and its warmth were finally ex- 
tinguished. 

Prior to General Bernard's report, a great discussion before the 
people had been held at the Exchange as to the best canal route 
between Baltimore ajid the \Vest ; and two distinguished law^er.s — 
the late General Jlobert Goodloe Harper and Mr. Getn-ge Wmclii's- 
ter — discussed the merits, respectively, of the Potomac and the 
Susquehanna. But the discussion proved to have been an idle one ; 
inasmuch as, without the means of building a canal in either direc- 



416 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

tion, it was of but little moment which was the best route. And 
80 all became dispirited ; and, if they did not actually see the grass 
growing in our streets, they at any rate began to fancy the spaces 
between the stones and the bricks in the pavements were becoming 
unnaturally green. Just about this time, however, railroads were 
first spoken of. During the fall of the year 1826, Philip E. Thomas, 
a gentleman of fortune, and president of the Mechanics' Baidc of 
Baltimore, and George Brown, a director in that institution, had 
frequent conferences in relation to the loss that Baltimore had sus- 
tained in consequence of a lai'ge portion of its trade with the West 
having been drawn to the cities of Philadelphia and ISIew York by 
the public works of Pennsylvania and the Erie Canal, and the 
result of their deliberations was a firm conviction that, unless some 
early means could be devised to draw back this trade, it would 
ultimately be lost to the city forever. Previous to these conversa- 
tions between Messrs. Thomas and Brown, no railroad had been 
constructed either in Europe or this country for the general con- 
veyance of passengers or produce between distant points. A few 
railroads had been constructed in England for local purposes, such 
as the conveyance of coal and other heavy articles from the mines 
or places of production to navigable water, but for general purposes 
of travel and transportation they were regarded as an untried ex- 
periment. 

It is amusing, with the knowledge we now have of such things, 
to look back .to the fancies of 1825 and 1826. In the latter year, a 
sufficient feeling had been gotten up by these enterprising and 
public-spirited citizens to invite some twenty-five of the most in- 
fluential merchants of Baltimore, with some other citizens, to meet 
them at the residence of Mr. Brown on the 12th day of February, 
1827, the call being " ^o take into consideration the best means of re- 
storing to the city of Baltimore that portion of the Western trade which 
has lately been diverted from it by the introduction of steam navigation, 
and by other causes." The meeting accordingly assembled, and was 
well and influentially attended. William Patterson, Esq., was ap- 
pointed chairman, and David Winchester secretary. Various docu- 
ments and statements, illustrating the efficiency of i-ailroads for the 
conveying of articles of heavy carriage at a small expense, were 
presented to the consideration of the meeting by Messrs. Thomas 
and Brown, and the superior advantage of this mode of trans- 
portation over turnpike roads or canals, being, according to these 
statements, satisfactorily shown, a resolution was adopted referring 
them to a committee, whose duty it should be to examine the same, 
together with such other facts and experiments as they might be 
able to collect, with instructions to report their opinion thereon, 
and recommend such a coui'se as it might be deemed proper to 
pursue. The committee, appointed in accordance with this resolu- 
tion, consisted of Philip E. Thomas, Benjamin C. Howard, George 
Brown, Talbot Jones, Joseph W. Patterson, Evan Thomas and John 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 44? 

V. L. JIcAfabon. The meeting adjourned, to meet again on the 
ensuing Monda\-, the 19th of February, wlien a report, comprising 
thirty-four closelj' printed pages, was presented for the eonsidera- 
tion of the meeting by Pliilip E. Thomas, cluvirman of the com- 
mittee, embracing much valuable information. The report was 
unanimously adopted, and on mature consideration a set of resolu- 
tions were also adopted by the meeting. The following gentlemen 
were then appointed a committee to prepare an application to the 
Legislature of Maryland i'or an act of incorporation : Charles 
Carroll of Carrollton, Philip E. Thomas, AVilliam Patterson, Wil- 
liam Lorman, Isaac McKim, George AVarner, Ilobert Oliver, Ben- 
jamin C. Howard, Charles Kidgely of Hampton, Solomon Etting, 
Thomas Tenant, W. W. Taylor, Alexander Brown, Alexander 
Fridge, John McKim, Jr., James L. Hawkins, Talbot Jones, John 
B. Morris, James AVilson, Luke Tiernan, Tliomas Ellicott, Alexan- 
der McDonald, George Hoifman, Solomon Birckhead and William 
Steuart. 

'J'lie distinguished Marylander and eminent lawyer, John V. L. 
McMahon, who was a delegate from the city of Baltimore in the 
Legislature of the State, drew up the original charter of the road, 
and through his indefatigable exertions he succeeded in obtaining 
its passage. This document, which is the first railroad charter ob- 
tained in the United States, indicates the penetrating knowledge 
and forethought of the author as to the powers that would be re- 
quired by such a corporation ; and has been used as a model for 
most of the subsequent charters obtained from the Legislatures of 
the various States for the construction of roads that were started 
as soon as the practicability of the railroad system was fully demon- 
strated by the Baltimore and Ohio Eailroad Company, 

On the 24th day of April, 1827, the first railro'ad company in 
the United States was launched into existence, with a capital of ono 
and a half million of dollars, with liberty to increase it ; and the 
city of Baltimore and the State of Marj-land were authorized to 
subscribe to the stock. The following gentlemen were elected as 
the first board of directors, by whom Philip E. Thomas was chosen 
president, and George Brown treasurer : Charles Carroll of Car- 
rollton, (ieorge Ilottman, William Patterson, Philip E. Thomas, 
Eobert Oliver, Thomas Ellicott, Alexander Brown, John B. Morris, 
Isaac McKim, Talbot Jones, William ijorman and William Steuart. 
Of this noble band of public Ijenefactors, to whom ]ialtin\ore is so 
deeply indebted for their far-seeing enterprise, and the energy, 
perseverance and untlagging determination with which they prose- 
cuted it, devoting their united labors and means to the undertak- 
ing, but one now survives, viz. John H. Morris, who hasjust cause to 
I'cgard the work finished as a munificent legacy to the State aiul 
city, upon which he may safel^', and with great and just pride, rest 
his reputation for future generations. 

Then came a scene which almost beggars description. By this 



448 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

time public excitement had gone fai* bcj'ond fever heat and reached 
the boiling point. Everybody wanted stock. The number of 
shares subscribed were to be apportioned if the limit of the capital 
should be exceeded ; and every one set about obtaining pi'oxies. 
Parents subscribed in the names of their children, and paid the 
dollar on each shai'e that the rules prescribed. Before a survey 
had been made — before common sense had been consulted even, 
the possession of stock in any quantity was regarded as a provi- 
sion for old age ; and great was the scramble to obtain it. The 
excitement in Baltimore roused public attention elsewhere, and a 
railroad mania began to pervade the land. But Baltimore led all 
the rest — there can be no doubt of that. 

Then came the surveys. A mission of engineers was sent to 
England while the surveys were going on at home. Everything 
was done with an eager enthusiasm that was unexampled even in 
our enterprising annals. The directors availing themselves of the 
public feeling, gratified their subscribers by permitting them to 
double their stock. And yet, with the best skill of the country at 
work, the vaguest ideas prevailed. Presentl}^ the surveys were so 
far completed that the choice of a route might be made. At this 
time the wise men of the City Council came to the aid of the 
company's engineering talent, and refused to pay a dollar of their 
subscrijJtion of $500,000 unless the road was located at an eleva- 
tion of sixty-six feet above tide ; and the railroad company — which 
would otherwise in all probability have brought the work in to 
the city line, which, after a lapse of forty years, it has just com- 
pleted from the deep cut to Ostend street — was forced to come to 
Pratt street at its junction with Amity alley, where Mount Clare 
station now covers acres of ground with its shops and engine 
houses. 

It was a great idea in those days to tunnel under Howard 
street, come out in Centre street, then a part of Howard's Park, 
and crossing the Falls, reach the shipping at Fell's Point with the 
wealth-diffusing railroad, which people regarded as the rose of a 
vast watering-pot, the smallest of whose tricklings was to fertilize 
the spot it fell upon, whatever its previous desolation and aridity. 
The fact is, that almost every one seemed to be impressed with 
the idea that the closer the raih'oad could be brought to his alley 
gate the better for his property. People often ask now-a-days 
why the railroad did not take the route so lately adopted, and 
whose excellence was so apparent. Mr. Pichard Caton once began 
to build a road out of his own means; They ask why the com- 
pany made the great embankment west of Mount Clare ; why it 
built that costl}^ structure of hewn granite, the Cai^roUton Viaduct, 
and the almost equally costly but less imposing bridge across 
Gwynn's Pun. The reason is here given. The conscript lathers 
of the city so ordained in their utter ignorance, and the company, 
hardly then much wiser, were too poor to make J.ny etHcient re- 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. ' 449 

Bistance to an inoflFable absurdity, to which the conduct of the 
three wise men of Gotham affords the nearest parallel. And here, 
on the 4th of July, 1828, in bright sunshine, assembled the ,<;litter- 
inij procession which buried it in the ground. First came Masona 
with banners and music. Then came the trades with anvil-ring- 
ing, with type-setting, with vats smoking, with labor of all kinds 
in full operation, and with banners and music too. Then came the 
good ship the Constitution, with the sails all set, with streamers 
floating, and with guns run out, as if to war against the world 
that would assail the sacred instrument of which it was the em- 
blem. Then came Charles Carroll of Carollton, the last surviving 
signer of the Declaration of Independence, a spare, attenuated old 
man, verging on his fourscore years and ten. small in size, but ac- 
tive in his movements, with eyes still bright and sparkling, with a 
voice thin now and feeble, but clear and distinct, as in emphatic 
utterances the venerable and venerated man prophesied the suc- 
cess of the great work on whose corner-stone he that day struck 
the gavel and api)lied the square. 

Mr. John W. Garrett, the present head of the company, with 
broad and comprehensive intelligence, unequalled energy, and un- 
failing perseverance, has already" carried the work which he con- 
trols far beyond its original confines, extending its power across 
the Ohio on the one side, and on the other side by a European 
organization, making the Old World even pay tribute to the energy 
ami enterprise of this portion of the New. 

As soon as the grading was completed for a mile west of Mount 
Clare, the iron strap, then called a rail, was laid down and a car 
was built, not unlike a country market-wagon, without a top, and 
mounted upon wheels whose flanges were on the outside. In this 
car Charles Carroll of Carrollton, Alexander Brown, William Pat- 
terson, Philip E. Thomas and others of the directors of the com- 
pany, with some leading citizens of Baltimore, made trips back- 
Avartls and forwards, drawn by a single horse, with the same elation 
that we now see among the bo3's who are lucky enough to secure 
a free ride on the platform of a passenger car as it j)asses along the 
streets. After the directors were served, the public were permitted 
to enjoy the same luxury, twelve and a half cents a head for the round 
trip. And this was the first money ever earned on a railroad, con- 
structed/or general purposes, in America. iMaunch Chunk was u coal 
road, and (^uincy a granite-quarry road ; but the Baltimore and 
Ohio IJailroad was, in every sense of the word, a railroud. In the 
beginning, no one dreamed of steam upon the road. Horses were 
to do the work ; and even after the line was completed to Frederick, 
relays of horses trotted the cars from place to place. In this 
way the Relay House, at the junction of the Washington Branch, 
obtained its name. One great desideratum was to reduce the IVio- 
tion of the axles in their boxes; and about this time Mr. Ross 
Winans made his appearance iu Baltimore, and instantly bceumo u 
29 



450 ' CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

celebrity with his friction-wheel — unquestionably an inc^enious and 
beautiful contrivance. Mr. Winans went to Europe with his in- 
vention and was there plundered of the most valuable portion of it 
— "the outside bearing" — through the bad faith of those whom he 
permitted to try it in public as an experiment. The outside 
bearing, of which he is unquestionably the inventor, in its applica- 
tion to railroad carriages, is now the only bearing used throughout 
the world. Not oidy was friction sought to be avoided by im- 
proving the machinery to be used on the road, but the road itself 
became the subject of experiment; and miles and miles of iron 
straps were laid on stone curbs, to the great edification of the pub- 
lic. To ride in a railroad car in those days was, literally, to go 
thundering along, the roll of tlie wheels on the combined rail of 
stone and iron being almost deafening. In due season, however^ it 
was discovered that the wheels were hammering the iron straps 
out of existence. 

When steam made its appearance on the Liverpool and Man- 
chester railroad, it attracted great attention here. But there was 
this difficulty about introducing an English engine on an American 
road. An English road was virtually a straight road ; an American 
road had curves sometimes of as small radius as two hundred feet. 
For a brief season it was believed that this feature of the early 
American roads would prevent the use of locomotive engines. The 
contrary was demonstrated by a gentleman still living in an active 
and ripe old age, honored and beloved, distinguished foi- bis private 
worth and for his public benefactions ; one of those to whom wealth 
seems to have been granted by Providence that men might know 
bow wealth could be used to benefit one's fellow-creatures. We 
refer to Mr. Peter Cooper, of New York. Mr. Cooper was satisfied 
that steam might be adapted to the curved roads which he saw 
would be built in the United States, and he came to Baltimore, 
which then possessed the only one on which he could experiment, to 
vindicate his belief He had another idea, which was tbat the 
crank could be dispensed with in the change from a reciprocating 
to a rotary motion ; and he built an engine to demonstrate both 
articles of his faith. The machine was not larger than the hand- 
cars used by workmen to transfer themselves from place to place, 
and the boiler was not as large as the kitchen-boiler attached to 
many a range in modern mansions. It was of about the same diam- 
eter, but not much more than half as high. It stood upright in the 
car, and was filled, above the furnace, which occupied the lower 
section, with vertical tubes made of gun-barrels. The cylinder was 
but tbree and a half inches in diameter, and speed was gotten up 
by gearing. No natural draught could have been sufficient to keep 
up steam in so small a boiler, and Mr. Cooper therefore used a 
blowing-apparatus, driven by a drum attached to one of the car- 
wheels, over which passed a cord that in its turn worked a pulley 
on the shaft of the blowei*. The contrivance for dispensing with a 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE 451 

cratik came to nothing. Among the first bnihlings erected at 
Mount Clare was a hirge car-house, in which railroad-tracks were 
laici at right aiigh's with the road track, communicating with the 
latter hy a turn-table — a lilij^utian attair indeed, compared to the 
revolving platforms, its successors, now in use. In this car-shop 
Mr. Cooper had his engine, atid here steam was first raised, in the 
presence of Mr. CJeorge Brown, the treasurer of the company, his 
lather Mr. Alexander Brown, Mr. Philip E. Thomas, and one or two 
more. Mr. Cooper with his own hainis opened the throttle and 
admitted the steam into the cjdinder, the crank-substitute operated 
successfully with a clacking noise, while the machine moved slowly 
forwartl, with some of the bN'standers who had stepped upon it. 
And this was the first locomotive for railroad purpo.ses ever built 
in America, and this was the first transportation of persons by 
steam that had ever taken place on this side of the Atlantic. 

Mr. Cooper's success was such as to induce him to try a trip to 
Ellicott's Mills, and an open car, the first used upon the road al- 
ready mentioned, having been attached to his engine, and filled 
Avith the directors and some friends, the first journey by steam in 
America was commenced. The trip was most interesting, The 
curves were passed without difficulty at a speed of fifteen miles an 
hour. The grades were ascended with comparative ease ; the day 
was fine, and the company in the highest spirits. The return from 
the Mills — a distance of thirteen miles — was made in fifty-sevea 
minutes. This was on the 28th of August, 1830. But the tritimpb 
of this "Tom Thumb" engine was not altogether without a draw- 
back. The great stage-proi)rietors of the day were Stockton and 
Stokes; and on this occasion a gallant gray of great beauty and 
power was driven by them from town, attached to another car on 
the second track — for the company had begun by making two 
tracks to the Mills — and met the engine at the llelay House on its 
way back. From this point it was determined to have a race 
home; and, the start being even, away went horse and engine, the 
snort of the one and the putf of the other keeping time and tune. 
At first the gray had the best of it, t'ov his steam could be apjilied 
to the greatest advantage on the instant, while the engine had to 
wait until the rotation of the wheels set the blower to work. The 
liorsc was perhaps a quarter of a mile ahead when the safety-valve 
of the engine lifted, and the thin blue vapor issuing from it showed 
an excess of steahi. The blower whistled, the steam blew off in 
vapory clouds, the pace increased, the passengers shouted, the en- 
gine gained on the horse, soon it lapped him, the silk was plicil, the 
race was neck and neck, nf)se and nose, then the (Migine passed the 
horse, and a great hurrah hailed tiie victor\'. But it was not re- 
peated, for just at this titne when the gray's master was about 
giving u]», the band driving the pulley which drove the Idower 
slipped fr(jni the drum, tin; safety-valve ceased to scream, and th'j 
engine for want of breath began to wheeze and pant. In vain Mi*. 



452 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

Cooper, "who was his own engineman and fireman, lacerated his 
hands in attempting to replace the band upon the wheel ; in vain 
he tried to urge the fire with lightvvood ; the horse gained on the 
machine, and passed it; and although the band was pi'csently re- 
placed and steam again did its best, the horse was too far ahead to 
be overtaken, and came in the winner of the race. But the real 
victory was with Mr. Cooper notwithstanding. 

A competitor that steam had to contend with on the Baltimore 
and Ohio JRailroad was a '-horse power." A horse was placed in 
a car and made to walk on an endless apron or belt, and to com- 
municate motion to the wheels, as in the horse-power machine of 
the present day. The machine worked after a fashion well enough, 
but on one occasion, when drawing a car filled with editors and 
representatives of the press, it ran into a cow, and the passengers 
being tilted out, rolled down an embankment, were naturally enough 
unanimous in condemning the contrivance. And so the horse-power 
car, after countless bad jokes had been perpetrated on the cowed 
editors, passed out of existence, and, until now, probably out of 
mind. Following ;he horse-power car came the Meteor. This 
was a sailing vehicle, the invention of Mr. Evan Thomas, who was 
perhaps the first person who "talked railroad" in Baltimore. It 
required a good gale to drive it, and would only run when the wind 
was what sailors call abaft or on the quarter. Head winds were 
fatal to it, and Mr. Thomas was afraid to trust a strong side-wind, 
lest the Meteor might upset. So it rarely made its appearance, 
except a northwester was blowing, when it would be dragged out 
to the further end of the Mount Clare embankment, and come back 
literally with flying colors. It was an amusing toy, nothing moi"e, 
and it is referred to now as an illustration of the crudity of the 
ideas prevailing forty-five years ago in reference to railroads. 

An advertisement of the Baltimore and Ohio Ilailroad Com- 
pany ottering a jircmium for the best locomotive adapted to its 
curved road, brought several competitors into the field, the best of 
whom was Mr. Phineas Davis of York, Pennsylvania, whose engine 
became the model of the first engines which were regularly used 
on the road. Mr. Davis' boiler was a double cylinder — the fire- 
place being on the inside, and the fire surface was increased by a 
cheese-like projection downwards above the fire. It was the first 
engine in this country whose wheels were coupled, so as to have a 
double and not a single pair of drivers. When t'he Peter Cooper 
boiler was put into this plan of engine, it made what are known as 
the "grasshopper engines," some of which are still in use after 
forty years of service, as regulators in the company's stations. 

Space does not allow us to go over in detail the various attempts 
at locomotive cnginer}'- which came into existence only to disappear. 
As it was with engines, so it was with cars. Those who travel in 
the eight and sixteen-wheel cars of the present day, can scarcely 
believe the tedious process by which such results have been arrived 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 453 

at. As already said, the first car was like a market-cart on rail- 
road wheels. The next ear was a nine-passenger coach, simi- 
larly mounted, with the old-time leathern braces and C sjiriiigs. 
For a long while this fashion prevailed; and gaudily painted ve- 
hicles, built by Mr. Kichard Imlay, were occasionally exposed for 
public admiration in Monument Square before being placed u]ion 
tbo railroad. In winter these were lined with green baize curtains, 
and the seats, instead of being crosswise, were placed around them. 
And this continued till Mr. Ross AVinans planned the first eight- 
wheeled car ever built for passenger purposes, and called it by the 
appropriate name of the " Columbus." To him is unquestionably 
due the first organization of this sort made in the world. The 
Columbus was a large box, such as anj^ competent mechanic, other 
than a coach-maker, could build. It was supported on trucks at 
either end — had seats on top, which were reached by a ladder at 
one of the corners of the cai', which were cut off, so to speak, and 
where the doors were. It was followed by several extraordinary 
looking contrivances, one of which the workmen nicknamed " the 
sea serpent," while another was called the "dromedary." Each of 
these was an improvement on its predecessor. Then came a car 
which embodied the perfected idea called the ""Winchester," and. 
then came what was known as the "Washington" cars, which 
were the eight wheeled cars of the present day. 

The question has sometimes been mooted whether Baltimore and 
its great Western railroad are really entitled to the credit of first 
using a locomotive engine in America. There can be, however, no 
doubt of the fact. ifr. John H. B. Latrobe is a living witness of it ; 
and the testimonj' is documentar}-. It was after the demonstration 
by Peter Cooper that the Baltimore and Susquehanna railroad 
Company, now the Northern Central, imported the locomotive 
Herald from England. A volume might be written of such recol- 
lections as the f()regoing. 

In October, 1849, Mr. Louis McLane resigned his position as 
president of the road, over which he had presided for eleven years, 
and Thomas Swann, Esq., for several months ])revious one of the 
most active, energetic, and at)le of the Board of Directors, was 
immediately chosen his successor, with a unanimity that clearly 
evinced the high estimation in which he was held by his associates. 
Mr. Swaim, as early as 1851, promised to stand with his guests of 
the city of lialiimore and the States of Virginia and Maryland on 
the banks of the Ohio, at Wheeling, on the 1st of January, 1853, 
and on that day, after years of delay, surrounded b}' eml»arrass- 
ments and staggering under the vastness of the undertaking — with 
a credit almost exhausted, its few remaining friends seattered 
and dishcarteni'd, a commnnit}' over-taxed, and an opposition 
rendered foi-midable by the honest}' of the convietions undi-r which 
they acted — this gi-eat work entered uj»on its extension tVoni Cum- 
berland to the city of Wheeling, a distance of moi"e than two lain- 



451 CHKONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

dred miles, which it soon accomplished, fulfilling his predictions to 
the letter. 

Benjtimin 11. Latrobe, the chief engineer, has achieved — in 
tracking this great national highway through mountain gorges 
that were almost impenetrable to the foot of man — an imperish- 
able renown. The work will stand through all future ages as a 
monument of his skill as an engineer, and of that indomitable per- 
severance which conceives nothing impossible, and that knows 
"no such word as fail." The undertaking was one of magnitude 
and boldness. Mr. Latrobe is as distinguished for his modesty, 
urbanity and social charms as for his eminence as an engineer. 
He was educated for a lawyer, but his inclinations were found 
after a few years' practice to run in a counter direction, and being 
already an accomplished draughtsman and a mathematician, he 
first entered on his new profession under Jonathan Knight, who 
was the chief engineer of the Baltimore and Ohio liailroad during 
the first fourteen years of its existence. 

John H. B. Latrobe, Esq., the distinguished legal counsellor of 
the company, and brother of the chief engineer, was educated for 
an engineer, but maturity brought to him a taste for metaphysics 
and law, and they have both chosen the path inteiided for them 
as shining marks in their respective professions. The knowledge 
of law has, however, been of great service to the company in the 
perl'ormance of his duties by the first as an engineer, whilst the 
knowledge of engineering possessed b}^ the other has been of equal 
advantage in protecting the vai'ied interests of the company from en- 
croachment. It was during the first year of the company's exist- 
ence that John II. B. Latrobe was retained as its legal counsellor. 
He was at that time a very 3'oung man, and had just entered upon 
the practice of his j)rofession. His manifold and important ser- 
vices, and his zealous devotion to the interests of the road, in 
whose behalf he lias so fully exercised his great abilities, have 
long since established the wisdom that led to his appointment. 
The clearness of his perception, the systematic precision of his 
mind, and the untiring industry and almost military discipline 
with which he marches through his multifarious labors, have 
enabled him to bestow much attention to public interests as well 
as to perform his professional duties. Mr. Latrobe is known to 
possess the most varied abilities. As a lawyer, a mathematician, an 
artist, a man of libei-al and enlarged views, a friend to public im- 
provement, and a true philanthropist, he has everywhere met with 
the public recognition which he so richl}' deserves. Althcuugh con- 
stantly-pressed with private professional pursuits of a more general 
and ])rofitable character, Mr. Latrobe has always seemed to regard 
the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad as a favored client, sharing with 
its originators and founders in the pride with which they have 
watched its progress and witnessed its completion. 

Periods of the various openings of the Baltimore and Ohio 
Railroad : 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 455 

Opened to Ellicoll's Mills by horse power, 24Mi Mfiy, 1830. 

" " Ellicoll's Mills by steam, 30lli August. 1830. 

" " Frederick " 1st Dec, 1831. 

" " Point of Wocks " 1st April, 1832. 

" " Hiirpir's Ferry " 1st Dec., 1834. 

" " Bladensburg " 20tli July, 1834. 

" " VVashinjrton " 25th August. 1834. 

" " oppos'e Hancock " 1st June, 1842. 

" " ('uuiberlaud " 5tli Nov., 1842. 

" " Piedmont " 21st July, 1851. 

" " Fairniount " 22d June, 1852. 

" " Wheeling " 1st Jan., 1853. 

At this time the Baltimore and Ohio Eailroad was the longest 
in the world. 

The cause which led Mr. Peter Cooper to deviate from the ])ath 
of his leo;itimate business to become the builder of the first Ameri- 
can locomotive, is explained by the perusal of his letter to Mr. 
William II. Brown, in answer to some inquiries upon that subject: 

" New York, May ISth, 18G9. 
" Mr. "William H. Brown : 

"J/y Dear Sir : — In repl}' to j-our kind favor of the 10th inst., 
I write to say that I am not sure that I have a dra\vin<; or sketch 
of the little locomotive placed by me on the Baltimore and Ohio 
Railroad in the summer of 1829, to the best of my recollection. 

" The engine was a very small and insignificant affair. It was 
made at a time when I had become the owner of all the land now 
belonging to the Canton Company, the value of which 1 believed 
depended almost entirely u|)on the success of the Baltimore and 
Ohio Railroad. At that time an opinion had become prevalent 
that the road was ruined for steam locomotives by reason of the 
Bhort curves found necessary to get around the various points of 
rocks found in their course. Under these discouraging circum- 
stances many of the principal stockholders were about abandon- 
ing the woi-k, and were ordy prevented from forfeiting tiieir stock 
by my persuading them that a locomotive could be so made as to 
pass successfully around the short ctirves then found in the road, 
which only extended thiilceii miles to Kllicott's Mills. 

" When I had completed the engine I invited the directors to 
witness an experiment. Some tliii"ty-six persons entered one of 
the j)asscngcr cars and four rode on the locomotive, which carried 
its own fuel and water, and made the first passage of thirteen 
miles, over an average ascending gi-ade of eighteen feet to the 
mile, in one hour and twelve minutes. We made the return trip 
in fifty seven minutes. 

" I regret my inability to make such a sketch of the engine as 
I would be willing to send you at this moment without further 
time to do so. 

" Yours with great respect, Peter Cooper." 



456 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

On the 28th of June the ground of the old ".City Hall," on the 
east side of Holliday street, was purchased by the city for the 
sum of $1610, subject to a ground rent of $306; the improvements 
cost $8,124.04. 

The first fatal accident on the Baltimore and Ohio Eailroad oc- 
curred in September. The driver of a car laden with 37 persons, 
because of some bad conduct of the horse, which he was attempt- 
ing to correct, lost his seat, and falling on one of the rails, was so 
dreadfully cut and bruised by the wheels that he immediately died. 
The receipts on the road for the first sixteen weeks amounted to 
nearly $17,000. 

The events of the French revolution were celebrated by a mili- 
tary' and civic procession in Baltimore, on Monday, October 25th. 
After having passed through several of the principal streets, the 
procession halted in Monument Square, where a beautiful oration 
was delivered by Mr. William Wirt. After he had taken his seat, 
Gen. Samuel Smith rose and delivered a short address. Mr. John 
S. Skinner, then, as secretary to the meeting, read certain resolu- 
tions, with an address to the people of France, all of which were 
concurred in, and the meeting adjourned. 

After the ceremonies were concluded, the Typographical Asso- 
ciation, to the number of about eighty persons, proceeded to the 
execution of a resolution, adopted on a former occasion, of deposit- 
ing their own proper flag with Mr. Hczekiah Niles, editor of the 
Register, as the senior employer in the city, together with the tri- 
color, which they had provided and displayed in the procession by 
the side of the " Star Spangled Banner " of their own country. 
Capt. Hickman and his veteran company of the 5th Ecgiment, with 
Capt. Deems with his company of Baltimore Yagers, with the 
splendid military band attached, under the direction of Capt. 
Koundtree, honored the occasion by a tender of their services, 
which were gratefully accepted on the part of the craft by their 
Marshal. After being joined by the "Mechanical Volunteers" 
(This company, it is said, was the body-guard of Washington at the 
battle of Germantown, and honored with the same station in 1794, 
when engaged in the " Whiskey Insurrection,") Avho unexpect- 
edly but very agreeably expressed a wish to unite in the ceremo- 
nies, proceeded to the Central Fountain in Calvert street, followed 
by the Printers' Association, headed by Mr. Niles, who was sup- 
ported by Mr. Murphy, one of the editors of the American, and 
Mr. A. J. W. Jackson, one of the oldest journeymen of the profes- 
sion, flanked by Mr. Samuel Sands, the Marshal, and his assistants, 
Messrs. J. N. Millington and Bailey, with the flag of the craft, and 
those of the United States and France floating in harmony. The 
whole marched to ]\[r. Niles' dwelling in St. Paul street, near which 
a large number of ladies and other persons had assembled. Mr. Niles, 
with Mr. Murphy on his right, and Mr. Jackson on his left, took a 
place on the lower step of entrance into his house, and, the parties 



CHKONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 457 

being uncovered, Mr. Sands, bearing the flag of fraternity, and sup- 
ported by his assistant marshals, advanced, and delivered a beautiful 
and eloquent address. Upon the conclusion of Mr. Sands' address the 
flags were presented, and being united formed a kind of ai'ch over 
the head of Mr. Xilcs. who descended from the step and replied in 
a long and eloquent address. The three flags were now passed into 
the second story of ^fr. Niles' house, where they were received by 
the ladies of the family and others assembled to witness the cere- 
mony, and with delicate kindness festooned them over his editorial 
chair. The printers and the military then, in numbers suited to 
the capacity of the room, entered and partook of some slight re- 
freshments, during which some good toasts were given by several 
gentlemen. The printers then re-formed and marched to Barrett's 
tavern, where resolutions Avei*e adopted returning thanks to Mr. 
Niles, the military companies, Mr. Barrett for the use of his rooms, 
and Mr. Samuel Sands, the marshal. 

1831. The ''Odd-Fellows" of Baltimore celebrated their anni- 
versar}' in this city on the 26th of A])i'il, and dedicated their new 
and magnificent hall in Gay street. About 500 were computed to 
be in the ])rocession, with their banners and other ornaments, and 
made a very respectable and imposing show. One oration was de- 
livered in Trinity Church by James L. Ridgely, and anotlier after 
the dedication of the hall by T. Y. Walsh, The number of this as- 
sociation in Baltimore at this time was supposed to exceed 1500. 

On the 29th and 30th of June, a contractor on the 3d division 
of the Baltimore and Ohio railroad, about twenty-five miles from 
the city, absconded, leaving his laborers unpaid. The laborers took 
the law into their own hands and commenced to destroy the 
property of the company, because their emi|Dloyer had wronged 
them ! Thc}^ were between 200 and 300 strong, and with pick-axes, 
hammers and sledges, made a furious attack on the rails, sills and 
whatever else they could destroy. The sheriff of the county and 
his posse were resisted by these ignorant or wicked men, and a 
requisition was made on Brigadier-General Steuart for a detach- 
ment of the volunteers under his command ; and, though it rained 
vcr}' hard, a sufficient numl)er of soldiers started in the cars from 
the depot at about ten o'clock in the night of the 30th of June, and 
reached the scene of violence before daylight the next morning. 
The rioters suffered themselves to be arrested by the military with- 
out opposition, but some of them precipitately fled. In the after- 
noon forty of those re])orted to be principals were brought into 
Baltimore and lodged in jail, and eighteen or twenty were arrested 
and brought in next day by a detachment which remained behind 
for the ])urpose. The prisoners, being brought before Judge Han- 
son on a subsequent day, were severally examined and nearly all 
discharged. 

The Baltimore and Susquehanna railroad was opened for public 
travel on the 4th of July — iho lails, on one track, being laid for 
more than six miles, through the valley of Jones Falls. 



458 CHROKICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

Died on the 4th of July, Jsunes Madison, late President of the 
United States. Honors were paid to thi memory of the deceased 
by hoisting the flags at half-mast, the tolling of bells, firing of 
minute-guns, and the passage of resolutions by the local authorities 
and other bodies of citizens. 

On the 8th of June, the following experiment was tried on the 
Susquehanna railroad : it consisted in placing the horses between 
two cai'S, where they were confined by means of shafts extending 
from one car to the other, resting at each end upon the pivot piece 
so as to allow them free plaj^ in passing the curves. The shafts were 
made of strong timber, so that the horse or horses " cannot possibly 
get off the road ; and to guard against the horse stumbling, a broad 
belt of bather is passed from shalt to shaft underneath the animal, 
of sufficient strength to prevent his going down ; for greater se- 
curity, two bows of iron are made to pass from the shafts over the 
back of the horse. By all these means the horse, though entirely 
free in his action, is confined above, below and on each side, so that 
it is impossible for him to get off the track of the road." 

The abduction of Morgan, and the extraordinary proceedings 
which followed it, had produced remarkable excitement, especially 
in the Noilhern and Western States. It is a curious history which 
will ever occupy a notable page in the annals of the time, and is 
too well known to need repetition here. Like other exciting topics 
which have taken hold of the public mind in this country', it led to 
the organization of a distinct political party — the "anti-Masonic." 
The zeal to destroy Masonry rose above all other subjects of public 
concern ; and a large bod^^ of respectable and judicious men were 
found in several States, who were willing to forego all the ordinary 
inducements to the old political organization, and to embody them- 
selves into a party to accomplish this one object. This "anti- 
Masonic " pai'ty, it was said, at the period to which we refer, sup- 
posed themselves able to command a vote of half a million in this 
country. Sincere and zealous in their purpose, unquestionably 
honest and patriotic in all that they contrived and intended to do, 
and, as we have already said, intelligent, thoughtful and able in the 
general complexion of the men at their head, they had arranged a 
convention of delegates to be chosen from the several States, who 
were to meet by appointment in Baltimore in Septembei-, to select 
a candidate for the Presidency. In pursuance of this arrange- 
ment, about one hundred and twelve delegates assembled in Balti- 
more at the Athenasum, on Monday, the 26th of September. It 
was distinguished for its talent, and for the weight of character 
which it presented. It was looked upon with curious and deep 
interest throughout the whole country ; with approbation by many, 
but with a settled and stern, though silent hostility, by that numer- 
ous and i-espectable class of citizens which, in every State, yet con- 
stituted the body of the Masonic fraternity. On the 28th of Sep- 
tember the convention tendered to Mr. William Wirt, then a real- 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 459 

dent of Eiiltimore, the Tiomination for tlie Presideney of the United 
Stales. Mr Amos P]llniakor, of Pennsylvania, was selected by them 
as the candidate for the Vice-Presidency. On the evenin<^ of the 
same day Mr. Wirt sent a communication to the convention ac- 
cepting the nomination. This paj^er e.\|)hiined the i^roiinds of his 
acceptance, and forms an important document in an interesting 
passaL:;e of political history. This letter was received with entire 
ajiprolialion by the convention, and a resolution was (liereforo 
adopted, recommending "to their fellow-citizens throughout the 
United States, a cordial and vigorous support of Mr, Wirt at the 
next election, as the anti-Masonic candidjite for the otlice of Presi- 
dent of the United States." The result of the election next year 
was that, out of two hundred and eighty-six electoral votes which 
were cast in the colleges, General Jackson received two hundred 
and nineteen, Mr. Clay forty-nine, Mr. Floyd, who took the vote 
of South Carolina, eleven, and Mr, Wirt seven — these seven being 
the votes of the Slate of Vermont. 

The National lieijublican Convention met in the city of Balti- 
more at the Athenicum on Monday, December 12th, about 140 
members in attendance. Governor Barbour, of Virginia, president. 
On Tuesday Henry Clay was unanimously nominated by tlie con- 
vention as a candidate for the office of President of the United 
States. On Wednestlay ^Ii'. John Sei-geant, of Pennsjdvania, was 
nominated as candidate for Vice-President, On motion of Mr. 
Ilalstead, of New Jersey', thanks wei-e unanimoush' voted to Luke 
Tiernan, Ilezekiah Niles, Nathaniel F. Williams, William II. Free- 
man, Charles F. Ma^-er, Joshua Medtart, and James Ilai-wood, of the 
National Pepublican Committee, and to John B. Moi'ris, Henry V. 
Sommerville, N. F. Williams and James Ilarwood, the committee 
of arrangements on the part of the citizens. 

1832. The centennial anniversary of the birth of Gen. George 
Washington was celebrated in this city on the 22d of February 
with more than ordinary delight to the citizens. Every avenue 
leading to^IonumentSquai'e was crowded with thousands of anxious 
spectators in the early part of the day, and every window was 
filled with elegantly attired females, each indicating by her looks 
the deep interest she felt in this public nianifestation of a whole 
nation's attachment to the memory of the purest patriot that ever 
adoi-ned the pages of histoiy. The procession moved from the 
square at the time a])pointed, and passed in front of the residence 
of the venerable Charles Carroll of Carrollton, wlio was unable to 
attend. They arrived at the Front Street Theatre or Circus, where 
Wm. II. Collins, Esq., read Washington's Farewell Address, pre- 
ceded by a few ap])ropriate remarks ; ailer which J. II. li. Latrobe, 
Esq., addressed tlie assembly "in a strain of chaste and fascinating 
eloquence which livetled the attention and excited the admiration 
of all i)rescnt." The Mayor and Council of Frederick and other in- 
vited guests were entertained by the Mayor and Corporation of 
Baltimore at Barnum's City Hotel. 



460 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

The health officer, who visits all vessels arriving at the port of 
Baltimore, reports the arrival of 1,429 foreigners in 1827; 1,843 in 
1828; 1,581 in 1829; 4,100 in 1830; 4.381 in 1831; 7,946 in 1832. 
These immbers do not, probably, include the whole, because the 
health officer not being required to visit vessels arriving during the 
winter months, makes no report of passengers who reach this port 
during that season. 

The Jackson General Convention met at the Athena3um, May 
the 21st, and the next day nominated as the Democratic candidate 
for Vice-President, Martin Van Buren, of New York. At this con- 
vention the two-third rule was adopted, which has since been ad- 
hered to. The Jackson Convention also met a part of the time in 
" Warfield's Church," in St. Paul's street, near Saratoga, which 
deistical church-building was afterward incorporated with Mr. N. 
C. Brooks' Baltimore Female College. During the proceedings of 
the convention an alarm was given, and one or two men jumping 
out of the window were somewhat injured. 

On the 23d of May the Young Men's Convention, then in session 
at Washington, appointed a committee of one from each State to 
wait on Charles Carroll of Carrollton to testify the sense of grateful 
respect entertained by the country for the last of the illustrious 
band of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. In con- 
formity with their appointment, nearl}^ all the members of the 
committee assembled in Baltimore, and, accompanied by several 
members of the convention, proceeded in a body to his residence, 
and M-ere introduced to him separately by Mr. Brantz Maj-er; 
after which Mr. Maj'er, chairman of the committee, addressed him 
in a few appropriate remai'ks. After Mr. Ma3'er had concluded, 
Mr. Carroll declared himself highly gratified by the expression of 
the feelings of the young men of the United States, and hoped they 
might enjoy uninterruptedly through life, and transmit unimpaired 
to their posterity, the noble institutions of this happy land. 

On the 15th of July a furious fire broke out in the extensive 
lumber-3'ard of Wm. Carson & Co., on Buchanan's wharf, and soon 
reached the great range of warehouses on Smith's wharf The 
whole stock of lumber, except a small portion thrown in the dock, 
was consumed, and five warehouses, with the chief part of their 
contents. The warehouses were occupied by Messrs. Whites, Buck 
& Hedrick, Manning & Hope, Mr.. Hugh Boyle, and Mr. Lester. 
Two persons were killed and four others very badly wounded by 
the falling walls. 

During the year Baltimore passed through her season of trial 
by a visitation of that awful disease " cholera." The Mayor and the 
officers of health made all preparations for it Avhich the nature of 
circumstances and the means placed in their hands would permit. 
However, it raged during the summer season, and during the month 
of September the number of deaths in Baltimore by cholera was 
At the Alms House its ravages were terrible. On the 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 4G1 

breaking out of the disease the inmates were about 500, of which 
number the deaths were 125. When the dreadful scourge which 
had depopuhited our cities visited Phihulelphia, the civil authorities 
of that city expressed a wish to have the assistance of the Sisters 
of Charity. The wisii was made known to tliis community by the 
Hight Kcv. Dr. Ivenrick, and by return of mail thirteen heroines 
wore lautled in Piiiladelphia, ready to rush with joy to the assist- 
ance of those from whom the rest of the world seemed to Hy with 
horror. In Baltimore the same request was made, and was met 
with equal heroism. It was here that was immolated the first 
victim of charity, in tiie person of Sister Mary Finances, the 
daughter of the late Benedict Boarman of Charles County, Mary- 
land, once adniired in the extensive circle in which she moved. On 
the morning of the day on which she died, she fointed from 
weakness occasioned by the premonitory symptoms of cholera. 
AVhile 2)reparing to take the remedies which had been prescribed 
for her, a patient — a colored woman — was brought into the hos- 
pital. The case seemed desperate and to require immediate assist- 
ance, and the heroic Sister forgot herself to give relief to the 
])atient. But her delicate frame was too weak, and the disease 
too strong, and in a few hours the cherished, accomplished, and 
pious Mary Frances was a lifeless corpse. The death of this Sister 
did not deter the others. There was no panic or alarm, not even 
concern, but with a devotedness which can scarcely be conceived 
or credited, her place was sought with emulation, and the cata- 
strophe only increased their courage. The next victim was Sister 
Mary George, the daughter of Jacob Smith, a wealthy farmer in 
Adams Co., Pennsylvania. She dedicated herself at an early age 
to the service of her neighbors, and was soon called to receive the 
crown which her devoted charity deserved. She died in Baltimore 
of the epidemic, in the 19th year of her age. Several other mem- 
bers of this heroic band were attacked either in the cholera hos- 
pitals or in the county and city alms house, where the epidemic 
was most fatal. They cannot be better pictured than in the words 
of the honoraljle Mayor of the city of Baltimore in a letter he 
wrote'to the citizens on this occasion. " To behold," says he, '• life 
thus immolated in so sacred a cause, produces rather a sensation of 
awe than of sorrow, a sentiment of resignation to the Almighty 
fiat rather than a useless regret at the attlicting event." Their re- 
mains were attended to the grave l)y the Mayor and the miunbers 
of the Board of Health, and other otlicers of the corpcjration. 
During the prevalence of the disease Archbisiiop Whitfield 
tendered his spacious mansion on the corner of Charles and 
Mulberiy streets, to be used as a lios[)ital for the sick. 

The tbllowing letter was sent by the Mayor of Baltimore to 
Ilev. A.J. Elder: 

" Mayor'.s Okfick, Baltuiiore, Nov. Sd, 1S.']2. 

" Itev. A. J. Eldek : Dear /SVr : — The duties assi-fned me us 



462 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

Mayor of Baltimore being concluded this day, I cannot retire to 
the quietude of private life without acknowledging the obligation 
■which the Board of Health and myself are under to you, Sir, for 
your persevering attention to our afflicted fellow-citizens, and 
through you to those invaluable Sisters of Charity, whose bene- 
volent conduct has been of such essential utility in alleviating the 
horrors incident to the fatal epidemic, which, a short period since, 
raged in our city. But their attention to the sick was not the only 
service rendered by the *%ters of Charity. They voluntarily fur- 
nished clothing at their own expense to the destitute orphans of 
those who fell victims to the cholera, thus exhibiting the purest 
system of unostentatious charity that could have been devised. 
At the hospitals their labor and attention became so important, and 
their exertions so incessant, that even they were often ph3-sically 
exhausted and required the helping hand of others. At this time 
the Sisters of Charity at the Orphan Asylum and the Infirmary 
freel}^ tendered their sisterly assistance to smooth the path of 
anxiety and care of those especially devoted to the hospitals. But it 
surely is a solemn considei-ation that the Sisters of Charity will 
retire with two less of their number than when they commenced 
their labor of love in Baltimore. The lapacious and desolating 
scourge, with indiscriminate violence, seized Sisters Mary Frances 
and Mary George, and transferred their administering spirits to 
regions of peace and tranquillity. We humbly bow in submission 
to the Divine dispensation, confiding in the Evangelist whosaith, 
' Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord.' The Board of Health 
and myself have deemed it an imperious duty, in behalf of the citi- 
zens of Baltimore, to express our warmest gratitude and deepest 
sense of obligation for those sei'vices which were given without 
compensation — thereby leaving us doubly your debtors. Be pleased 
therefore, my dear Sir, to tender the sincei'e and grateful thanks 
of the Board of Health aJid myself, to Sisters Barbara, Clare, Loe- 
cadia, Julia, and Euprozene, at hospital JMo. 2; to Sisters Mary 
Paul, Dometella, Mary Jane, and Mary James, at hospital No. 3; 
to Sisters Ambrosia, Superior of the Infirmary, and also to Henrietta, 
Dorothea, Hillaria, Octavia, Delphine, and Chi-ysostom, of that in- 
stitution ; to Sisters Felicity, Snj)erior of the Orphan Asylum, and 
also to Camilla, Bernerdine, Marcellina, Brozilia, and Alphonso, of 
that institution. And although they will receive no pecuniary re- 
muneration from us, yet I humbly hope their reward is registered 
in heaven. I remain, dear Sir, yours and the Sisters of Cliarity's 
obliged friend and humble servant, William Stewart, 

"Mayor of the City of Baltimore." 

At a meeting of the citizens of Baltimore, without distinction 
of parties, held at the Exchange on Thursday, the 27th of Decem- 
ber, in pursuance of the call of the Mayor to take into considera- 
tion the ordinance and proceedings of the convention lately held 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 463 

in South Carolina, on tlio subject of nullification: the meeting 
was organized at the suggestion of the Hon. Judge R. IJ. .Magru- 
der, by the appointment of the lion. Jesse Hunt, Mayor of the 
city oV Baltimore, as president. On motion of the Hon. P. Lau- 
renson, William Patterson and Robert Oliver were appointed vice- 
presidents. On motion of Gen. Geo. H. Steuart, E. L. Fin ley and 
J. S. Nicholas were appointed secretaries. The president then 
announced the object for vvhicli the meeting was called, and that 
he was ready to receive the suggestions of any of the citizens pre- 
sent. The Hon. Isaac ilclvim then read and submitted a series of 
resolutions, which were unanimously adopted, and from which wo 
extract the following: " Tliat the proceetlings of the State conven- 
tion of South Carolina, and the ])()litical ])rinciples avowed in the 
extraordinary and unprecec'ented documc;i)t, styled an ortiinance, 
are disapproved by this meeting as tentling to distui'b the harmony 
of government, menacing the integrity of the Union, violating 
good faith, and impairing, if not destroying, the general prospei-ity. 
That we highly and entirely approve the opinions and sentiments 
avowed in the proclamation of the President of the United States. 
In this important public act we recognize the wisdom of the states- 
man, the firmness and iiiflexible integrity of the patriot, and tho 
deep feeling of solicitude becoming a father of his countr}--, in 
the existing crisis of ditBculty and danger — with him we proclaim, 
ike Union must be preserved." 

The first train of cars from the " Point of Rocks " arrived in 
Baltimore on the 20th of April, laden with between 300 and 400 
barrels of flour. 

There were building in the ship-yards of Baltimore, in August, 
eight ships, six schooners, and one steamboat. 

Charles Carroll, surnamed of Cariollton, and the son of Charles 
Carroll and Klizabeth Brook, was born on the twentieth of Sep- 
tember, 1737, at Annapolis, in the State of Maryland. In 1745, 
then eight years of age, he was sent to Franco to be educated. At 
the age of twenty he commenced the stutiy of law in L(>ndon. He 
rctui'iied to Maryland in 1704, just in time to enter heai't and soul 
int<» the strife which his countrymen were waging against tyranny. 
He had struggled against the stamj) tax ; he now took his jjlaco 
again by the side of liis brethren, in the opening contest against 
Parliament. With Daniel Dulany himself he gi-ai)]>le 1, and the 
conlrover.sy was the ni(jst marked of the day. It was carried on 
under the names of the "First Citizen," and "Antilon." His ar- 
ticles were able aii<i eloquent, as al)le and eloquent as those of his 
great and learned (jpponcnt, who ha<l long stood the leading mind 
of Maryland ; and they were more ell'ective. He con(piered, for ho 
fought on the side of liberty. 

The talent and firmness evinced by Mr. Carroll in his contest 
with Dulany raised him at once to a high station in the confidence 
ol' the people ; and we find him, during tlie years 1773-4-5, actively 



464 CHEONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

engaged in all the measures which were taken in opposition to the 
course of Great Britain's colonial policy. In January, 1775, Mr. 
Carroll was chosen a member of me first committee of observation 
that was established in Annapolis, and in the same year he was 
elected a delegate to represent Anne Arundel County in the pro- 
vincial convention. In February, 1776, he was appointed a com- 
missioner by Congress, then in session at Philadelphia, with Dr. 
Franklin, Archbishop Carroll, and Samuel Chase, to pi-oceed to 
Canada to induce the inhabitants of that country to join the United 
Provinces in opposition to Great Britain. On the 4th of July, 1776, 
Mr. Carroll \vas appointed lor the first time a delegate to Congress 
on his return from Canada, and on the 18th of July took his seat 
in that body. The engrossed copy of the Declaration of Inde- 
pendence was placed on the desk of the Secretary of Congress on 
the second of August, to receive the signatures of the members, 
and Mr. Hancock, president of Congress, during a conver- 
sation with Mr. Carroll, asked him if he would sign it. "Most 
willing!}'," was the reply, and taking a pen, he at once put his name 
to the instrument. " There go a lew millions," said one of those 
who stood by ; and all jjresent at that time agreed, that in point 
of fortune few risked more than Charles Carroll of Carroliton. 

Mr, Carroll continued in Congi-ess until the year 177^ when 
the treaty with France removing from his mind all doubt as to 
the ultimate success of the war of the Revolution, and his duty as 
a Senator of Maryland requiring his attendance in Annapolis, he 
resigned his seat, and for the future devoted himself to the local 
politics of his native State. In the year 1781 he was re-elected to 
the Senate of Maryland, in which he had been the first under the 
new constitution, and in which he had already served five years; 
and in December, 1788, waschosenRepresentativeof Maryland in the 
Senate of the United States, immediately after the adoption of the 
Federal Constitution. In 1791 Mr. Carroll vacated his seat in the 
Senate of the United States, and in the same year was once more 
chosen to the Senate of Maryland. In 1796 he was again re- 
elected ; and in 1797 was one of the commissioners appointed to 
settle the boundary line between Virginia and Maryland. Mr. Car- 
roll continued an active member of the Senate of his native State 
until 1801, when he retired from j^ublic life, and lived in the enjoy- 
ment of accumulated honors and social and domestic happiness, 
until November 14th, 1832, when he passed away in the ninety- 
sixth year of his age, in this city, as though he was going to sleep, 
his stfength having gradually decreased until exhausted, and life 
was extinguished, as it were, without an effort; and when he passed 
away to tne sleep of peace, the tears, not alone of Maryland, but 
of the whole nation, tiowed for the last survivor of the signers of 
the Declaration of Independence. 

On the 13Lh of November, 1832, a number of gentlemen con- 
vened at the office of the American Fanner, for the purpose of form- 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 465 

ing a Jlorlicultural Society, when E. 1. Cohen, Plsq., was called to 
the chair, and J. Irvine Ilitehcoek appointed secretary. H. F. 
Dukehart, Gideon B. Smith, and George W. Dobbin were appointed 
a committee to draft the constitution and i»y-laws. A second meet- 
ing was held on the 20th, when the committee reported the draft 
of a constitution and b3'-laws,Avhich, with some modifications, were 
adopted. At a subsequent meeting a number of gentlemen wore 
elected officers. 

1833. The Hon. John Randolph of Eoanokc, Va., reached this 
city on the 19th of May from Washington, and proceeded to Phila- 
delphia on the 20th, where he died on the 24th. He travelled in 
his uld-iashioned English coach and four, with a postillion on one 
of the leading horses, and "Juba" on the box. His passage 
through Pratt street to the City Hotel was the occasion of some 
little inconvenience and irritation to him. By the time he reached 
the hotel, the crowd was so dense in front of it that his entrance 
at the principal door was impossible. At length the remarkable 
equipage proceeded to the door on Fayette street, and he was con- 
veyed from the coach into the hotel in the arms of "Juba," his 
favorite servant. 

Thc-Cathedral was robbed on the 18th of Ajiril of sundry candle- 
sticks, crucifixes, &c. 

The Eoman Catholic Council opened its session in this city, in the 
Cathedral, on the 20th of October. The most Eev. Dr. Whitfield, 
Archl»ishop of Baltimore, presided. 

The corner-stone of St. James' Roman Catholic Church was 
laid on Wednesday afternoon. May 1st, at the corner of Monument 
and Ais<piith streets, by the Most lleverend Archbishop Whitfield. 

A new line of steamers between this city and Philadelphia, via 
the canal, commenced operations on Saturday, May 4th. 

During Presi<lent Jackson's visit to Baltimore in June, he had 
an interview with the celebrated Indian chief Black Hawk and 
other Indians, who arrived here on the same day he did. So great 
was the pressure of the immense crowds of persons who attended 
to get a sight of Black Hawk and his companions that it was 
thought necessary to remove them to Fort McHcnry, previous to 
which, however, they wex'C conveyed in carriages through the 
principul streets of the city. 

The Horticultural Society of' Maryland held their first exhibi- 
tion on Wednesday, June 12th, at the Athena'um. The Hon. John 
P. Kennedy delivered the opening address to a large auditory of 
ladies and gentlemen. 

An earthquake was fi-lt in Baltim(;re on Tuesday, August 27th. 

The Hon. Henry Clay arrived in Baltimore on Tuesday, Oct. 
8th, and received the visits of a large number of the citizens. Ho 
was invited to a public dinner, which he iuund necessary to de- 
cline. 

Extracts from the papers of November 13th; "Being up this 
30 



466 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

morning at five o'clock, I witnessed one of the most grand and 
alarming spectacles which ever beamed upon the eye of man. 
The light in my room was so great that I could see the hour of 
the morning by my watch which hung over the mantle, and sup- 
posing that there was fire near at hand, probably on my own 
premises, I spi'ung to the window, and beheld the stars, or some 
other bodies presenting a fiery appearance, descending in torrents 
as rapid and numerous as I ever saw flakes of snow or drops of 
rain in the midst of a storm. Occasionally a large body of appa- 
rent fire would be hurled through the atmosphere, which without 
noise exploded, when millions of fiery particles would be cast 
through the air. To the eye it presented the appearance of what 
may be called a raining of fire, for I can compare it to nothing 
else. Its continuance, according to my time, was, from the moment 
when I first discovered it, twenty minutes ; but a friend, whoso 
lady was up, says it commenced at half-past four ; that she was 
watching the sick bed of a relative, and therefore can speak posi- 
tive as to the hour of its commencement. If her time was cor- 
rect, then it rained fire fifty minutes. The shed in the adjoining 
yard to my own was covered with stai'S, as I supposed, during the 
whole time. A fi'iend at my ellow, who also witnessed it, in 
whose veracity I can place the most implicit reliance, confirms my 
own observation of the phenomenon, and adds, that the fiery par- 
ticles which fell south descended in a southern direction, and those 
north took a northern dii*ection. He thinks it commenced earlier 
than the period at which I first witnessed it, and that it lasted 
longer; that when his clock chimed six there were still occasional 
descents of stars." 

" While most of our fellow- citizens were comfortably wrapped 
in the arms of Somnus, we beheld one of the most sublime and 
awful spectacles which nature can present. At five o'clock this 
morning the sky was perfectly serene, and not a cloud was to be 
seen. On a sudden the heavens became illuminat ed by thousands 
of shooting-stars going in the direction of the northwest. The 
phenomenon lasted without intermission for nearly thirt}^ minutes. 
The meteors were of various sizes, some larger, some smaller, 
some forming long trains, which remained for several seconds in 
the heavens. They were observed not in one part of the sky only, 
but the north, the south, the east, and the west were equally 
spangled. At twenty minutes past five a meteor, we would sup- 
pose about six inches in diameter, exploded with considerable 
noise almost perpendicularly over the northwest part of the city. 
The blaze was splendid, so as to give the sky the appearance of 
sunrise. It shot in the direction of the northwest, leaving a 
stream of light, Avhich assumed a serjientine foi'm, apparently of 
thirty feet in length, and lasted more than one minute. We were 
amused at the different effects produced upon the few beholders. 
Some in dreadful afi'right predicted the end of the Avorld, others of 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 467 

more Ptern souls wore sure tliat it at least proifiiosticated some 
dreadful war, whilst the philosopher, smiling at their simplicity, 
calmly viewed the phenomenon, wonderful as it was." 

Nelson Wallis and Aurelia Chase, both colored persons, were 
executed in Baltimore on Friday, the 20th of December, the first 
for rape of a very atrocious character, and the second for deliber- 
ately poisoning her mistress. 

On the 27th of September, at about 11 o'clock A. M., the now 
and extensive planing mills and lumber-3\ard of Messrs. Howland & 
Woollen on Lombarcl street. oi)posite the Medical College, took fire, 
and were entirely consumed, with a great quantity of dressed and 
undi-essed plank. It was the most rapid fire that this city ever 
witnessed — as may be supposed from the fact that three horses, 
attached to a wagon which was loading in the yard, with the 
wagon, Avere consumed, being instantly enveloped inflames. One 
of the firemen, Mr. Columbus Vinkle, was killed, being run over 
by the suction engine of the Howard Company. 

During the year a number of gentlemen held several meetings 
at Elisha Snikes' Temperance House, on Thames street. Fell's Point, 
anil after some preliminary arrangements, organized the first Ti-ibc 
of J?ed y\ou, now known as " Logan Tribe, No. 1^ Improved Order 
of Red Men." On the 20th of May, 1835, the Great Council of 
Maryland was organized by Messrs. George A. Peters, AVilliam F. 
Jones, Charles Skillman, Joseph Branson and Edmund Lucas, in the 
city of Baltimore. 

1834. The annunciation on the 24th of March by the directors 
of the Bank of Maryland, declaring its inability to prosecute 
its business any longer, fell with a heav}^ shock on this com- 
munity. At a meeting of the officers of the several banks of 
the city, convened at the Union Bank, to take into consideration 
the state of affairs arising from the closing of the business 
of the Bank of ^lar^dand, William Lorman, president of the 
Bank of Baltimore, was called to the chair, and Nicholas Brice, of 
the Farmers and Merchants' Bank, acted as secretary. The presi- 
dent of the Union Baidc informed the meeting that the Bank of 
Maryland had made a deed of trust, which thej' were prepared to 
deliver, conveying all the property of the bank to him in trust for 
the general and equal benefit of its creditors, &c. It was unani- 
mously resolved by the presidents and cashiers present, that in 
their oj)inion it is advisable that Mr. Kllicott accept the deed of 
trust, (fee. On the 28th of March a very numerous meeting of tho 
f reditors of the Bank of Marjdand was held at the Kxchangc. Wm. 
Patterson was called to the chair, and the Hon. Nicholas Brico 
appointed secretary. A committee of fifteen was appointed to ad- 
vance the interest of said creditors, and to bring the aftairs of said 
Bank of ^L'lryland to a just and spisedy settlement. 

Upon the arrival in this city of Messrs. McDuffie, Preston, 
Biiineyand Webster, on Saturday and Sunday, April 19th and 20tb, 



468 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

they were met on the wharf by 5000 citizens, who escorted them, 
amidst .great enthusiasm, to the Exchange and Barnum's, where 
the gentlemen delivered brief addresses. 

Mr. Alexander Brown, the founder of the house of Alexander 
Brown & Sons, was born in the north of Ireland, in 1764, and mar- 
ried at Ballymena, Ireland, where all his children were born, and 
where he was engaged in business. In the year 1800, leaving his 
younger children, George, John A., and James, to be educated in 
England, he came, with his wife and eldest son William, to Balti- 
more. He brought with him a small capital, and immediately en- 
gaged in the business of importing and selling Irish linens. In the 
year 1810 the eldest son William went to Liverpool, and there 
established with his brother James the firm of William & James 
Brown & Company, which subsequently became Brown, Shipley & 
Co., a branch of which has since been established in London. 
William Bi^own died in Liverpool in 1864 possessed of great wealth, 
after having for many years represented the county of Lancashire 
in the British Parliament, and having been created a Baronet in 
1862, He endowed a free public library and the erection of a noble 
building for its accommodation in Liverpool. In the year 1811 the 
firm of Alexander Bi'own & Sons was formed in the citj^ of Baltimore, 
and still continues to exist, being now composed of George S. Brown 
and William H. Graham, son and son-in-law of George Brown. 
In 1818 John A. Brown established a branch of the house in Phila- 
delphia, under the name of John A. Brown & Co., and, in 1825, 
James Brown settled in New York, and established the firm of 
Brown Brothers & Co. George Brown continued to reside in Balti- 
more with his father. John A. Brown retired in 1839, and the 
business is now carried on in Philadelphia, as well as in New York, 
under the firm of Brown Brothers & Co. While Mr. Alexander 
Brown lived, Baltimore continued to be the headquarters of all the 
houses, and several times a year, and on every important occasion, 
it was the custom of all the brothers in this country to meet 
together and take counsel with their father and each other. Mr. 
Alexander Brown died on the 3d of April, 1834, of pneumonia, which 
he contracted at a meeting of merchants, over which he presided, at 
the Exchange, on the occasion of a panic which then prevailed, 
growing out of the failure of the Bank of Maryland. 

On the 23d of April, a great meeting of the people was held in 
Monument Square, to adopt certain proceedings with a view of ex- 
pressing the opinions of the ©itizens on the late protest of the 
President of the United States. General Wm, McDonald presided, 
assisted by many vice-presidents, &c. The multitude were addressed 
by John P, Kennedy, Charles C. Harper, Joshua Jones and John 
V, L, McMahon, Esqs. And it is not a little remarkable that each 
of these gentlemen, in times not long past, were among the most 
zealous and distinguished supporters of the President of the United 
States, (Andrew Jackson), A series of resolutions was passed, re- 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 469 

pudiating the doctrines of the protest, and sustaining the Senate 
and others, and for the formation of a " State "Whig Society," &c. 
We regret to add, that some violent actions took place with an 
evident design to disturb or break up the meeting, by persons who 
had not been invited to attend it ; but thej' were resisted and put 
down. On the evening following, in South street, some young 
" Whigs " met to form a military association, and Avere attacked 
by the "Democrats," but the Ma3'^or and his posse interfered,' and 
not much harm was done. 

The United States Insurance Company suspended payment on 
the 30th of April. 

In the month of May, John B. Morris and E. W. Gill, Esqs., 
trustees for the benefit of the creditors of the Bank of Maryland, 
made a report concerning the affairs of that institution, which 
Thomas Ellicott, the other trustee, declined to unite in. The 
result seems to be this — that the supposed available means of the 
bank were §1,001,661, with doubtful and disputed claims in its 
favor amounting to §683,569 more ; whereas the circulation, certifi- 
cates and other claims against the bank, amounted to $1,683,218. 

The city of Baltimore designated Thursday, July 10th, to ex- 
press by suitable testimonies its feelings on the occasion of the 
death of the illustrious La Fayette. The ceremonies were imposing 
in the highest degree, and peculiarly appropriate to the solemn 
event which the whole population united in commemorating. At 
dayl)rcak minute-guns were fired by a detachment of artillery, 
which were responded to by the melancholy toll of the bells of 
the ditt'erent churches. All the vessels in port and all the public 
places had their flags at half-mast, and many of those of the 
latter were trimmed with the sable tokens of mourning. At a 
few minutes after nine the funeral procession, led b}" the chief 
marshal, Henry Thompson, assisted by his aides, Cols. Heath and 
Thomas, commenced its movement along Baltimore street, start- 
ing from the bridge at Christ Church. Murray's excellent band of 
music was in front playing a]Ji)ropriate funeral marches. The 
military corps followed, having on theii- right the fine-looking de- 
tachment of United States artillerists under command of Captain 
Thompson. The volunteer infantry and rifle regiments followed. 
To these succeeded, in a barouche, the officiating clergymen, the 
Rev. Dr. Henshaw anrl the Rev. R. J. Breckinridge; the orator of 
the day, Francis II. Davidge, Esq., and (ien. Samuel Smith, presi- 
dent of the Society of Cincinnati. The pall-bearers followed, also 
in barouches, viz : William Patterson, James II. Mc( ■iilloch, Wm. 
.McDonald, Robert Smith, Robert Oliver, Nathan Jvevy, David 
Harris, William liCjnnan. 'i'lic sarcophagus came next, drawn by 
lour led horses, all (•ai)arisoned in deep mourning. It was 
covered with black (tlotb, and ])laeed upon a car resting upon four 
massive wheels. The design and symbols were alter the I'^gyptian 
style. Kach end of the car teiininated in a large scroll, with an 



470 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

appropriate symbol on it. That on the front was a shield with an 
alligator, intended to represent that in the western hemisphere 
La Fayette first shed his blood in defence of the rights of man. 
On the other scroll was the representation of a horse, emblematic 
of Europe, in which quarter of the globe he also contended for 
liberty. On the other side of the sarcophagus were these inscrip- 
tions : " On the Ist September, A. D. 1757, Born." " On the 2l8t 
May, A. D. 1834, Died." Between the inscriptions was the figure 
of a lachrymal urn. On each end of the sarcophagus was a 
winged globe, the emblem of eternity. Following the sarcopha- 
gus was a white horse, caparisoned as the charger of a deceased 
general officer, and led by an attendant in mourning. Then came 
as mourners a body of French gentlemen, bearing at their head 
the French and American national standards shrouded in black, 
the Mayor and officers and members of the city corporation walk- 
ing next in order. Then followed the Trades' Union and the 
numerous mechanical associations represented in it. The origmal 
Pulaski's banner was carried on this occasion at the head of the 
Trades' Union. The juvenile associations of Fell's Point came 
next, followed by the Washington Hose and Mechanical Fire Com- 
panies, and after them came the medical students and polemic as- 
sociations, all with banners and badges, the teachers and scholars 
of the male public-schools Nos. 1, 2, 3 and 4. The Order of Inde- 
pendent Odd-Fellows, comprising the various lodges and orders of 
that institution, followed. The Grand Lodge was the last in line 
on foot, and the procession was finally terminated by the " En- 
campment of Patriarchs " in full suits of mourning, all mounted 
on horses elegantly caparisoned in mourning. 

The procession moved slowly through the densely crowded 
streets to the sound of the muffled drums and the dirges of the 
several bands of music, to the appointed place in Howard's Park. 
The customary honors to the military rank of the deceased were 
paid in the most impressive manner amid the deepest attention. 
The most striking and solemn period was, however, when the 
address to the throne of Grace was commenced by the Rev. 
Mr. Henshaw. At the word, the whole vast multitude stood un- 
covered and in silence around the bier. Thousands and tens of 
thousands of faces were seen rising on everj'^ side above each other 
to the farthest distance, all full of solemnity and feeling. The 
mourning banners that rose above the naked heads, the melancholy 
note of the distant bell, the solemn minute-gun heard duly from 
afar in the strange silence, the black bier in the midst, and the 
solitary voice of the minister speaking of death and the departed, 
formed a combination of affecting and impressive incidents well 
calculated to touch and elevate the feelings. When the prayer 
was concluded, the venerable General Samuel Smith addressed 
the people in eulogy of the character and services of La Faj'citte. 
The oi'ator of the da}', Francis H. Davidge, Esq., followed, and ad- 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. . 471 

di*essed an jittentive audience for upwards of an hour, in a eulogy 
detailing the career of La Faj'etto and his claims ujDon American 
gratitude. When Mr. Davidge concluded his oration, the Eev. Mr. 
Breckinridge otfei-ed an appropriate and fervent prayer, with 
which the ceremonies at the park were closed. The procession 
tlien look up the line of march to its place of meeting for dis- 
missal. 

Mr. E. B. Tanc}', late Secretary of Treasury, returned to Balti- 
more on the 11th of July, and was escorted into the cit}' by a 
cavalcade of about 200 gentlemen, when he met a large number 
of his political friends at the Columbian Garden. The party was 
addressed bj- Mr. Tanc}', Mr. Benton, of the Senate, and Mr. Allen, 
of the House of Representatives, from Ohio. There was a heavy 
storm of wind and rain from the north, which carried away tho 
awnings over tho tables and completely drenched the company 
while Mr. Benton was speaking. 

A meeting of the citizens was convened on the 8th of Novem- 
ber, at the Exchange, in "pursuance of public notice given by the 
Mayor, at the request of " the convention appointed to promote 
the trade and commercial interests of Baltimore," for the purpose 
of considering the proceedings of a meeting held in Cumberland, 
Alleghany county, in relation to the extension of the Chesapeake 
and Ohio Canal. Jesse Hunt, Esq., Mayor of the city, was called 
to the chair, and John S. Hollins and -Benjamin I. Cohen appointed 
secretaries. The objects of the meeting were then stated by Chas. 
F.Mayer, with a])propriate and impressive remarks; and at tho 
conclusion he submitted a preamble and resolutions, which, being 
considered, were unanimously adopted. 

On the 18th of November, Mr. Gorman, one of the contractors 
of the Washington railroad, about eighteen miles from this cit}"^, 
was assailed in his own shanty by eight or ten men, supposed to be 
Bome of those at work on the road. Mr. John Watson, a superin- 
tendent, was also in theshantj' on a casual visit. Both gentlemen 
were forciblj' dragged out, beaten severely, and left in a state of 
insensibilit}'. These outrages thus perpetrated by these cruel ruf- 
fians were not sufficient, it seems, to satisfy theii- blood-thirsty 
cravings. About midnight the next diiy they suri-ounded the office 
where Mr. Watson was Ij'ing wounded, and after breaking oj)en 
the door, they deliberately murdeivd him in a most barbarous and 
shocking manner, the back of his Jiead lacing cut open and the 
brains scattered about. Mr. William Messer, one of Mr. W's as- 
sistants, who was present in tiie office when the attack on it 
was made, was dragged out and shot ticad. Aiiother of the suj)er- 
intendents, Mr. Gallon, was also shot dead ; several other per- 
sons wci'e injui-ed, but none dangerously. The miscreants, after tho 
murdcis, pi-ofceded to i"ob the pi'emises. (^n the 2r)tb a detacli- 
njcnt of the first brigade marche«l to the scene of disturbance and 
arrested ncai-ly 300 IriHh lal>orers, and convened them under guard 
to tlif j:iil in this city. 



472 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

Died on the 19th of October, in the 64th year of his age, the Most 
Rev. James Whitfield, Archbishop of Baltimore. His career in his 
elevated station was marked with prudence and zeal. His fortune 
was considerable, and it was generously consecrated to the purposes 
of religion. The Cathedral experienced his liberality, and the 
beautiful edifice of St. James in our city is a lasting monument 
of his munificence. 

Died on the 28th of December, Robert Oliver, Esq., in the 77th 
year of his age. He was much valued for his liberality, benevo- 
lence and public spii-it, and one of the most enterprising of our 
merchants, and strongest of capitalists. 

William Wirt died on Tuesday morning, February 18th, in 
Washington, D. C. Hon. Daniel Webster in his address to the 
Supreme Court, which adjourned in honor of his memory, says : 
"It is announced to us that one of the oldest, one of the ablest, 
one of the most distinguished members of this bar has departed 
this mortal life. Wm. Wirt is no more ! He has this day closed 
a professional career amongst the longest and most brilliant which 
the distinguished members of the profession in the United States 
have at any time accomplished. Unsullied in everything which 
regards professional honor and integrity, patient of labor, and rich 
in those stores of learning which are the rewards of patient labor, 
and patient labor only ; and if equalled, yet certainly allowed not 
to be excelled, in fervent, animated, and persuasive eloquence, he 
has left an example which those who seek to raise themselves to 
great heights of professional eminence will hereafter emulously 
study. Fortunate, indeed, will be the few who shall imitate it 
successfully ! " The funeral took place on the 20th. The highest 
honors were rendered to it. Both Houses of Congress adjoiirned 
to enable their members to attend the body to the tomb. Such a 
proceeding had never yet been accorded by the National Legisla- 
ture, except to deceased members of one or the other House. In 
the procession were seen the President of the United States, the 
Vice-President, the heads of departments, the diplomatic corps, the 
bench and bar of the {Supreme Court, the members of the two 
Houses of Congress, officers of the army and navy, and a large 
concourse of private citizens. The body was conducted to the 
National Cemetery, and around the tomb were gathered the most 
illustrious of the land. Adams, Jackson, Calhoun, Van Buren, 
Marshall, Story, Clay, Webstei*, Southard, Taney, Binney, Sergeant, 
Woodbury, Everett, Cass, Generals Scott, Macomb, Rogers, and 
Chauncey, and many others whose renown in council, in court, in 
camp and on sea have added lustre to the history of the nation, 
were the witnesses to the laying down of the remains of William 
Wirt in their last resting-place. 

A new locomotive engine, built by Mr. Charles Reeder, of this 
city, for the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, while on its trial-trip on 
Tuesday, November 11th, in conveying a heavy train of cars, ex- 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 473 

ploded, by which the engineer was killed and the fireman badly- 
wounded. This was the first locomotive explosion on this road. 

The Maryland Savings Institution suspended operations on the 
6th of May, which caused a severe run upon the Savings Bank of 
Baltimore. 

The Baltimore Republican of Saturday, Ma}^ 10th, has the follow- 
ing : — " Attention ! ! ! Those young men of Baltimore who are 
willing to pledge life, fortune, and sacred honor in the support of 
thi^iY patriotic Chief Magistrate, against the lawless course of a fac- 
tious Senate, are requested to assemble on Thursday evening next, 
the 15th inst., at half-past seven o'clock, at the Columbian Gardens. 
The object of the meeting will bo explained in an address from a 
friend to the cause of equal rights and universal suffrage^ The meet- 
ing was large i^nd resulted in the passage of a few stereotype-like 
resolutions. 

Pursuant to a call from the Jackson Eepublican Convention of 
the city of Baltimore, a meeting of the friends of the national ad- 
ministration assembled in Monument square, on the evening of 
Wednesday, May 7th. On motion of Col. U. S. Heath, the meet- 
ing was organized, and William Frick, Esq., was called to the chair. 
The president stated the object of the meeting, when resolutions 
offered by Col, B. C. Howard were adopted. The meeting was ad- 
dressed by Col. B. C. Howard, Samuel Brady, William George Eeed, 
John Nelson, and Col. U. S. Heath. 

The most remarkable instance of rapid sailing recorded, is prob- 
ably the case of the brig John Gilpin, of Baltimore, a thorough 
clij)per of course, which vessel left Baltimore in the year 1832, and 
arrived in Batavia after a passage of 82 days ; proceeded from 
thence to Canton in 11 days, from Canton to Manilla in 5 days, 
fi-om Manilla tlirongh the Straits of Sunda, round south of New 
llolhmd, to hititude 48 or 50 degrees to Valparaiso, in 85 days, and 
from Valparaiso to liima in G days and 17 hours — making an 
aggregate distance of 84,920 miles in 189 days 17 hours, averaging 
a fraction more than one hundred and eighty-three miles per 
day. 

1835. On the 7th of February we had two fires in Baltimore. 
The first broke out in the extensive chair-factory of Mr. Daily, on 
Market street, adjacent to Jones Falls; and being of a coml>ustibie 
nature, was entirely consumed. And a little after 11 o'clock A. M., 
same day, it was discovered that the very large building, the Athe- 
iiii'um, at tlie corn(!r of St. Paul's and Lexington streets, was on fire. 
It lii'ing dreadfully cold llu! hydrants IkkI to be thawed by lire; 
aii<l the ii]»]iaratiis from tlic ))recc(liiig fire; was in a l»ad state 
of fitness for action. 'JMiis great building with alJ its contents, ex- 
cept in tlie ollict's in the bjist-nient and on the second flooi-, were 
consiiincfl. It was chiclly occu|»ie<l by lawyers' offices and ditlcr- 
*-nt societies. Tiie beaut ilnl an<l costly philosijphical ap|>aratns of 
the .Meehanieal 1 iisl it iite. Oiot, long since imported from France) 



474 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

with two or three society libraries, (one of them very extensive), 
and that of the Maryland Academy of Arts, with its valuable cab- 
inets, (not perhaps to be replaced), a splendid organ in the saloon, 
with other costly articles and fixtures, were all lost. And on the 
13th of February, the court-house, (which at the time was, per- 
haps the largest and the best building of its kind in America), was 
nearly destroyed by fire. The city and county, and Orphans' 
court, with the grand jury, &c., were in session when it was dis- 
covered, and all the important records were either removed or re- 
mained in safety in the fire-proof rooms in the first story. The 
fire was checked on the second floor, so that the city court-room, 
though not fire-pi'oof, was preserved b}'- the perseverance of the 
firemen ; but all above that floor was destroyed. The burning of 
the cupola was a grand but distressing object to look at, and had 
it happened in the night, would have illuminated the whole city. 
During the same week attempts were made to fire the Rev. Mr. 
Duncan's church in Lexington street, the Female Orphan Asylum in 
Franklin street, the Friends' meeting-house in Lombard street, the 
Baltimore Gazette oflice, the middle district police station, the 
Museum, the Liberty and Union engine-houses, the Exchange, and 
several other large establishments. The Mayor ofii'ered a reward 
of $500 for the incendiary or incendiaries, or either of them, but 
no distinct trace was ever discovered of the persons who were 
supposed to have caused the fires. 

On the 25th of February, the rahge of stables in the rear of 
the Western Hotel, at the corner of Howard and Saratoga streets, 
being on fire, the firemen attended with their usual promptitude 
and zeal, and it was soon discovered that the destruction would be 
complete ; but in the midst of their operations, one of the stable 
walls fell, and instantly killed four firemen and badly wounded 
several others. The following are the names of the persons killed: 
William McISfelly, Stewart D. Downes, Michael Moran and William 
Macklin. The fire department met and took charge of the inter- 
ment of the remains of these unfortunate men, and, after a long 
procession, with imposing and appropriate ceremonies, assisted by 
a large hodj of "Odd Fellows," deposited them in the earth, in 
the most feeling and respectful manner. 

On the 4th of May, books were opened for subscription to the 
shai'cs of the Merchants' Bank of Baltimore, and in ten days 364,133 
shares were subscribed. On each shai'e $10 were paid, making the 
gross amount received $3,641,330, thus showing the spirit of specu- 
lation which had entered into everything at this date. 

The Bank of Maryland (the history of which is that of one of 
the most stupendous and general frauds ever committed, bearing 
specially hard upon the industrious poor) was shut up in March 
1834, and, though about seventeen months had elapsed, no satis- 
factory statement of its afi'airs were laid before its creditors, being 
obstructed by the "law's delay" and other causes that were not 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 475 

understood by the people at large. In the meantime, however, 
the late president of the bank (Evan Poultnej') and others were 
battering one another by heavy pamphlets, with which the public 
were made weary and disgusted. But the creditors refrained and 
bore these things as the}- ought; and the citizens remained quiet, 
though the loss of character effected by the miserable failure of 
the bank, affected the interests of the city much more than the 
amount of money the creditors of the bank had lost. Within the 
year, by the bankruptcy of the Susquehanna Bank, the Bank of Mary- 
land, the Maryland Savings Institution, the United States Insur- 
ance Company, the reduced value of the stock in others, as much 
as 25 per cent, in some cases, and the failure of two or three other 
rag-shops, the people were plundered of niore than two millions 
of dollars, perhaps three millions. They bore all this with as- 
tonishing meekness. On Monday, the 3d of August, another 
weight}'" pamphlet appeared, and this, with certain comments upon 
it by Mr. Poultney, are put forward as the cause of the riots that 
followed, for a " feverish " state was soon visible. On the evening 
of the fith, a small number of persons assembled opposite the 
splendid residence of Mr. Roverdy Johnson on Monument Square. 
They dispersed, however, after breaking a few panes of glass, at 
the request of the Mayoj", who was induced, however, by the signs 
that appeared, to issue the following call for a public meeting : 

" Mayor's Office, August 7th, 1835. — In compliance with the 
wishes of a large number of my fellow-citizens, I hereby request 
the citizens of Baltimore to assemble in town meeting, at the Ex- 
change, at four o'clock this afternoon, for the purpose of adopting 
such measures as may be deemed proper to insure the preservation 
of the public peace. Jesse Hunt, Mayor." 

And thus was given an importance and notoriety to the matter 
which many thought did not belong to it. The meeting, however, 
was held, and Jesse Hunt was appointed president, and S. C. 
Leakin, Wm. Krebs, C. O'Donnell, Dr. T. E. Bond and W. G. 
Read, Esq., were ap])ointed vice-presidents, and William II. 
Norris secyetary. On motion of J. G. Proud, the five vice-presi- 
dents were appointed a committee to report suitable resolutions 
for the consideration of the meeting. The committee, after having 
retired, reported a number of resolutions, which were adopted. 
On motion of James II. Thomas, Esq., it was " Resolved, Tliat, in 
the opinion of this meeting, it woidd ])romote the j)eace of the 
city if the present trustees would relinquish tlie trust held b}^ 
them, and transfer ovei- to the creditors oi" tin; Hank of Maryland 
the books and papers connected therewith." The meeting then 
ailjouriied. The motion of Mr. Thomas was j^assed by aeelaniation, 
and here it is propi-r (o say that the trustees alludt'd to were .lolin 
B. Mori'is and R. W. (Jill, P^sqs. Mr. Tiionias lOllicott, the other 



476 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

trustee, had long before made known his willingnesft to relinquish 
his trust and throw the whole concern into the hands of the 
creditors of the bank, but Messrs. Gill and Morris thought they 
could not do so without encountering a pecuniary responsibility 
that they were unwilling to meet — the best legal advice having 
been taken ; nor were they satisfied that such was the wish of a 
majority of the creditors of the bank. 

On Friday evening, the 7th of August, the Mayor was on the 
ground in Monument Square, attended by the city bailiffs, the 
watchmen, and many citizens for his support. The crowd was 
much larger than on the preceding night, and more panes of glass 
were broken. They were addressed by the Maj^or and by Gen. W. 
Jones, of Washington, who happened to be in the city. They were 
respectfully listened to, and the crowd dispersed at about 11 o'clock. 
At about seven o'clock on Saturday night the Mayor, having pre- 
viously called together a considerable number of citizens, it was 
agreed to station several hundred of them, each provided with a 
staff or insignia of office, to guard every avenue leading to Eeverdy 
Johnson's residence in Monument Square. About thirty of this 
guard were mounted on horses. By dark, multitudes of people had 
assembled. The principal point of concentration, at this time, was 
in Baltimore street, at the intersection of North Calvert street, 
which leads to the square. Here the crowd made frequent rushes 
upon the guard. Brickbats and stones were showered upon the guard 
like hail, and ultimately by the guard returned. A number of the 
latter were severely bruised and wounded. They, however, kept 
their posts, and a large portion of the rioters, finding it impossible 
to get access to Mr. Johnson's house, started off" to the house of Mi*. 
John Glenn, on North Charles street, which was not guarded, and 
commenced throwing stones and missiles at the windows and front 
door. The house was of brick, strongly built, and the door was 
barricaded in anticipation of an attack. For a brief space of time 
the assailants were diverted from their assaults upon the house by 
a number of the mounted guard rushing down and firing upon 
them. The assailants, however, sQon renewed their attacks upon 
the house, and after a continued effort of near half an hour, it was 
taken possession of, and all the furniture it contained was broken 
up and thrown into the street and utterly destroyed. The work 
of demolition was renewed some time during Sunday by numbers 
of young men and boys, who got in and continued through the 
afternoon to break up the woodwoi'k and to beat down the jambs 
of the outer wall. A portion of the front wall of the second and 
third story was thrown down, and the house exhibited the appear- 
ance of a wreck. The guard stationed in different parts of the city, 
finding themselves so severely attacked, armed themselves with 
muskets. At about one o'clock on Sunda}^ morning a company of 
some twenty-five or perhaps thirty armed citizens marched against 
the rioters in Charles street. They were received with a shower 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 477 

of stones, and in return tired into the crowd they opposed. They 
loaded and fired several times. The police and cjuard also fired 
upon their assailants at their several stations a number of times. 
On Sunday night the attack was renewed upon Reverdy John- 
son's house, which was soon entered, and its furniture, a very ex- 
tensive law library, and all its contents were cast forth, and a bon- 
fire made of them in front of the house. The whole interior was 
torn out and cast ujion the burning pile. The marble jwrtico in 
front and a great portion of the front wall wore torn down by 
about 11 o'clock. Previous to this, however, an attack was com- 
menced upon the house of John B. Morris in South street. His 
dwelling was entered and cleared, and the furniture and other con- 
tents piled up in the street and burnt. In the course of the pro- 
ceedings the house took fire inside, as Reverdy Johnson's was also 
near doing from the bonfire near it. In both instances the en- 
gines were brought promptly to the spot, and the fire put out, so 
that the neighboring dwellings should not suffer. From John B. 
Morris's house they proceeded to that of the Mayor of the city, 
Jesse Hunt, Esq., broke it open, took out the furniture, and burnt 
it before the door. Thc}^ also destroyed the furniture of Evan T. 
Ellicott, and much injured his dwelling in Pratt street. They pro- 
ceeded to the new house of Hugh McElderry in North Calvert 
street, now finishing, broke the front windows, entered the door 
and began to destroy- the house, when the builder appeared, and 
stated that as it was not finished the key had not been given up, 
and that all the injury it might sustain would fall upon him, ancl 
thus complete his ruin. Upon this assurance they desisted and 
retired. All the property destroyed was supjioscd to have 
belonged to the directors of the Bank. The mob also at- 
tacked Captain Willey's hardware store in Franklin street, and 
commenced destroying its contents, but desisted at the urgent 
solicitations of Mr. Lynch, who assured them that he, and not 
Mr. W., was the owner, and that Capt. Willey had left town. The 
house of Br. Hintze was assailed, but his lady making her appear- 
ance, and declaring that the property was her own, she having re- 
ceived it from her father's estate, they listened to her appealand 
departed without doing any injury. Ca])t. Bentzinger's house was 
also attacked, and all his furniture destroyed. This, as well as 
the attack on Capt. Willey and Dr. Hintze, was because of their 
oj)position to the rioters. The very valuable libraries of Mr. 
Johnson and Mr. Clenn were destroyed, worth many thousand 
dollars each. All their stock of wines, and many other valuabU^ 
articles, fell a i)rey to the crowd, and were ofi'ered for sale at small 
prices. 1'hc different stations where, guards were posted to pre- 
vent access to the square, were all more or less frequentl}' the 
scene of alarm and contention, and with the discharge of firearms, 
the shouts of the multitude, and the rapid passage of the horse- 
men, the night had a truly fearful aspect. The watch-house on 



478 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

North street, the receptacle for the pi-isoners, was the scene of in- 
cessant din and commotion. At daybreak on Sunday morning 
the prisoners, fiftj^-five in number, were conveyed to jail. On 
Sunday the power of the city was in strange hands, and the 
Mayor posted up an address for the people to " remain at home, 
&c," which he thus explains on Monday : 

" Mayor's Office, Baltimore, August 10th. — Having stated in a 
publication of yesterday, in reference to the melancholy occur- 
rences of the past nights, that firearms were resorted to against 
my judgment and advice ; and having learned with extreme pain, 
that the language used by me has induced some persons to suppose 
that the use of firearms was entirely unauthorized by any compe- 
tent power, I deem it an imperative act of justice, at the first 
moment of being informed of the interpretation which I supposed 
this part of my publication of yesterday might bear, distinctly to 
state that the persons who used firearms were fully authorized so 
to do, but again repeat the order was not issued by me. 

" Jesse Hunt, Mayor.^' 

And thus was the city yielded ; and, in conseqiienee, the prisoners 
made on Sunday morning were released, as they certainly would 
have been on Sunday night by their colleagues. On Sunday, the 
people, without a head, had nothing to do but to look on and 
tremble. No one felt himself safe, as everything was given up. 
Anarchy pi-evailed. The law and its officei's were away. But 
Monday morning changed the aspect of things. It now appeai'cd 
that the people were called upon to defend, not only their property, 
but also their lives; and it was manifest that there was a general 
but gloomy resolution entertained to do both. Things had I'c- 
verted to their original elements ; there was no law, and a head 
was wanted to bring order out of confusion. This was easily found 
in Gen. Samuel Smith, who being elected chairman by a great as- 
semblage at the Exchange, accepted the trust reposed in him, and, 
with the alacrity of youth, though in his 83d year, took his seat, 
and told the assembly that the time for resolving had passed away, 
and that for action had ai'rived. The flag of the Union had been 
previously raised, and with it at their head, the people marched 
to Howard's Park, when being addressed briefly by Gen. Smith 
and others, and told what they ought to do, they speedily retired 
to prepare themselves instantly to obey. The orders were to arm 
and to I'epair to the Citj^ Hall. The fire companies were also called 
out, and appeai'ed on the ground in great force. The Mayor hav- 
ing retired from his seat, (which he formally resigned the next 
day), the president of the First Branch of the Council, General 
Anthony Miltenberger, ex officio, took his place, and aided by Gen. 
Smith, issued the necessary orders. On Monday evening a large 
display of citizens in arms attended at the Mayor's office ; they were 
stationed in different parts of the city with the firemen, ready also 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 479 

for action. Peace prevailed during the night. The streets were as 
quiet as the grave, except in the heavy tread of detachments of 
armed men to reconnoitre its different parts. A body of one hun- 
dred United States regular troops reached the city from Washing- 
ton, and a number from Fort Severn, Annapolis. The}"" were not 
needed, as order prevailed, and the laws were respected. 

Those proscribed by the mob having fled the city for safety, a 
meeting was held by the First Company of Baltimore Independent 
Volunteers, who unanimously adopted and signed the following re- 
solutions by all the members of the company: " Eesolvcd, that the 
First Company of the Independent Volunteers vicAV with horror 
and detestation the late illegal and riotous proceedings which have 
taken place in the city of Baltimore, iiesolved, that Messrs. Rc- 
verdy Johnson, John Glenn, Evan T. Ellicott, David M. Ferine, 
Hugh McElderry, John B. Morris, and Richard M. Gill bo, and they 
arc hereby invited to return to our city, and that wc pledge our- 
selves to support them and all others who have been proscribed by 
the late mob both in their persons and their property against all 
illegal combinations. And further resolved, that in order to accom- 
plish this object we will remain united as a company, and that we 
will hold ourselves in readiness to join in their defence whenever 
our services may be required." Reverdy Johnson, Esq., took refuge 
in Fort McHenr}-. 

The following persons were arrested and subjected to fines and 
imprisonment for participation in the riots: Joseph Walters, Jesse 
Massey, Jackson B(nven alias John Bowen, James Spencer, Peter 
Ilarman, Benjamin A. L3^nch, William Harrison, John McKewin, 
I>avid Biggart, Samuel Farr, and James C. Jones. They were 
afterwards pardoned by the Governor. 

The Baltimore and Washington Railroad was formally opened 
on the 25th of August. It was a grand and glorious sight. The 
procession consisted of seventeen ears loaded with about fifty happy 
persons each, which were drawn by four locomotive engines : the 
George Washingt(;n, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, and James 
Madison. Arriving at liladensburg, they met another train of 
cars frf)m Washington also drawn by a locomotive, and filled with 
public functionaries and other invited guests, and were congratu- 
lated on the result of the labors of the railroad company. The 
wliolc ])ai'ty then proceeded to Washington, and soon arrived at 
the depot at the foot of Capitol Hill, where a vast crowd of people 
were assembled, and rent the air with acclamations at this victory 
of science over time and space. 

Gen. Samuel Smith was elected on the 7th of September, almost 
unanimously. Mayor of the city, in opposition to Moses Davis, to 
fill the vacancy occasioned l)y the resignation of Jesse Hunt. 

Wm. Adams, a negro, who was condemned for the murder of 
Captain Tilden, was executed on Frida\' morning, May 2!Hh. in the 
jail-yard. For about ten minutes he address<'d the crowd, which 
was very large, and composed principally of females. 



480 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

On Saturday, May 30th, thirty-four acres of ground, part of the 
McHenry estate, situated on West Baltimore street, corner of 
f rcmont, now occupied by Mr. Thomas Winans, was purchased 
for fifty-two thousand dollars. And on the same day, the edifice 
known as the " Baltimore Assembly Rooms," corner of HoUiday 
and Fayette streets, was sold at auction for ten thousand dollars 
to B. I. Cohen. 

Our city was visited, on Saturday afternoon, Jime 27th, by a 
violent storm of rain accompanied by heavy wind and thunder. 
Two houses on Albemarle street covered with tin were unroofed, 
without further injury, and one of the chimneys left slanding in 
the court-house after its recent conflagration was thrown down — 
possibly struck by lightning, as some of the persons in the house 
were induced to believe, its fall being immediatel}^ after a vivid 
flash. In its fall the chimney broke down a temporary roof erected 
to protect from the rain the oflicos on the first floor, which were 
used by the county clerk, and the ruins of the chimney and roof 
fell on the staircase and partly into the hall of the building. It 
w;i8 here that the most serious injury was caused. Mr. Thomas 
Marshall, son of the venerable Chief-Justice of the United States, 
had arrived in the city a few hours before on his way to Philadel- 
phia to visit his sick parent. He Avas walking with a friend in the 
street near the courfr-house when the rain commenced, and both 
sought shelter in the hall from the storm. Mr. Marshall unfortu- 
nately occupied a position immediately within the reach of the 
falling ruins, which were precipitated on his head, and wounded 
him so severely that he expired on Monday following, at the house 
of his friend and relative Dr. Alexander. Mr. Marshall graduated 
at Princeton in 1803, and was endowed by nature with a rich and 
brilliant intellect, and was esteemed as a gentleman of great worth 
and usefulness. He possessed a large landed estate in Virginia, 
and was a member of the Virginia House of Delegates. 

Mr. .I*Jiles, in his Register of September 5th, speaking of the 
times, says : " During the last and present week we have cut out 
and laid aside more than jive hundred articles relating to the 
various excitements now acting on the peojDle of the United States, 
public and private ! Society seems everywhere unhinged, and the 
demon of blood and slaughter has been let loose upon us ! We 
have the slave question in many different forms, including the pro- 
ceedings of kidnappers and man-stealers, and others belonging to the ■ 
free negroes ; the proscription and prosecution of gamblers ; with 
mobs growing out of local matters — and a great collection of acts of 
violence of a private or personal nature, ending in death ; and regret 
to believe, also, that an awful political outcry is about to be raised 
to rally the poor against the rich ! We have executions and 
murders and riots to the utmost limits of the Union ! The charac- 
ter of our countrymen seems suddenly changed, and thousands in- 
terpret the law in their own way — sometimes in one case, and then 
in another, guided apparently only by their own will ! " 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 481 

Messrs. Clark & Kcllog established a new line of packets to run 
between Baltimore and New Orleans. 

A bold attempt was made on Saturday night, October 31st, to 
rob the Merchants' Bank of Baltimore. Soon after midnight the 
watchmen of the l)ank heard a noise, and upon one of them going 
to the south side of the Exchange, he heard a movement within 
the Maryland Insurance Office, followed b}' the throwing up of one 
of the frcyit windows on Gay street. The rogue it appears jumped 
from the Avindow, but did not clear the iron railing of the area in 
front, and thus sprained his ankle severely. His groans soon at- 
tracted the other watchman, and as the latter came up, the robber 
attempted to knock him down with a short elastic stick loaded at 
each end with lead, which he had attached to his Avrist. The 
watchman, however, received no injury, and the rogue was secured. 
On gaining admission to the insurance office, it was found that the 
villain, by means of false keys, had opened the large book-safe or 
vault in the office, and had been industriously at work in endeavor- 
ing to effect an entrance through the brick wall at its north end 
into the bank. He was provided with every implement which 
a regular workman' would require in removing a wall or opening 
locks. 

On Sunday night, December 6th, ten of the prisoners confined 
in the Baltimore City jail effected their escape. 

Mr. William Gwj'nn Jones, editor and proprietor of the Balti- 
timore Gazette, was detected on Friday, May 24th, in robbing the 
post-office of many letters (about 100), being seized in the act of 
taking them away. He enjoyed a fair character, and had privileges 
in the post-office which were never again extended to any one. 
It appears that he had carried on this business a considerable time, 
recklessly destroying post notes and drafts requiring endorsements, 
and causing much trouble and loss greater than the amount of the 
money that he obtained, — which latter, as he said, was about two 
thousand dollars. His family was highly respectable. 

The following is his conviction in the United States Circuit 
Court : "The United States r-s. AYilliam Gwynn Jones. Fourth Cir- 
cuit District of Maryland, November term, 1835 : — The Grand Jurj^ 
preferred against the traverser three bills of indictment for steal- 
ing letters and packets out of the })Ost-office in this city, in violation 
of the 22d section of the post-office law. The first contained 
sundry counts charging the party with taking letters enclosing 
money. The second contained sundry counts for taking letters 
containing drafts, &c., and packets. The third contained dilforent 
counts for taking letters not containing articles of value. To those 
three indictments the traverser ])lead gnUtij. His Honor. hidge 
Glenn this day (10 inst.) pronounced sentence: On the first indict- 
ment that the traverser be imprisoned for five years ; on the second, 
that he be imprisoned for four years; and on the third, that he bo 
imprisoned for twelve months and pay a fine of five dollars. And 
31 



482 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMOEE. 

further, that during these several imprisonments he be kept at hard 
labor in the Penitentiary of the State of Maryland. 

" X. Williams, District Attorney for the United States." 

It is supposed that William Gwynn Jones also set fire to the 
Athenffium and the Court House. 

The aged, patriotic and universally esteemed citizen, William 
Patterson, Esq., departed this life on Saturday, February 7th, 1835, 
in the eighty-tliird year of his age; a soldier of the Pievolution, a 
liberal contributor to his adopted country in the time of its need, 
the oldest of the merchants of Baltimore, and probably, also, 
the most wealthy of that worthy class of our population. He 
possessed a high public spirit, with much private kindness and 
charity; and, with respect to either, was alwaj^s among the fore- 
most to do good. He had no enemies; many, very many friends. 
In the Orphans' Court we find the following sketch of his life at- 
tached to his will, which was written by him, August 20Lh, 1827, 
and signed in the presence of John B.Morris, R. Wilson, Hamilton 
Graham, and S V. Soloman. It was recorded on the 12th day of 
February, 1835, and is a curious and instructive document, well 
worthy of examination : 

"Having lived beyond the common period allotted for man 
(being now in the seventy-fifth year of my age), and having seen 
much of the world, it may be gratifying to some and useful to 
others of my descendants, to give them some account of mj'self, as 
well as to notice some cursory remarks that have struck me in the 
course of my life; and I have therefore thought it not inconsistent 
or improper to commence this my last will and testament with the 
following sketch. My family were of the Episcopal Cluu'ch, the 
established religion of Ireland, in which I was born and brought 
up with great care and attention; and from the religious impres- 
sions which I then I'eceived I am, under the guidance of a divine 
and kind providence, indebted for my future conduct and success in 
life. My father was a farmer in the country with a large family. 
His name was William. My mother's name was Elizabeth (her 
maiden name was Peoples). They were both descended from a mix- 
ture of English and Scotch families who had settled in Ireland 
after the conquest of that country. I was born on the fii'st of 
November, old style, in the year seventeen hundred and fifty-two, 
at the place called Fanat, in the County of Donegal, Ireland, and 
was sent by my family at the early age of fourteen years to Phil- 
adelphia, for the purpose of being brought up to mercantile pur- 
suits, where I arrived in the month of Ajjril, 1766, and was placed 
in the counting-house of a Mr. Samuel Jackson, an Irish merchant, 
who was pretty extensive!}'" concerned in the shipping business, 
and w^ho, in company with others of his friends, usually built a new 
ship or vessel every year. This gave me an early knowledge and at- 
tachment to that business, a passion that has followed me through 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 483 

life; and although I may be said to have been fortunate, I would 
not advise an}' young friend to engage in or to follow the shipping 
business without great caution, and in a limited degree to gain ex- 
perience, without which it is impossible to succeed. Commerce in 
the shipping line is one of the most dangerous pursuits that can 
possibly be engaged in. I have known tlie trade of this country 
for upwards of sixty years, and I am persuaded that in that time, 
not one in fifty shipping merchants have succeeded, either in New 
York, Philadelphia or Baltimore ; this is a lamentable consideration, 
but i believe no less true. I became interested in sea vessels at 
Philadelphia as far back as the years 1773 and '74, and have con- 
tinued very largely .in the business ever since, with various success. 
I have lived and transacted business as a shipping merchant under 
four different governments, namely : the British at Philadelphia 
before the Kevolution, the Dutch at St. Eustatia, and the French 
at Martinique, both in the oavly part of the Revolution ; and lastly 
at Baltimore, from the time of ni}' arrival in the year 1778 to the 
present time, when the American Revolution commenced, in which 
I took great interest. It appeared to me that one of the greatest 
difficulties we should experience was the want of powder and arms, 
in consequence of the great precautions taken by the British gov- 
ernment to prevent their being brought to this country from other 
places. This induced me in the year 1775 to embark all the property 
I then possessed in parts of two vessels and their cargoes, destined 
from Piiiladelj)hia to France, for the sole purpose of returning with 
powder and arms, and in one of which I embarked myself. One only 
of these vessels got safe back to Philadelphia, where she ari-ived in 
the month of March, 1776, with the cargo intended, and in a most 
critical time, when it was said that General Washington, then before 
Boston with the army, had not powder sufficient to fire a salute. 
On my way from Europe I stnj^pcd at the Island of St. Eustatia, 
in the month of February, 1776, where I was persuaded b}' some 
of my friends to remain and carry on business with America; and 
which I was the more induced to do on account of the great inter- 
course that soon took place, affording the Americans the opportu- 
nity of collecting and shipping arms and ammunition, and almost 
everything necessary for carrying on the war. 

" I remained at St. Eustatia for about eighteen months, and find- 
ing that the Dutch (government (although perfectly well disposed) 
were not atile to protect the Americans and their trade against the 
British, I thought it most advisal)le to remove from thence to Mar- 
tinique, where I continued in business until my return to Bultimoro. 
The scene of my commercial biisiness in the West Indies centred at 
St. Eustatia, St. Martin's, and St. Pierre .Martinique. Governor do 
Graff command(Ml at the former, (J overnor Ilylcgarat the second, and 
the .Marrpu-s de Bullie at the latter; they are all since dead, but it is 
due to their memories to observe that tliey one and all contributed 
greatly in promoting the intorost of .\raerica, iu affording every 



484 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

facility in their power to the Americans who lived under their gov- 
ernments. Governor de Graff in particular was called home to 
Holland to answer for the partiality shown to Americans. Having 
had some valuable friends and connections in Europe and America, I 
established myself with great advantage at St. Eustatia and Mar- 
tinique, where I soon made what was then considered a fortune, 
say sixty to eighty thousand dollars ; but as the trade with America 
was attended with great hazard and no insurance could be effected, 
I lost by British captures and sea losses, in little more than a month, 
nearly one-half of what I was then worth. This of course gave 
me considerable concern, and brought me to the determination that 
if I should live to come to America (being then in bad health) that 
I would certainly realize one-half at least of what I might possess, 
and spoi't with the other half in commerce as a prudent gambler 
would do at games of chance ; for I did then, and still do consider 
commerce in the shipping line as a hazardous and desperate game 
of chance. 

"I arrived in Baltimore from Martinique in the month of July, 
1778, and brought with me, in fast-sailing vessels, cash and mer- 
chandize more than a hundred thousand dollars value, rated at the 
standard value of gold and silver; for Continental paper was then 
the only currency in circulation, and was at a depreciation of four 
pence, at which rate I sold some gold brought in with me from the 
West Indies. The first thing I thought of after my arrival was to 
put my former resolution into practice, by investing about one-half 
the proceeds of my property in real estate, and this 1 accomplished 
as soon as practicable; and the purchases! then made remain in 
my possession to the present day, having made it a rule never to 
purchase real property on speculation with a view to sell again, 
and never but when I had the money to spai*e without running into 
debt ; and by adhering to this rule I have from time to time in- 
creased my purchases of real property as fast as I made money by 
commerce, never risking more at any time than one-half what I 
was worth, considering that were I even to lose that half I had 
Btill left a sufficiency to make myself and family comfortable and 
independent. A merchant possessing a fortune should never put 
more at risk than one-half what he is worth, and should he have 
the misfortune to lose that half (which is more than probable), he 
ought to retire immediately from business, or it is fifty to one that 
he will lose the other half and be left a beggar. Want of this pre- 
caution has been the cause of many failures after people had made 
fortunes, but unfortunr.toly merchants consider themselves entitled, 
or rather disgraced, unless they will trade not only up to their 
capital, but as far beyond it as they can obtain credit. What better 
is this than a gambler staking his money on games of chance and 
doubling his bets every time he wins. It is true that chance may 
favor him for a time ; luck, however (as it is termed by the thought- 
less), must change, and he is soon broke and ruined ; and such is the 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 485 

fate of merchants who make use of all thcii- capital and credit in 
commerce in the ship{)in<;- line, nor have I ever known one to succeed 
on this principle for an}' length of time. 1 am perfectly sensible 
that had I placed m}' spare luoney at interest instead of investing it 
in real estate, that it would have been much more productive in my 
own life-time. This, however, was not my object, because my life was 
uncerfaiti, and I might have a young iamil}' to take chance in the 
world. Considering m^'self, therefore, acting for my posterity, I havo 
thought it better to leave them real estate than money and stocks ; 
the two latter being too easj- parted with, whilst the former is moro 
likely to stick by them, and is the last thing that young people 
think of selling after everything else is disposed of 

" In the course of an active and extensive pursuit in commerce 
for more than half a century-, it now affords me some pleasure to 
believe and to say, that in the course of that time I have made 
the fortunes of some, saved others from ruin, and have found em- 
ployment and bread for thousands of my fellow-mortals ; and I 
can further sa}' with satisfaction, that no one could ever come to 
me and say, -Neighbor, or friend, 3'ou got the advantage of me; 
I was uninformed of the late news and the rise of the market ' ; 
nor could any one ever say to me, ' You acted unfriendly or un- 
generously by me, first in taking advantage of my necessities by as- 
tjisting me for the moment, and afterwards in obtaining mj' prop- 
erty at a sacrifice for much less than it was worth.' It has ever 
been a rule with me, never to purchase or sell property of any 
kind but where the seller and bujau* were on a perfectly equal 
footing as to infornnation. Everything I possess was pur- 
chase<l openly and fairly in the market, and thank God! 1 havo 
thus far lived, and I hope to die, with a clear conscience. In 
order to get through the world with case and satisfaction in large 
concerns, it is not only necessary to be always just, but often gene- 
rous; nor is there anything lost by this, when it is consitlcred 
that those who act on this ])riiiciple will generally have a prefer- 
ence in all their dealings with others. 

"In earl}' life at Philadeli)hia I experienced considerable in- 
convenience in not being able to find j'oung people suitable for 
companions. They were almost all more or less tainted with folly 
or vice, and di<l not seem to suit my turn of mind. This obliged 
me to associate with people much older than myself, and to take 
to the study of books to fill uj> my time, both of which I found of 
great advantage, as it ledtowaiin fi-iendships that lasted through life 
without a single exception. At this time I apjtlied myself pretty 
much to the study of natural ])hilos()i)hy, for which I liad a great 
propensity; and had I then ))()ssessed an independence of two thou- 
sand dollars a yeai', iS'e]ttune should nevei- have sported with my 
fortune and feelings in future life. 

"On my arrival in the West Indies in the year 177G, it ()])enod 
quite a new scene to me, for which I was little qualified ; for I had 



486 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE 

previously lived all my life among religious people of correct prin- 
ciples, and it was quite tbe contrar}^ with most of my new ac- 
quaintances and those I had to transact business with. No one 
came there to settle for life; all were in quest of fortune to retire 
and spend it elsewhere. Character was little thought of Of 
course it required the utmost cii'cumspection and caution to steer 
clear of difficulties. A kind, superintending Providence in this, as 
in many other concerns of my life, enabled me, however, to sur- 
mount every difficuUy, young and inexperienced as I then was. 
A few days after ni}^ arrival at St. Eustatia I was invited to spend 
the evening with one of the most respectable families of the phice, 
consisting of three gentlemen and three ladies, two of the latter 
being single. Cards were introduced, and we played at whist 
during the evening. No money was introduced, nor was an}^ sum 
mentioned for the game, which induced me to believe that it was 
altogether for amusement. But next morning the head of the 
family called on me with a pile of dollars, and said it was the re- 
sult of my winnings the evening before, and offered to pay me, 
which I refused to accept, observing that I never played for 
money, at least for not moi-e than a trifle to keep up the attention 
of the game. This established my character against gaming, and 
I then resolved with myself that I never would game or play so 
as to lose or gain more than ten dollars at any one time, and this 
resolution I have kept faithfully ever since ; and had I not taken 
and kept it, I probably might have been ruined, as was the case 
of some others of my acquaintances in the West Indies. 

" 1 have never sought for offices of honor or profit ; when I 
have in any wa}^ acted in a public capacity, it was from a sense of 
duty which I could not well avoid, for I considered that every good 
citizen should contribute more or less for the good of society when 
he can do it Avithout too much loss or inconvenience to himself I 
alwa3's considered it a duty to ni}' family to keep them as much as 
possible under my own e3'e, so that 1 have seldom in my life left 
home cither on business or pleasure. Since 1 had a famil}*, my 
great desire to keep my sons in view induced me to pass them all 
(seven in number) through my own counting-house: this was a 
kind of useful finish to their education, as it gave them a know- 
ledge of accounts and business, and qualified them for future life, 
be their pursuits what it might. And ever since I had a house it 
has been an invariable rule with me to be the last up at night, and 
to see that the fires and lights were secured before I retired myself; 
from which I found two advantages: one Avas that there was little 
or no risk from fire under mj' own roof, and the other that it in- 
duced my family to keep regular hours. I inherited nothing of 
any consequence of my forefathers, nor have I benefitted anything 
from public favors or appointments. What I possess is solely the 
fruits of my own industry and labor, and what I shall leave my 
descendants ought to satisfy them in a country and under a govern- 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE 487 

ment like ours, ■where industry, fiuijality, and merit are the onl}' 
Bure and certain road to respect and consequence. 

"I think it was Doctor Franklin who observed that he would 
have no objection to live his life over again, provided it w^as so 
ordered. In this I cannot altogether agree with the doctor. My 
life has been attended with too much care and anxiety, and had I 
the option, I cannot say that I would desire it; 3'et if I had my life 
to live over again, I am not conscious that I could improve it in 
any particular or at any period." 

lie adds, he thought it necessary to say this much for the bene- 
fit of his descendants, and by way of justification for the contents 
of his following will. Here follows his will, which is a very long 
and curious one, from which we make tlie following extracts: — In 
addition to the two squares of ground (Patterson Park) lately con- 
veyed by him to the Mayor and City Council, he devised to the 
same and their successors 150 shares of U. S. Bank stock in trust, 
first, for erecting a temple of liberty on the two squares above 
mentioned; also two monuments, "one to the memory of Chris- 
topher Columbus, who found the way to this Western World, and 
the other to the memory of the good Marquis (now General) La 
Fayette, who risked his life and sacrificed his fortune, and who 
contributed so largely to the independence of this country, con- 
vinced as I am (having witnessed the progress of the llevolution 
from beginning to end) that it was through his means and interest 
that France joined and continued with ;is in the Eevolutionary 
War. and without their aid and assistance at the time we could 
not otherwise have obtained our independence when we did. But 
as the value of those 150 shares of U. S. Bank stock must fall 
greatly short of the objects I have in view of erecting a temple 
of lilterty and the two monuments," he earnestly requests and 
recommends of the trustees of this fund for the time being, that 
the said 150 shares of stock be kept and continued at interest, 
together with the dividends and interest that may be received from 
time to time, until the principal and interest shall so accumulate as 
to reach and produce the sum of half a million of dollars, which he 
estimated would take place in about sixty years; after which the 
interest only of this sum shall be expended annuall}', first, in the 
erection of the temple of lil)erty ; and when completed, then in the 
erection of the two monuments. And after the completion of these, 
the annual interest of tliL- fund of S500.000 to be employed in pre- 
serving the navigation of the harbor of Baltimore yearly, and every 
year without Itrcaking in or touching on the principal so long as 
the fund shall exist. Or in case the interest may not be required 
for the pi-eservation of the navigation, then it ma}' be employed to 
any other useful purpose of public- imi)rovement8. lie also devised 
that the trustees for the said fund "shall at the expiration of two 
years after his decease, and every five years thereafter, cause a gold 
medal of the value of one hundred dollars to be provided and given 



488 CHEONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

to the author of the best piece, essay or production on Liberty, not 
exceeding one hundred lines in either prose or verse, by a native 
Amerrcan." 

Speaking of his daughter, Miss Elizabeth Patterson, who mar- 
ried Jerome Bonaparte, the brother of Napoleon Bonaparte, the 
first Consul of France, he says : " The conduct of my daughter 
Betsey has through life been so disobedient, that in no instance 
has she ever consulted my opinion or feelings ; indeed, she has 
caused me more anxiety and trouble than all my other children 
put together, and her folly and misconduct has occasioned me a 
train of expense that first and last has cost me much money. 
Under such circumstances it would not be reasonable, just or proper 
that she should at my death inherit and participate in an equal 
proportion with my other children, in an equal division of my estate. 
Considering, however, the weakness of human nature, and that she 
is still my daughter, it is my will and pleasure to provide for her 
as follows." Here follows her division, which proved to be, however, 
a very large fortune. 

"A figure 7iiost grotesque and weird," says Dr. John "VV. Palmer 
in Lippincotfs Magazine^ " was that of ' Old Hagar,' the colored 
centenarian of South Baltimore and Old Town, whose sudden ap- 
parition, as the careless passenger encountered it, had all the 
startling imiDressiveness of an omen and memento mori. Gowned 
and capped in white in and out of season, hooded and veiled in 
black, supported b}^ a long staff in one hand and an umbrella in 
the other, and bearing alwaj^s a black bag and a book, she shuflled 
shaking, her shouldei's keeping company with her knees. As she 
hobbled, witchlike, she mumbled formless ditties, whereof the tunes 
were of cradles and the words of tombs. To the old crones she 
was as a hag of evil eye, and to the children a fairy godmother; 
while to the dodging superstition of the negroes her staff became a 
wizard's wand, her black bag a budget of charms and spells and 
incantations, and her book a vade-mecum of the black art, com- 
piled by the fiend himself. Yet 'twas but a catechism of a psalter 
of St. Paul's Church, from whose charitable purse her helpless age 
drew stated pittance of alms ; and that uncanny pouch held only 
roots and herbs, and other trash of virtue for the healing of her 
untoid ailments — especially the ' misery' in her back and the short- 
ness of her wind. 'But she slept in her coffin.' Ti-ue ! That was 
a way she had, and it prejudiced her repute among the orthodox, 
who all said ' I told you so,' when on Saturday night, March 14th, 
she was burned to death in her fantastical bunk, at the age of one 
hundred and four." She lived in a frame house in Apple alley, 
near Fleet street. 

The National Democratic Convention met in this city on the 
20th of May, and nominated as their candidate for President 
Martin Van Buren, and Col. Eichard M. Johnson for Vice-President. 

1836. On the 6th of August, Eichard Lemmon, Eobert Barry, 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 489 

and James Cheston, appointed by the Governor of Maryland com- 
missioners under the Act passed by both branches of the Le^-ishituro 
of Maryland at the December Session, 1835, entitled " An Act to 
provide indemnity to the sufferers by certain riots in the city of 
Baltimore," returiied the awards of the damages made by them, and 
specitying the names of the parties injured, and the amount of loss 
or injury sustained by them respectively, — viz. : 

Reverdy Johnson $40,632 50 

John B Morris and Lydiii Hollingsworlh 16,825 93 

Evan T. EUicott 4,747 55 

Eleanor Bond 1,643 44 

Jol.n Glenn 37,270 65 

Elizabeth Patterson 400 00 

J. J. Audubon 120 00 

Ebeuezer L. Finley 912 76 

$102,552 83 

James H. McCulIoch, the venerable collector of the port of 
Baltimore, died at his residence near this city on the 10th of 
November. In the Kevolutionary War ho was a brave and active 
partisan, and in the late war with Great Britain, though his locks 
were hoary with age, he shouldered his musket, and at the battle 
of North Point fought with an invincible spirit. 

A bill was passed this session of the Legislature to increase 
the delegation from Baltimore from two to four members. 

On Monday, March 28th, Elias Glenn, United States district 
judge for the State of Maryland, administered, in the presence of 
many members of the bar and a number of citizens, to Mr. Roger 
B. Taney his oath of office as chief justice of the United States 
court and ])residing judge of this circuit. Mr. Taney was nomi- 
nated on the 28th of December, 1835, and confirmed by the 
Senate of the United States on the 15th of March, 1836. Yeas 29 
— Nays 15. 

The ceremony of lajnng the corner-stone of the new City and 
Count}' Record Office, on the Court House lot at the S. E. corner 
of Lexington and St. Paul streets, was performed on AVednesday 
morning, June 28th, by Solomon Etting, president of the board of 
commissioners for repairing the Court House, &c., assisted l)y 
General Samuel Smith, the veneralde Mayor, in presence of Chief 
Justice Taney, the judges of the different courts and other city and 
county officers, and a numerous assemblage of citizens and strangers. 

Thui-sday, the 2Gth of August, being the day designated ibr the 
erformance of funeral obsequies in honor of the memory of .lames 
Madison, the streets were filled at an early hour with. crowds of 
citizens repairing to their several places of meeting, and by persons 
atti-acted li}' a desire of beholding the anticipated spectacle. At 
the head of the column of march there came a detachment of mili- 
tary, whose appearance was soldier-like and imposing. Next came 



I 



490 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, arranged in lodges, and 
bearing the numerous insignia of the Order shrouded in crape, 
which served to add to the solemn effect of the scene. Then fol- 
lowed an appropriate funeral car of Egyptian design, covered with 
a black pall and drawn by six white horses dressed in black hous- 
ings and led by grooms in white. On each side of the car rode the 
encampment of patriarchs, and in its rear a military escort. After 
these succeeded a barouche and four black horses, in which sat his 
Honor the Mayor (Gen. Samuel Smith), the orator of the day (Jo- 
seph Willey, Esq.), and the attendant clerg^^ After these equipages 
came in succession the various associations of the Trades' Union, 
each pi'cceded by its distinguished banner dressed in mourning. 
The rear of the procession was brought up by the order of Red 
Men. During the march, bands of music judiciously disposed 
along the line played appropriate airs. The procession reached 
its destination in Howard's Park, where appropriate ceremonies 
were held. During the day the stores along the line of procession 
were generally closed. 

In this 3'ear, Mr. Horace Abbott, who was born in "Worcester 
county, Massachusetts, in July, 1806, removed to Baltimore and 
secured the " Canton Iron Works," then owned by Peter Cooper, 
Esq., of New York. At these works Mr. Abbott 'forged the first 
large steamship shaft wrought in this country. This shaft was 
for the Russian frigate Kamtschatka, built in New York for the 
Emperor Nicholas I., and such was the interest manifested in this 
huge production of wrought iron, as it w^as then considered, that 
it was exhibited at the Exchange in New York, and was doubtless 
the means of stimulating others to feats of enterprise and skill. 
In 1850 Mr. Abbott built a rolling-mill capable of turning out the 
largest rolled plate then made in the United States. On one occa- 
sion, in 1863, he completed an order for 250,000 pounds of rolled 
iron in forty-eight hours, and received from the Secretary of the 
Navy a letter in commendation of his fidelit}' and energy. When 
Captain Ericsson designed the first Monitor he was apprehensive 
that this countrj" contained no mills of sufficient capacity to furnish 
armor plate of the requisite thickness and dimensions for this form 
of iron-clad, and was under the impression that he would be com- 
pelled to Older them from England. Before doing so, however, he 
applied to Mr. Abbott, who, realizing the emergency, but feeling 
equal to the task, promptly undertook to furnish whatever was 
needed. The plates were manufactured and delivered in a shorter 
time than had been anticipated. The Moiiitor was completed and 
ready for sea in time to engage the hostile ram Merrimac in 
Hampton Roads, and prevent her from accomplishing her mission 
of destruction among the wooden craft of the navy, then lying in 
the roads. In her encounter with her formidable adversarj'^, the 
Monitor was so effectually protected by her ai'mor that not a plate 
was pierced or injured, and a new era was inaugurated in the 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 491 

bistoiy of naval arobitocture and warfare. Subsequently Mr. 
Abbott fiirnislied tbe arnior-jdatchi for nearly all of tbe vebsels of 
tbe monitor class built on tbe Atlantic coast, and also for tbe 
Roanoke, Agamenticus, Monadnock, and otber large iron-dads. 

Gen. Harrison readied tins city on Tbursday afternoon, Sep- 
tember 22tl, from AVasbington, accompanied by a committee of 
citizens of Baltimore and Wasbington. He was met at Carroll's 
bridge by a large concourse of citizens on horseback, wbo formed 
tbemselves into an escort, and in Pratt street tbe line of proces- 
sion was greatly augmented by tbe body of citizens on foot assem- 
bled tbcre to receive bim. After proceeding through Pratt, Bond, 
and Baltimore streets, the General alighted at the Eutaw House, 
where tbe address of welcome was delivered by Judge Hanson, to 
which be made an eloquent reply. 

On Tuesday, March 15th, it was resolved by tbe j\Iayor and 
Cit}' Council of Baltimore to subscribe to the capital ^tock of the 
Baltimore and Ohio Pailroad Comjiany the sum of three millions 
of dollars, in the name of the Mayor and City Council of Balti- 
more. 

On the 7tb of May, a number of gentlemen of Baltimore gave 
a public dinner at Mr. Page's hotel, to Mr. Henry S. Fox, his Brit- 
annic ilajesty's min.ister in this cit}^ in celebration of tlie media- 
tion of Gi-eat Britain between tbe United States and France. Mr. 
Jkobert Gilmor presided, assisted by J. Meredith, J. P. Kennedy, 
Dr. Macauley, and J. S. J^licholas as vice pi-esidents. 

1837. On the 12tb of May, the banks of this city, following 
those of Philadel])hia and New Ifork. suspended specie payments. 
The intei'ruption of specie payments during these disastrous years, 
gave opi)ortunities fur all sorts of sjjeculations and inventions for 
the suiq)Iy of what could or would pass among the people for 
money. This was the reign of foul rags, coarsel}' called "shin- 
plasters," which were as plentiful and as troublesome as the frogs 
in Egy])t. Tbe speculative inventors palmed them on the credu- 
lous i>ublic. and, of course, failing, inflicted serious losses on the 
commuiiily. '"Orders "for money were issued also b}' tbe corpo- 
ration of Baltimore and b}- the Baltiniorc and Ohio Railroad Com- 
pany, and for a long time furnished the only reliable fractional 
currency during the specie sus]iension. liut tbi-ough all these 
perilous times, Baltimore sustained herself bravely and success- 
fully, impnnMiig the cit}', and doing a fair share of general busi- 
ness, and, while other cities reeled before the storm, passed through 
it without serious calamity. 

George Peabody, of Jialtimore, was appointed by the Governor 
and licgislature of Marybunl a commissif)ner to negociate tbe eight 
million l(nin, in the place of Sanuid J(jnes, Ji-., win; declined to 
accept. 

]iy far tbe most extensive and destructive calamity with which 
tbe city of Baltimore has ever beeri visited up to this time, was ex- 



492 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMOEE. 

perienced on Wednesday night, July 14th. The heavy showers of 
rain which descended on that night caused a sudden rise of the 
waters of Jones Falls, tearing up the mill-dams and wooden bridges 
which ci'oss the upper part of that stream, and bringing them 
down against the stone bridges within the city limits. That at 
Gay street had a single arch, that at Baltimore street had two 
arches, and that at Pratt street three arches. The last named was 
the first to become obstructed by the descending timbers, and that 
at Baltimore street was soon after in the same condition. The 
bridge at Gay street apparently passed all the smaller fragments, 
until the new wooden bridge at Centre street was swept bodily 
from its abutments and lodged against it. These obstructions 
forced the waters into new channels, and consequently rendered 
the destruction of property greater in the vicinity of the bridges. 
The first bridge of any consequence over the Falls was about two 
miles from the city, where the road crosses that stream, at the first 
turnpike gate. Tlie gate-keeper, roused by the noise of the waters, 
left his house with his family, and immediately awakened the occu- 
pants of three frame-dwellings adjoining his own. He had scarcely 
succeeded in getting all the families out before the bridge was swept 
ofi', carr3'ing with it the four dwellings. At the Lanvill cotton 
factory much damage was done by the rise of the water, and the 
mill-dam swept away. The dam at Belvedere bridge, which sup- 
plied the reservoirs of the Water Company, was carried away, but 
the bridge remained uninjured. The small mill at Madison street 
and several small tenements adjoining were immersed, but little 
damage was sustained. Adjoining them was the extensive mail 
coach faetory of Messrs. Stockton and Stokes ; the extensive tan- 
nery of Ml". Geoi'ge Appold was inundated, but sustained little in- 
jury. The abutments on each side of the Madison Street bridge 
were so much damaged that it was not considered safe to cross it. 
More or less damage was done to all the proj^erty binding on the 
Falls, by having the fences and out-houses carried away. At 
Centre street the large wooden bridge recently erected was swept 
off entire. The torrent here left its accustomed bed, and coming 
down in a direct line over the wall which ordinarily confined it, 
forced its way through some small tenements on the north side of 
Centre street, and thence directly across the street into the extensive 
distillery premises of Messrs. J. C. White and Sons. Considerable 
damage was done to the works, and some of the numerous build- 
ings were prostrated ; but the greatest loss was in the live-stock — 
no less tban thirty to forty valuable horses and fift}^ to sixty cows 
having been drowned. The waters rose to the floors of the second 
stories, and in the Falls the flood was here about twenty feet above 
its bed. At the intersection of Centre and North streets, a small 
wooden house standing by itself was swept away. The inmates, 
an elderly Irishman and his wife, were both drowned. 

The water from Centre street spread over the low grounds as 



CHEONICLES OF BALTIMOEE. 493 

far west as Calvert street, inundating all that part of the city 
formerly known as the Meadow, and doing an immense deal 
of damage. The new Univorsalist Chiireh at the corner of Calvert 
and Pleasant streets had a foot or two of water in its basement 
story. The City Spring Avas inundated about a foot above the 
paved loot ways Avithin the enclosure ; as were also the dwellings, 
&c., in the neighborhood. In the gas-house the water was about 
six feet. The African Protestant Episcopal Church at the corner 
of North and Saratoga streets had about five feet of water above 
the floor. The City Hall was visited with water in the offices on 
the first floor. The Presbyterian Church at the corner of Holliday 
and Saratoga streets was materially damaged in the interior. The 
water rose to the cushion on the pulpit desk, and a part of the 
pews were removed from their places. The sexton of the church, 
a German named John Wiest, lived in a small house adjoining it. 
The whole fiimily, consisting of "Wiest, his wife and three children, 
were asleep in a lower back apartment, and, sad to relate, were all 
drowned. The water rose to the ceiling of the room. The exten- 
sive soap and candle factories in this quarter, conducted respectively 
by Messrs. Francis Hyde & Son, Samuel G. Hyde, and T. N. Smith 
& Co., suffered extensive damage, as well from the derangement of 
their works as by the loss in raw material and finished stock. The 
Falls in the rear of the factory of the latter was about sixteen feet 
above the ordinary level. Bath street was under water from Cal- 
vei't street to the Falls. The bridge at this point was carried away, 
and the banks on both sides swept. In Bath street near Holliday, 
a large mass of lumber, &c., collected, which caused the water to 
sweep away the fronts of the houses adjacent. At the corner of 
Bath and North streets the water was six or seven feet high. 
The bridge at Pleasant street was carried away. 

Along Saratoga street, east of Holliday, the premises on the 
north side running back to the Falls wei"e greatly damaged by 
the flood. The waters here were about ten feet high, and sought a 
channel towards Gay street, running with great velocity into Har- 
rison and Frederick streets, and tearing the pavements into deep 
gullies. The occupants of houses in the vicinity of Gay street 
bridge were severe sufferers. Many of them had the goods in 
their stores totally ruined. The house of Mr. Ilocbe, adjoining 
the bridge, was nearly demolished by the flood and floating timber. 
The water swept over the bridge. In Harrison street the water 
was about eight feet deep, and swept along with resistless fury. 
In Baltimore street the water extended nearly to the bridge on 
the cast, and above Frederick street on the west, filling the cellars 
and inundating the stores. An immense quantity of timl>er and 
fragn-^cnts of bridges which came down the stream collected at 
Baltimore street bridge, and so choked up the arches that the 
water rose to within" a few feet of the pavement. About four 
o'clock the accumulation became so great that the structure was 



494 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

unable to resist the tremendous pressure against it, and a portion 
of the upper side of the centre pier gave way and fell in to the 
distance of six or eight feet from the edge, carrying awaj^ the 
whole of the stone parapet and iron railing. The foot-bridge lead- 
ing from the Bazaar in Harrison street across the Falls to Front 
street was swept away in the early part of the freshet. 
The timber, planks, &c., which were carried down the current of 
Harrison street made a lodgment in large quantities against the 
railing of the Centre Fountain, and finally tore a portion of the 
railing and overturned the marble fountain from which the spring- 
water flowed. On both sides of Market Space all the stores were 
filled with water, and large quantities of merchandise injured. In 
many of the stores the water reached the ceilings, destroying com- 
pletely every article in them. The foot-bridge leading across the 
Falls from the fish market was carried away. In Concord street the 
water was eight feet deep. On the Falls avenue the water stood 
about four feet deep. Between Water and Pratt streets a number 
of carts and drays and some lumber were swept away. The stone 
bridge at Pratt street being below all the wooden structures which 
were carried away, and being composed of three arches, inter- 
cepted everything brought down by the current, until an immense 
mass, consisting of fragments of mill-dams, bridges, fences, sheds, 
&c., was piled up -against it. Like the stone bridge above, it 
could not resist the immense pressure, and nearly one-half of 
the sti'ucture gave way and fell. 

On the eastern side of the Falls, directly on the banks, various 
out-houses. &c., were carried away; and in the vicinity of Clay 
street bridge, the tannery of Wm. Miller was swept clean. A num- 
ber of instances of providential escapes are related, which we have not 
space to insert. One of them, however, was the case of a boy five 
years of age who was discovered floating on a bed, and was rescued 
from the flood in North street ; he was supposed to be the only sur- 
vivor of a family who occupied a house that was entirely carried 
away. Another instance was that of a young man who was sleeping 
soundly in the basement under Washington Hall. He was awak- 
ened by the friendly paw of a faithful dog, when his bed was nearly 
afloat, the sudden rising of the flood leaving scarcely a minute of 
time for his escape from a watery grave. About two miles up the 
Falls, a family who had just finished a shanty for their residence 
were warned of their danger by kind neighbors, but they told their 
advisers to " mind their own business, that they would look out for 
themselves," and in a few moments afterwards the shanty with its 
inmates were carried off by the current, and it is supposed they 
were all drowned. A boy of twelve or fourteen years of age had 
fallen from the drift which clogged Baltimore street bridge, into 
the swollen and whirling current of the I'iver, and being unable to 
swim was passing rapidly and helpless down the stream, only the 
top of his head above water, and had once entirely disappeared, 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE 495 

when two young men bravely dashed into the stream, and just as 
the drowning youth was about to be drawn under the drill or lum- 
ber, &c., which clogged in like manner the bridge below on Pratt 
street, he was snatched, exhausted and almost lifeless, from death 
and restored to his famil}'. The following persons lost their lives 
by the freshet as well as we can ascertain, viz: Christopher Wiest, 

wife and three children, Saratoga street ; Dougherty, corner 

Concord and Water streets; Catharine Donnelly, Pratt street; 
James Doyle, Long AYharf; Jacob Ocklcy, Falls road; a woman 
and daughter, names unknown ; James Kelly, Henry Linehan, Mr. 
Donnelly and five persons on the Falls road, names unknown. 

On the 20th of June, the City Council of Baltimore passed an 
ordinance authorizing the issue of certificates for small sums to the 
amount of §350,000. This in addition to the amount of §100,000, 
heretofore put in circulation. The Chesapeake and Ohio Canal 
Company also commenced the issue of change notes on the 20th 
of June. 

John McDonogh, of New Orleans, by letter under date of June 
22d. sends his check for §500 to the relief of the sufferers by the 
late flood. 

On the 1st of August, 1818, and the 29th of August, 1837, the 
city purchased the ground now known as the "Eastern Spring," 
for the sum of §15.000; the improvements cost $11,051.29. 

1838. On the 5th of Februar}', articles of union were agreed 
upon and executed between the Wilmington and Susquehanna 
iiailroad Company, the Baltimore and Port Deposit Ivailroad 
Company, and the Philadelphia, Wilmington and Baltimore Rail- 
road Company — the three roads extending from Philadelphia to 
Baltimore — by which they became one corporation, under the 
name of the Philadelphia, Wilmington and Baltimore Eailroad 
Comjiany. 

The British steam packet City of Kingston left this port at noon 
on Sunday, May 20th, for London direct under the command of 
Captain Crane. The City of Kingston was sent out originally to 
the West Indies, and plied some time as a mail and j)assenger 
packet between Jamaica and Barbadoes, but the business having 
proved unprofitable to the owners in London, she was ordered back 
to that port. The City of Kingston was brig-rigged, and carried 
three hundred tons of coal, and was the first steam vessel from 
Baltimore to Europe direct. 

On Tuesday evening. May 23d, a dark cloud passed over the 
city from the west, attended by a copious shower of rain and a 
gust of wind. The latter was so violent as to prostrate chimneys 
and unroof houses in various portions of the cily. Nearly the 
whole roof of Christ Church, corner of Fayette and Gay streets, 
was blown off and torn to j/ieces, as were also the roofs of the 
warehouses of Messrs. Joseph Jlobinson, Thomas Palmer & C-'o,, 
C. VV. Spilcker, Walter Crook, Jr., E. Jenkins & Sons, Jos. Taylor 



496 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

& Son, Isaac Eeynolds, and the roofs of four warehouses in Eutaw 
Btreet, belonging to Jacob Albert & Co., and the roof of the upper 
reservoir of the gas company on Liberty street. The IloUins 
Btreet market house was blown down. Part of the roofs of the 
Baltimore Museum and the Eutaw House were blown off, and a 
portion of the wall of the Front Street Theatre, and many houses 
were blown down. 

Died on the 9th of June, in the 72d year of his age, Thomas 
W. Griffith, Esq. Mr. Griffith had for many years been a highly 
respectable magistrate, first for the county and afterwards for the 
city of Baltimore. In discharging his duty as such, it is saying no 
more than truth to award him the praise of having uniformly fol- 
lowed, and that too with a zeal as intelligent as it was commend- 
able, the path of rectitude. Upon his fellow-citizens, both at home 
and abroad, he has other claims, having dedicated the leisure that 
was left him from the distracting calls of his public office, to the 
production of two books, by both of which the present generation 
is benefitted, and the future historian or annalist will find himself 
assisted. His " History of Maryland," and his "Annals of Balti- 
more " are meant. These pi'oductions were the fruit of an active 
mind abhorring indolence. Mr. G. was early in life appointed 
Consul to Havre by General Washington. 

Between four and five o'clock on the morning of the 3d of 
February, the whole of the extensive building in Front street, 
known as the Baltimore Theatre and Circus, was entirely enveloped 
in flames, which burst in great fury from every window and door 
of the vast edifice. Before the fire was discovered it appeared to 
have reached every part of the building, and prevented the possi- 
bility of saving a single article. The building was occupied by the 
well-known company of Mr. Cooke, whose whole stock, fixtures, 
machinery, wardrobe, decorations and property of his extensive 
company were entirely consumed, including his stud of nearly fifty 
magnificent horses. The fire was supposed to have been the result 
of accident. On the south side, separated by an allej^, stood an 
antiquated two-story brick house, known as "Gough's Mansion 
House," which was owned and occupied by Mr. Patrick Murphy 
as a tavern. This house caught fire and was entirely burnt, to- 
gether with several old back buildings. 

Mr. Isaac McKim, a member of the House of Eepresentatives, 
died in this city on Sunday morning, April 1st. His commercial 
enterprises were eminently successful, and he dispensed his great 
wealth with the most enlightened liberality ; and especiall}^ in the 
erection and endowment of one of the most beautiful and perma- 
nent iree schools in this or any other country. The public authori- 
ties of Baltimore, with a large number of senators and represen- 
tatives and the citizens generally, jjaid every respect to his memory, 
and all seemed impressed with the great loss that the community 
sustained by his death. 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 497 

The Convent of the Yisitation, with the academy under its 
direction, was Ibunded in November, 1838. Eleven sisters Avere 
tranbfcri'oJ from the convent of CJeorgetown for the purjiose of com- 
mencini;- the new establishment, and took possession of a house on 
the corner of Green and Mulberry streets. An extensive lot Avas 
shortly after procured on the corner of Park and Centre streets. 

1830. On the 16th of December, a meeting of gentlemen desirous 
to establish, if possible, a manual labor school in the vicinity of 
Baltimore, was held in the First Baptist Church, at the corner of 
Sharp and Lombard streets. On motion of Mr. George W. Norris, 
Dr. Dunbar was called to the chair, and John L. Carey appointed 
secretary. Mr. Winston, Superintendent of the Boston Farm 
School, was present, and matle a full and very interesting state- 
ment in regard to the establishment, history and results of the in- 
stitution under his charge. The meeting was also addressed by C. 
Gilman. 

The Mercantile Library Association was established on the 
14th of November, with the following officers: J. Morrison Harris, 
President; George L. Wight, Vice-President; Geo. P. W. Allnutt, 
Secretary ; F. Dunnington, Treasurei*. Directors — AVm. M. Lati- 
mer, John S. Sumner, Josiah N. Jones, Henry J. Rogers, Laurence 
Thomsen, Wm. A. Dunnington, George Clilfe, O. B. Wight, John 
P. Davis, Librarian. 

Gen. Samuel Smith, one of the most distinguished soldiers of 
the Pevolution, died in this city on Monday afternoon, the 22d of 
April, 1839, in the 87th year of his age. He had been riding in 
his carriage, and on his return to his dwelling, lay upon the sofa 
with the view of resting himself, and when the servant who had 
been attending him entered the apartment a short time afterwards 
he was found dead. His career was glorious and useful, and he 
died full of 3'ears and honors. General Smith was born in Carlisle, 
on the 27th of July, 1752. His father being a merchant, he was 
destined for the same profession, and in early life (about 19) was 
sent to P]ngland to be educated in a counting-house; but not sat- 
isfied with the restraint imposed upon the clerks in the house in 
which he lived, he freighted the vessel in which he went out and 
sailed for a port in Italy. The vessel being cast away on that 
coast, he travelled over most of the Continent, and returned to the 
United States in the same vessel with the accomplished but unfor- 
tunate Andid. Gen. Smith, then a very young man, was solicited 
by the Committee of Saiety of Baltimore to command a company 
sent by water to Annapf»lis to arrest or capture the I'rovinttial 
Governor Pvlen. The Governor made his escape. Smith engaged 
in the Pevolutionary struggle, and at its commencement entered 
the service as a captain in Colonel Smallwood's regiment. He was 
in the battles of Brandywine, ^Monmouth, White Plains, and I^ong 
Island, and his company covered the retreat of the army through 
the Jerseys. He commanded at Mud Fort, or Fort MitUin, at tho 
32 



498 CHKONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

mouth of the Schuylkill, where such a gallant and desperate defence 
was made against the British fleet, resulting in the blowing up of 
two frigates. In this engagement he Avas disabled by a spent ball, 
which gave a shock to his frame from which he did not soon re- 
cover. After the close of the Revolutionary struggle he entei*ed 
actively into commercial pursuits, and may be said to have been 
the founder of the commerce of the city, and was the mainstay of 
the commercial interests of the whole country in Congress for 
forty years. 

When Mr. Jefferson came into the Presidency he pressed Gen. 
Smith to accept the office of Secretary of the Navy, which he de- 
clined, consenting, however, to act in that capacity until some 
suitable person could be selected to fill it permanently. He served 
as Secretary for six months or more, but would not receive any 
compensation for his services. He generally while in Congress 
filled some high station, being chairman of the Committee of 
Ways and Means in the House, and of that of Finance in the Senate. 
When Baltimore was threatened with foreign invasion he accepted 
the command of the defending army, and pledged his own private 
fortune and that of a friend who went before him to his great ac- 
count. During the whole term of his command here neither he 
nor his staff received an}' pay. His first term of service in Con- 
gress commenced in 1793, and he continued in the House or Senate 
till the 4th of March, 1833. Congress voted and presented him a 
sword for his gallant defence of the Mud Fort. His last public 
sei'vice was in the capacity of Mayor of this city. 

On the 25th the funeral obsequies took place. The procession 
left the dwelling of the deceased in Exchange Place at the appointed 
hour (half-past four), and moved up Gay to Baltimore street, the 
cavalry in front, followed by the infantry regiments and com- 
panies of artillery. In compliance with the invitations which had 
been sent to them by the municipal authorities, the President of 
the United States and heads of departments at Washington, his 
Excellency the Governor of Maryland, and other distinguished 
pei'sonages were in attendance, the President riding in an open 
barouche, accompanied by his Excellency Governor Grason, the 
Mayor of the city, and the Hon. Mr. Forsj^th, Secretary of State 
of the United States. A second barouche followed, in which were 
seated the Hon. Levi Woodbury, Secretary of the Treasury of the 
United States, the Hon. J. R. Poinsett, Secretary of the Navy, 
and the Hon. Felix Grundy, Attorney-General of the United 
States. The hearse containing the body was drawn by four white 
horses, and flanked on either side by mounted dragoons. It was 
followed by a long train of cari-iages containing the pall-bearers, 
the committee of arrangements of the City Council, the Cincin- 
nati Society, and others. P"'ollowing them were the City Guard of 
Baltimore without arms, after whom came members of the City 
Council, the officers of the corporation, the judges of the courts and 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 499 

members of the bar, the professors of the University of ^Muryhim', 
officers of the army and navy, officers of the customs, meml)ers of 
Congress, and members of the State Legishvture, consids and 
others. On entering Baltimore street that portion of the proces- 
sion which had started from the hite residence of the deceased was 
joined by the fire department, dressed in the uniform of their re- 
spcc*^ive companies, the line being swelled as it proceeded west- 
ward by the addition of crowds of private citizens. During the 
ceremonies the bells of the churches were tolled, minute-guns were 
firetl, and the flags of the shipping in the harbor and on the public 
edifices were displayed at half-mast throughout the day, as they 
had been the da}' preceding. 

On Saturday', Jul}' 13th, Greenmount Cemetery was dedicated 
in the presence of the Mayor, the members of the City Council and 
a vast concourse of persons. At the appointed hour the ceremo- 
nies commenced with the perfoi-mance of a beautiful and appro- 
priate chorale^ from the oratorio of St. Paul, beginning " Sleepers 
awake! a voice is calling," by the musical association, accompanied 
by a full orchestra. So soon as the sound of the music luul died 
away, the Rev. Dr. Wyatt, rector of St. Paul's, arose, and whilst the 
attendant multitude stood uncovered, off'ered up to the throne of the 
Most High a prayer. The prayer was succeeded by a very beauti- 
ful hymn composed for the occasion by J. II. B. Latrobe, Esq. At, 
the termination of the h3-mn, Mr. J. P. Kennedy made an address,, 
in commemoi-ation of which it would be difficult to say too much^ 
^iv. Kennedy having resumed his scat, a hymn was sung, composed 
for the occasion l)y F. II. Davidge, Esq. A benediction, pi'onounccd 
by the I^ev. Mr. Hammond, closed the impressive cei-emonies of the 
occasion. 

Great excitement was occasioned in Baltimore on Sunday the 
18th day of August, in consequence of the escape of a nun from 
the Carmelite nunnery in Aisquith street, who took refuge in a 
neighboring house, and was from thence conve^'ed to the hospital 
department of the Washington Medical College, by the Mayor of 
the city, who had been called upon dui-ing the excitement occa- 
sioned by the event. In consequence of the exaggerated rumors 
which had arisen, it was feared by some that an attempt would be 
made during the night to destroy the nunnery, for a large crowd 
had collected in the afternoon, and there were some indications of 
a riotous spirit. But the Mayor with that promptitude and energy 
for which ho was so justly distinguished, called upon the regiment 
of city guards, which promi)tly n-paired to the vicinity of the spot, 
and held themselves in readiness to act on the first emergency. 
Their ])rescnce, and a j)roper dis|>osition of the police, com|jletely 
ovei-awed all who were dis|tosed for mischief, and the night jjassed 
away quietly. The following pliysicians afterwards signed a (-er- 
lificate establishing the insanity oi' the nun (Miss Isabella Neale), 
whose escape occasioned the excitement: J. II. Miller, ^M. D., pros- 



500 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

ident of the faculty of Wash in gt on University of Baltimore, P. 
Chatard, M. D., John C. S. Monkur, M. D., Samuel K. Jennings, 
M. I)., Edward Foi-eman, M. D., and John Tv. ^V. Dunbar, M. D. 

It having been determined by the military and citizens of Bal- 
timore to erect a monument, of appropriate size and material, upon 
the ground on which the battle was fought, in defence of the city 
on the 12th of September, 1814, the twenty-fifth anniversary of 
the engagement was fixed upon as a suitable period for laying the 
corner-stone of the structure. About 9 o'clock the military moved 
upon Baltimore street, with their right resting on Calvert street, 
where the line of procession was formed, under the oi'ders of Maj.- 
Gen. George H. Steuart, chief marshal, the commanding and 
other officers of the third division, Maryland militia, on the right 
of whom were placed the officers and soldiers of the Eevolution; 
officers and soldiers wounded at North Point and Fort McHenry ; 
officers and soldiers who served in defence of Baltimore; officers of 
the militia of Maryland, in uniform ; the Mayor of the city, orator, 
and officiating clergyman ; the reverend clergy ; the Governor of 
Maryland; heads of departments of State government; Judges of 
the United States; Judges of Maryland ; Senators and members of 
Congress; Senators and delegates of Mar3dand ; members of City 
Council and officers of corporation ; strangers of distinction ; offi- 
cers of the army and navy; the various military corps comprising 
the first light division with other corps present, and citizens. Thus 
formed and constituted, the procession was put in motion about ten 
o'clock and marched to Fell's Point, and embarked on board the 
steamei-s Carroll, the Rappahannock, the Alabama, the Relief, the 
Virginia, the Fredericksburg and the Georgia. As the boats passed 
Fort McHenry, over whose walls the stars and stripes floated, the 
bands struck up the Star-Spangled Banner, and the welkin rang 
with cheers. The steamers soon entered Bear Creek and reached 
the landing, and then commenced the debarkation of the troops 
and citizens; this was soon accomplished and all repaired to the 
battle ground. The ceremony of laying the corner-stone was 
finished by some appropriate remarks marie by Gen. William Mc- 
Donald, then the oration by Gen, B. C. Howard, and a neat and 
devout prayer to the throne of grace by Eev. Dr. Johns. 

On the reception of the news of the suspension of specie pay- 
ments b}^ the Philadelphia banks, the officers of the Baltimore 
banks met on the 10th of October and resolved to adopt the same 
plan to ward off the danger that threatened them by heavy drafts 
from other cities. 

1840. On the 4th of May, the hotels, boarding houses, and 
many private houses of Baltimore were crammed from cellar to 
roof to accommodate the influx of strangers attending the Whig 
convention. At an early hour the peoj^le began to gather in the 
neighborhood of Baltimore street, and a moving mass might be 
seen from the G "^ueral Wayne Inn down to the bridge over Jonea 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 50] 

Falls. At a fow mimitcs after ten o'clock the procession com- 
menced movlnt; from the ujiper part of Baltimore street, led by 
several barouches, each drawn by four white horses, the foremost 
containing (ien. S. C. Leakin, Mayor of the city, Hon. Daniel 
Webster, and other distinguished personages. Then followed the 
delegations from the different States, commencing with the 
Northern States, each having their appropriate banners, trophies, 
&c. There were several log-cabins, decorated with all the fixtures 
belonging to the mansions of the pioneers of the West — such as 
stags' antlers, beaver traps, &c. Hard cider flowed freely, and 
hunting-shirts were everywhere visible. In a short time they all 
arrived at Canton, the place of destination. The first order of 
meeting, after being fully assembled upon the ground, was the 
formal introduetron of distinguished men from the different States. 
After this, it M-as regularly opened by a most eloquent jjrayer from 
the Rev. Dr. Bascomb. The assembly was then addressed by the 
Hon. Daniel Webster, Henry Clay, John Sargeant, William C. 
Preston, Henry A. Wise, and other distinguished gcntlemcMi. The 
assembly was one of much show, flying banners, clashing cymbals, 
restive horses, pretty girls, whole-souled politicians, log-cabins, and 
hard cider. Judging from the general appearance the number of 
persons assembled were twenty thousand. 

On Monday night, February 10th, the Cathedral was robbed of 
one pair of silver candlesticks, two silver crucifixes, two gold 
chalices, and a ''monstrance." or glory of gold and silver. 

In May, the "Fourth Provincial Council" of the Catholic 
Chui'ch was held in this cit3^ 

The steamboat Paul Jones, Capt. McXallj^, arrived at her wharf 
on Tuesdaj' evening, June 2d, from Havre de Grace, having in tow 
the canal boats Judge Porter, Capt. Glass, of Louisburg ; Judge 
Burnsides. Capt. Kellot, of Howard ; and Baltimore, Capt. Norton, 
of Columbia, all of which were fully laden with wheat, flour, l)acon, 
<&c. These were the first boats which arrived here by the com- 
pletion of the Tide- Water Canal. 

The National Democratic Convention met in this city on the 
5th of May at the Assembly Rooms, and nominated as their can- 
didate for President Martin Van Buren; the Vice-President was 
left to the States, 

The ceremony of placing the corner-stone of the "Church of 
the Ascension" devoted to the Protestant P]piscopal service, was 
performed on the evening of Monda3^ June 15th. This church is 
situated in Lexington near Pine street. The ceremony ol" laying 
the stone was opened by th(^ lln'. Mr. Kepler, followed by 11. -v. Mr. 
Peck, and he by Rev. Dr. Jlenshaw, wIkj performed the ceiv-mouy 
of placing the stone. The ceremonies were concluded by a hymn, 
and fervent prayer by Rev. Dr. Johns, the devout and eloipient 
pastor of Christ Church. 

On Thursday morning, July Dth, eleven of the prisoners con- 



502 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

fined in, the jail attempted to make their escape, by removing a 
portion of the brick cbimne}^ or fire-phices from rooms 1, 2, 3. 

In Jul}- Miss Fanny Ellsler appeared at the Holliday Street 
Theatre and created great excitement ; some of the single seats 
brouglit as high as 83.50 each, being a premium of 62.50. On one 
occasion the horses were taken from her carriage, and she was 
drawn to her lodgings by enthusiastic young men. 

During the year the following banking institutions suspended 
operations : Real Estate Savings Institution, Foreign Domestic 
Exchange Institution, Patapsco, Savings, Mechanics, Baltimore 
Savings Institution, Central Savings and City Trust. 

The corner-stone of St. Vincent de Paul's Church was laid with 
much ceremon}' by Archbishop Eccleston, assisted by other bishops 
and priests, on the 21st of May, and was defiicated to service 
Sunday, November 7th, 1841. 

Since the days of Jefferson and the elder Adams, there had not 
been, in all probability, an election so warmly and stubbornly con- 
tested as that between Harrison and Van Buren. From the con- 
fines of the Union to its very centre, the note of preparation was 
heard ; the parties arraying themselves Avith unusual system and 
precision, and a maddening excitement appeared to have existed 
which has never yet met with a parallel in the histor}^ of our 
country. Business appeared to be paralyzed ; the most important 
commercial transactions were suspended until after the contest; 
the public institutions, lyceums, places of amusement and recrea- 
tion were neglected, and even the sanctity of the domestic hearth 
was invaded by the monster, party rancor! On Monday, the 2d 
of November, the great political question which so long had agitated 
the country was brought to a close; never, since the establishment 
of our constitution, had this mighty land experienced so much com- 
motion and excitement. Van Buren's majoi'ity in this city was 31, 
but Harrison carried the State and was elected President. On the 
evening of the 3d of November a serious riot took place in the 
neighborhood of the Patriot office by which a number of re- 
spectable citizens were severely injured. The Whigs, as usual, 
collected in front of the Patriot office, when the alarm of fire Avas 
given. This was the signal ; the engines rattled down Baltimoi^e 
btreet towards Old Town, and on their return they attempted to 
force their way through the crowd, which attempt was resisted, 
and a regular brick-batting then commenced, and a number of fire- 
arms were discharged. After the riot had partially subsided, Mr. 
Brady, the Mayor, appeared and publicly addressed the people, 
advising them to return to their homes and observe the peace of 
the city. His advice was promptly obeyed. Gen. vS. C. Leakin, Dr. 
Deloughery, and several other gentlemen were severely hurt. 

At about half-past 3 o'clock on Monday morning, March 30th, 
the inhabitants in the neighborhood of Gay street were alarmed by 
the cry of fire. The flames at the time of the alarm were break- 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 503 

ing through the roof and windows of the workshop in the rear of 
Edwin S. Tarr's cabinet warorooms, in North Gay street, next to 
the CJernian Lutheran Church. In a short time the roof of the 
church caught fire from the intense heat, and the veneral)Ie edifice 
soon became a heap of ruins. Owing to a heav}' fail of rain which 
prevailed during the whole time the fire was raging, the fire did 
not extend. The church was built in 1808, and cost §40,000. An 
organ valued at 81400 was destroyed. 

During the year "Old Christ Church," situated on the north- 
Avest corner of Front and Baltimore streets, was torn down and 
the old materials sold at auction to the highest bidder. 

On "Wednesda}', May 13th, the President and Directors of the 
Susquehanna railroad, besides a large number of citizens, celebrated 
the completion of said railroad to Wrightsville, Pa. 

1841. In consequence of difficulties with the Mechanics' Bank, 
the Franklin Bank, on the 2d of January, 1841, suspended business; 
but resumed some time after with great loss to the stockholders. 

A town meeting was held on the 12th of April in the rotunda 
of the Exchange, to adopt measures to testify respect for the char- 
acter of the late President, AVm. Henry Ilari'ison. Columbus 
O'Donnell called the meeting to order, and nominated Col. Samuel 
Moore as president, who was unanimously chosen, llobert Gilmor 
and Col. Solomon Ilillen, Jr.. were a])pointed vice-presidents, and 
Samuel T. Thompson and William II. Cole, Jr., secretaries. It 
was resolved that a committee, consisting of one from each ward, 
be appointed to retire and draft resolutions. The committee was 
appointed and retired, and on its return, read a number of resolu- 
tions expressive of the feelings of the citizens of Baltimore for the 
melancholy bereavement sustained in the death of the illustrious 
President. It was also resolved that a committee be appointed by 
the chair consisting of two from, each ward, to compose the com- 
mittee of arrangements for a public, civic, and military procession, 
bearing all the insignia of mourning and commemorative of his 
death, &c. ; and that the procession and funeral ceremonies take 
place on Monday, the 2Gth of April. The procession far exceeded 
general expectation, surpassing any procession heretofore witnessed 
in this city. The feeling which ini])elled this honorable manifest 
tation was universal. The peo])le of lialtimorc appeared as but one 
family, testifying their sorrow for a recent bereavement. Not only 
were the individuals decorated with ai)]ir()pi'iate badges of mourn- 
ing, but nearly the whole city was clothed in black. Most of the 
public edifices, the engine houses, and the stores and dwellings 
througliout the whole extent of Baltimore and other streets 
through which the procctision passed, had their fronts shrouded 
in mourning. The colors of the sliipj)ing and various public edi- 
fices were hoisted at halfmast, and the bells tolled throughout the 
ceremonies, whilst minute-guns were fired from detacliments of 
artillery. The stores throughout the city were closed, and there 



504 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMOEE. 

was an entire eeesation of business of every kind. The procession 
was foimcd on Baltimore street, the right resting on Charles street. 
The number of persons in line has been variously estimated at from 
ten to fifteen thousand. After passing through the several streets 
designated, it arrived at Mount Vernon place. AVithin the railing of 
the Washington Monument a stand had been erected for the officiat- 
ing clergymen and the orator. The ceremonies were opened by a 
fervent praj'er b}' the Eev.Mr.Johns, who was succeeded b}' Jonathan 
Meredith, who delivered an appropj-iate and eloquent funeral o?ritio)i; 
then followed the requiem, and the closing prayer by the Eev. Mr. 
Sargent. The concourse of strangers was great, and the assemb- 
lage at Mount Yernon Place was immense. 

On Monday evening, January 25th, twenty-two of the crimi- 
nal prisoners confined in the jail attempted to make their escape. 

On Monday, February Ist, the banks resumed specie payments; 
and after a resumption of six days, again suspended on Monday, 
February 7th. 

Another attempt to escape was made on the afternoon of Sat- 
urday, March 6th, by fifteen y>er80ns confined in one of the wards 
of the jail. The sewer extending under ground to the Falls was 
the means of egress that they first selected — this sewer being 
necessarily accessible to the occupants of the prison apartments -r- 
but the attempt to escape through that outlet was detected by the 
warden, Mr. Disney, before they could efl'ect an entrance into its 
interior. Being foiled in this attempt, they retreated to their 
ward, the inner door of M'hich they strongly barricaded hy means 
of a iDench and spikes, and bade defiance to the officers, threaten- 
ing death to any who might enter, and fiercely declaring their de- 
termination to persist in their eff"orts to esca])e until they should 
succeed. Boiling water and missiles, thrown through the gratings, 
were also employed by them to prevent an entrance of the officers. 
The warden dispatched a messenger for a portion of the city 
police, w^hose arrival had no effect in calming the tumult and ex- 
citement of the prisoners, which had now extended to the inmates 
of the adjacent wards, and, as the only means of quelling the re- 
volt, it became necessar}' to fire upon the chief insurgents, and one 
of the number was killed. The others then yielded, and were 
securely ironed. 

One of the most ancient houses, perhaps, in the city was that 
known as the " mud house," which was situated on Fiast Lombard 
street, near Albemarle. "The date of its erection cannot probably 
be ascertained, but some idea may be formed of its antiquity from 
the circumstance of its being tenanted more than sixty years ago, 
by an old ferryman, who lived by carrying jjassengers from that 
viciint}^ across the river, which, in those days, reached as high up 
as Baltimore street. It was subsequently inhabited for a long 
time by an aged man, know^n by the sobriquet of 'Mud Jim,' 
which was given him in respect to the character of the material 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 505 

of which his d\vollin<r was constructed." After breastini*; tho 
storms of more than threescoi-e Aviiiters, this rudel}^ const nicted 
mansion at hist was compelled to yieUl to the " spirit of imi)rove- 
ment," and was, on Wednesday, March 81st, removed to make way 
for anotliL-r more in accordance with the <^enius and luxurious 
habits of the ])resent day. 

On Sunday morning, April 11th, three prisoners confined in 
the jail etfected their escape by bi-eaking through tlic wall and 
getting into the sewer, as on former occasions, thereby passing to- 
wards the Falls, where their final release was obtained b}' making a 
hole through the wall and passing out. 

The Baltimore City Fire Department had a grand parade on 
Thursday, November 18th, in which the following companies par- 
ticipated: Mechanical, instituted 1763, incorporated 1828; Union, 
Friendship, Deptford, Jjibert}', Indejiendent, Vigilant, New Market, 
Columbian, First Baltimore, United, Franklin, Washington, Pa- 
tai)sco, Howard, and Watchman. 

1842. The ceremony of laying the corner-stone of St. Alphonsus' 
Church was performed on Ma}' 1st, by Archbishop Eccleston, as- 
sisted by Rev. Messi's. Coskery, White, and othei'S. It was dedica- 
ted on the 14th of March, 1845. On Sunday, August 1st, 18G9, tho 
chui'ch l)eing out of debt, it was consecrated. 

The Baltimore Steam Packet Company, on Thursday tho 15th 
of April, had just finished a beautiful steamboat called the Mcdora, 
and her engine having been completed, she was to have started on 
a ti'ial excursion down the bay. The boat was a model of work- 
manshi]^, ami her engine of great power. She was intended to run 
in the line of boats between Baltimore and Norfolk. The boat was 
hing at the whai'f on the south side of the basin, attached to tho 
establishment of Mr. John Watchman, and at 3 o'clock, the hour 
ibr starting on the excursion, a number of citizens, including tho 
officers of the boat, had assembled on board. With a view to pre- 
vent too great a crowd on board, the boat bad been hauled out 
about thirty feet from the vvhai-f, and those who were invited to 
the excursion were conveyed to her in small boats. About half- 
past thi'co o'clock the bell rung and the engine was started. At 
this moment, and when the wheels had only made two revolutions, 
the boiler exploded, throwing the smoke-pipes, the forei)art of tho 
upper deck and the persons who stood on it, some forty or fifty 
feet in the air, tearing open the sides of the vessel round the boiler, 
and scattering fragments of ti)e wood and ii'on all around, and rais- 
ing the immense iron boiler up and throwing it crosswise on tl.e 
deck. The scene ])resented by the boat atlurded at once a mourn- 
ful evidence of the immense power of steam, and of the ruin of 
which it can be the instrunu'iit. Large oak beams were splintered 
to jtieces; ii-on bars that would have withstood tho sti'ength of a 
humlrod men, were broken and wrc^nched into many shapes ; tho 
lighter wood-work of the deck was blown almost to atoms. Aa 



506 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

soon as the explosion took place, the boat was enveloped in a cloud 
of scalding steam, and it was from inhaling this that many were 
killed, and to this danger those in the forwai'd part of the vessel 
were all exposed. Others were killed by the fl3'ing timbers, and 
many seriously hurt by being externally scalded by the steam. 
Those who were on the upper deck, aft of the engine, escaped en- 
tirely from the effects of the explosion ; but in the consternation 
which the explosion caused, several of those, thus safe from the 
Bteam, jumped overboard. Another great cause of the loss of life 
was the sudden sinking of the boat. The sides of the boat around 
the boilers having been blown away, the water rushed in, and she 
Bunk about sixty feet from the wharf, the water reaching to near 
the upper deck. With commendable speed the physicians and 
surgeons of the city hastened to the place as soon as they heard 
of the disaster, and among those who were present thei*e were ob- 
served Drs. Collins, Smith, Whitridge, Baxley, Dunbar, Theobold, 
Roberts, Riche, Miller, Hintze, Buckler, Bryerly, Monkur, McGuire, 
Riley, Kinneman, Albers, Baker, Cohen, Chew, and there were 
doubtless many others. Col. S. Ilillen, the Mayor of the city, was 
among the first to reach the scene, and with the high constable 
and other city officers, rendered most efficient aid in rescuing the 
survivors and in getting the killed from the wreck and water. The 
following list comprises the names of the dead as far as we can 
learn : John C. Moale, general agent of the company, William 
Moale his son, Joseph Lecompte, Capt. John Vickers, John Young. 
Benjamin French, John Boon, John Burns, Andrew F. Henderson, 
Richard Linthicum, Robert Doj'le, John Speddy, George End ley, 
Thomas Eldridge, John Harper, John Haley, John Boston, William 
Lewis, George Geddes, S. W. Hackney, M. D., James W. Lavers, 
James Mitchell, John Kemp, John Yeager, Jackson Reeder and 
Duncan Ferguson. The following are the names of those who 
were more or less injured, many of whom w^ere in a very danger- 
ous state : Captain Sutton, Francis Bezj^t, Stripple, Joseph 

Craig, John Mitchell, James Crawford, R. H. Middleton, George 
Reynolds, John Henderson, Levin Boston, Albert Ramsay, George 
Hoofnagle, Zachariah Nichols, Thomas Smith, Alexander Spavin, 
George Hj'de, Samuel Glenn, Henrj- Snyder, Wesley Culley, George 

Clarey, John Kaylor, William Binion, Brenan, James Wilson, 

William Roberts, William Tumbleson, James Ridgel}', Lawrenson 
Reigan, James Clark, George Hyam, Thomas Eldridge, Daniel 
Stevens, Isaiah Wagnei*, Louis Wagner, brothers, David Frazier, 
Martin Hickley, Patrick Collins, James Montgomery, William 
Allen, and two sons, Captain Coffee, steamboat Georgia. Sum- 
marj' account of those on board : Dead, 27 ; wounded, 40 ; \inin- 
jured, 15 ; making in all on board 82. 

Our city was visited by a severe easterly storm of wind and 
rain on Wednesday, August 24th, which commenced in the morning 
and continued with but little intermission throughout the day and 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 507 

niixlit. Towards jiin;lit the violence of tlie storm increased, accom- 
panied l>y a i^ood deal of lii;litnini>; and thunder. About tlie middle 
of the niii'lit it cleared off, l)ut the change was of short duration. 
Towards the morning of Thursda}', the sUy was again veiled by 
heavy clouds which soon discharged their waters in torrents. The 
"wind, which had by this time shifted to the southeast, and the 
tide, ■which was on the rise, came in witii such rapidity, that in a 
short time it began to overflow the wharves in the vicinity of Pratt 
street. It covered all the wharves bordering on Pratt street, from 
Light street down to Marsh Market Space, from the lower end 
nearly up to Pratt sti-eet, and on each side to a level with the sills 
of the store doors. Jones Falls overflowed in several ])laces. At 
one time the water in Pratt street near the head of the basin 
where the Philadelphia cars passed, was nearly level with the 
flooi-s. 

On the 4th of July the Baltimore Committee, num])ering about 
fort}- gentlemen, bearing the flag to be ])resented to the " Fenciblcs," 
escoi-ted by two com]>anies from Baltimore, the Independent Greys 
and the National Guards, arrived in Lancaster, Pa., and were 
handsomely received by the miiitarj' of that city. 

On Thursday, the 10th of Novemlier, a train of cars containing 
the'pi'esident and directors of the Baltimore and Ohio P. P., and a 
few gentlemen invited to accompany them, left the depot in Pratt 
street at 7 o'clock A. M., to traverse the entire length of the road 
from Baltimoi-e to Cumberland, the road being completed to that 
point. The day was pleasant, and the expedition throughout proved 
to be very agreeable. 

On Sunday, October 2.3d. in accordance with an invitation given 
by Messrs. G. W. Webb, Wm. J. Ileuisler and others, the following 
gentlemen assembled at St. Peter's School house on Poppleton 
street for the purpose of forming a Young Catholic Friend's 
Society: — Pev. E. McColgan, Owen O'Brien, George N. Eosen- 
steel, ilichael J. Kelly, Wm. J. Ileuisler, John A. McGreevy, 
George W. Webb, C. II. Paborg, M. D., L. A. Puzenent, Joseph A. 
Sawyer, C. E. J. Gebhard, Daniel Saxton, Joseph Victory, Joseph 
Cappeau, Jr. ^Ir. Ileuisler having explained the abject contem- 
plated, on motion of Mr. Kelly the Pev. Mr. McC'olgan was called 
to the chair, and Mr. Cappeau appointed secretary. The following 
gentlemen were then appointed a committee to draft a constitution 
and b3'-laws: — Messrs. M. J. Kelly, Owen O'Brien, George W. 
Webb, William J. Ileuisler, and J. A. Sawyer. The meeting then 
adjoui-ncd, subject to the call of the above committee. In Nov- 
ember the society was organized with the following officers: — 
President, John A. Mc(ireevy; Vice-President, Owen O'Brien; 
Peconliiig Secretary, J(jhii E. Toole; Corresponding Secretary, 
Joseph Victory; Treasurer, Edwanl F. Brady; Jiookkeeper, 
Joseph r'jippeau, Jr. ; Steward, Francis X. Lipji ; Trustees, William 
J. Ileuisler, Lawrence A. Puzenent, Dr. Christopher 11. liaborg, 
John I'ox, and James F. Neale. 



508 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

Eohert Smith was educated as a lawyer, and filled many im- 
portant offices, and in 1788 was chosen one of the electors of the 
first President and Vice-President of the United States, and was 
the last survivor of that electoral college. In 1793 he was elected 
to the Senate of Maryland, and in 1796 to the House of Delegates. 
In 1801 he was appointed Secretary of the Navy, and during part 
of the 3a^ar 1805 he held the office of Attorney-General of the United 
States, but he returned to the Navy Department. In 1806 he was 
appointed Chancellor of the State of Maryland, and Chief Judge of 
the District of Baltimore, but declined. In 1809 he was made 
Secretary of State. He resigned on the 1st of April, 1811, and was 
then offered the embassy to Eussia, which he declined. In 1813 
he was elected Provost of the University of Maryland, but re- 
signed the office not long afterward. He was chosen President of 
the American Bible Society in 1813. In 1818 the first agricultural 
society formed in Baltimore was established, with Mr. Smith as 
president. This was the last public function which he exercised. 
He died in the full enjoyment of well-earned honors and ample for- 
tune in December, 1842, aged 84 j^ears. 

1843. Agreeably to announcement, a splendid dinner was given 
to the Hon. Daniel Webster on the 18th of Ma}' b}' the merchants 
of the city. It was prepared by Mr. Coleman of the Exchange 
Hotel, in the very best manner. Mr. Webster being toasted, he 
rose and spoke about an hour in vindication of agriculture, com- 
merce, and the protection of home industry, and concluded by de- 
claring that in the great matter of commerce with the world we 
might have rivals, but certainly no superior, and that this could only 
be made more prosperous, successful and perpetual by pi'otecting 
home industr}' and commerce. 

On the 23d of May, Eev. Bishop Hughes of New York, assisted 
by the Eight Eev. Bishop Kendrick of Philadelphia, laid the 
corner-stone of St. Peter's Eoman Catholic Church, situated on 
the corner of HoUins and Poppleton streets. This church was 
dedicated Sunday, September 22d, 1844. Most Eev. Archbishop 
Eccleston, and Bishops J. J. Chance, John Hughes, and other 
reverend gentlemen, participated in the ceremonies. 

In conformity with arrangements previous!}' announced, the 
dedication of the new Odd-Fellows' Hall took place on the 18th of 
September, and was a most imposing and brilliant ceremony 
throughout. The States of Delaware, of Pennsylvania, of Vir- 
ginia, and of Connecticut, of New Jersey, and of New York, Avith 
lodges from the District of Columbia and various towns in our 
own State, were present with their rich regalia, splendid ban- 
ners, elegant trappings, symbols, devices, &e., all dancing in the 
bright rays of the sun, presenting a magnificent array. 

A most bold and daring attempt was made on Thursday, August 
1st, in the presence of a large number of passengers, to assassinate 
the Hju. Charles A. Wicklitfe, Postmaster-Greneral, who was on his 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 509 

return from Old Point to this city on board the steamboat Georgia, 
Capt. Cott'oe. It seems that Mr. Wicklitfe, bis two daughters, and 
a niece, and a young man named J. Clayton Gardner, a son of" Col. 
Gardner, of Washington, came on board at Old Point on their way 
to Washington, via this city. During the passage between that 
place and the mouth of the Potomac river, Mr. Wickliffe and 
Gardner (who was represented as a disappointetl office-seeker) were 
seen in casual conversation, which soon terminated without at- 
tracting any attention from the passengers. When the boat was 
otf the mouth of the Potomac, dinner was announced. Mr. W. 
then took his niece by the arm to go to dinner, his two daughters 
walking immediately in I'ront ; and just as he was about passing 
Gardner, who was lying down asleep, he touched Gardner with his 
hand, and said ''Dinner," for the purpose of waking him, when 
that individual sprang to his feet, drew a large dirk knife, and 
plunged it into the right breast of Mr. W., the blade striking against 
the bone, and turning downwards about an inch, but most for- 
tunatel3' not striking deep enough to prove dangerous. Immedi- 
ately on the wound being inflicted, A. K. Wooley, of Kentucky, 
seized Gardner and prevented his doing further injur}^, and with 
the aid of other passengers had him immediately confined. Upon 
the arrival of the boat he was arrested for examination. 

A dreadful accident occurred on the Susquehanna railroad on 
Tuesrhiy. September 12th, as the cars were proceeding to York, Pa., 
containing the Old Defenders and their escort. The axle of tho 
second car broke, causing the others to lap over and throwing two 
from I lie track. Seven persons were severely wounded, and others 
slightly. Mr. McCabe, one of the wounded, died a few days after- 
wards. 

Commodore Alexander Claxton, who died on the 7th of March, 
1841, at Talcahuana, on board of the United States ship Constitu- 
tion, while in command of the U. S. squadron in the Pacific ocean, 
and whose remains were brought home in the ship-of-war Dale, 
was buried in Greenmount Cemetery, in the city of Baltimore, on 
Monday morning, October 29th, with every mark of respect due to 
a sincere and devoted friend of his country-, an honor t(j iier luivy, 
a chivalrous soldier, and a high-minded and generous citizen. 

Tiie ceremonies on November 6th, attending the embarkation 
of alxMit eighty colored emigrants, male and female, sent out by 
the .Maryland Colonization Society, to the Colony of Cape Palmaa, 
in the new and beautiful barque J^ntrobe, Cn\)i. John E. Allen, were 
of a most impressive and S(jlemn character. 

On Tuesday, November 21st, the court-house was densely 
crowded to witness the prosecution of tho case of the State i^s. 
Adam Jlorn, alias Andrew liellman, indicted for the murder of his 
wife ^Malinda iloni, in lialtimore county, on or about tho 23d of 
March, 1843; Mr. J. Nevitt Steele prosecuting attorney for tho 
State, with Messrs. J. M. Jiuchuimn, C. F. Mayer, C. Z. Lucas, and 



510 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

John Snyder for the defence. This important trial ended on 
Monday evening, November 27th. The jury, after an absence of 
only twenty minutes, rendered a verdict of guilty of murder in the 
first degree. The scene in the court-room at the time of its I'endi- 
tion was exciting in the highest degree; the immense throng, in 
their eager desire to give vent to their feelings of joy at the result, 
evinced their approbation in loud tokens of applause. Sentence of 
death was pronounced by Judge Magruder on Monday, December 
4th, 1843. He was hung Friday, January 12tb, 1844. 

In November, Mr. Samuel M. Shoemaker, of Baltimore, entered 
into partnership with Mr. Alvin Adams, of Boston, Mr. W. B. Dins- 
more, of New York, and Edward S. Sanford, of Philadelphia, to 
organize an express line between the above-named cities and Bal- 
timoi'e. This they succeeded in doing, and opened their oflSce on 
Light, near Baltimore street, and conducted the business under the 
name of Adams & Go's Express, though Messrs. Sanford and Shoe- 
maker were the real proprietors. In a few months after they had 
started their line between Philadelphia and Baltimore, Mr. Shoe- 
maker and his associates extended their arrangements so as to 
include Richmond, Virginia, and Charleston, South Carolina. 
Shortly after, in conjunction with Messrs. Green & Co., who owned 
an express line between Baltimore and Wheeling, they organized 
the great Western Express between Baltimore and St. Louis, Mis- 
souri. In 1854 they entered into arrangements with the proprie- 
tors of other express lines between Boston and Philadelphia, which 
finally resulted in the formation of one great company, organized 
under the laws of the State of New York, and which has since 
borne the familiar name of " The Adams Express Company." The 
extent of the business which this company transacts, North, South, 
East, and West, needs no explanation. 

William Jenkins was born at "Long Green," Harford county, 
in 1767, and died in Baltimore on the 21st of February, 1843, from 
the results of a paralytic attack. For over a half century he car- 
ried on in Baltimore the tanning business with great success, and 
he is justly spoken of as "the father of the leather trade of this 
city." 

1844. A meeting took place on the 27th of January, in the 
Colonization Society rooms, in what was known at that da}'' as the 
" Post Office Building," at the northeast corner of Fayette and 
North streets, for the purpose of forming a Historical Society, 
John J. Donaldson in the chair, and F. W. Brune, Ji\, secretary, 
A committee consisting of Messrs. Brantz Mayer, Fielding Lucas, 
Jr., Kobert Leslie, Sebastian F. Streeter, and Dr. S. Collins was 
appointed, who reported a constitution and by-laws for the So- 
ciety, which were adopted. Messrs. J. H. B. Latrobe, Geo. W. 
Brown, and Robert Leslie were appointed a committee to nomi- 
nate officers to be chosen at a subsequent meeting. 

At the first regular meeting of the Historical Society of Mary- 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 511 

land, held on Tl)ursday, February 1st, the following gentlemen were 
elected to serve as ottieers during the ensuing year: — tren. J. Spear 
Smith, President; J. V. L. ilcMahon, Esq., Vice-President; Brantz 
Mayer, Esq., Corresponding Secretary ; Sebastian F. Strceter, Esq., 
Kecording Secretary; J.J.Donaldson, Esq., Treasurer; Dr. Ste- 
phen Collins, Librarian. 

xVgreeably to the announcement previously given, the dedica- 
tion ^of the" Methodist church, corner of Charles and Fayette 
streets, took place on the 25th of March. The services were com- 
menced by the singing of a hymn, given out by Bishop Waugh. 
Bishop Soule then addressed the congregation, taking for his text_ 
the tirst four verses of the tirst ch pter of the Second Epistle of 
Peter. Bishop Waugh closed the ceremonies by a most fervent 
prayer. 

The Whig National Nominating Convention assembled on May 
1st in the Universalist Church, Calvert street. Henry Clay of 
Kentucky was nominated by acclamation the Whig candidate for 
the Presidency, and Theodore Frelinghuysen of JSTew Jersey as 
candidate for the Vice-Presidency. May 2d was a gala day in the 
Monumental City — a great Whig national jubilee. The grand civic 
procession of the Whig Young Men's National Convention of Ratifi- 
cation was truly a magnificent and highly imposing atfair, far sur- 
passing any similar popular demonstration ever made in our 
country. The great and mighty throng which had for more than 
a week previous been pouring into our city like an irresistible ava- 
lanche, from the sunny fields of the South, the far distant prairies 
of the West, the green mountains and rural towns, hamlets and 
villages of the North and East, the industrious farmer from his 
plough, the worthy and ingenious mechanic and artizan from his 
workshop and bench, the generous merchant and shopkeeper from 
his counting room and store, the hardy and brave sons of the 
ocean — in a word, all classes and conditions of society which go to 
constitute this republic one of the noblest and greatest in tho 
world, were on the move at an early hour, making preparations 
for the ceremonies of the day, and wending their way to Balti- 
more street, the great point of attraction, in order to obtain a view 
of the procession, if not to join it. The multitude, like a swelling 
tide, was so great that evei-y window, balcony, porch, and cveiy 
accessible eminence were literally crammed and jammed. Still 
the mighty mass continued to increase ; male and female, tho ven- 
erable patriarch tjcnding beneath the snows of threescore and ten 
years, with the light-hearted and lisping child by his side, tho 
blooming mai<l and the staid mother, all continued to pAur forth 
in one universal stream, and to swell into an innumerable throng 
tho great and mighty multitude. The decorations on Baltimore 
street were on a grand scale; a most beautiiul arch had been 
erected at the intersection of Calvert street, and also one at 
Hanover street. We cannot describe the grandeur and the mag- 



512 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 



nificence of the scene as the procession passed down Baltimore 
street amidst the enthv^siastic and prolonged shouts of acclamation 
from the assembled multitude. The beautiful ship " Tariff",'' full- 
rigged and manned, with her colors flying at her masthead, the 
implements of husbandry, and the machinery of the manufacturing 
and other industrial interests, busily occupied in their respective 
vocations, all combined to add to the magnificence of the scene. 
Upon arriving at Canton the vast concourse ratified the nomina- 
tions made the day before, and were then addressed by the Hon. 
Daniel Webster, Thomas Ewing, Messrs. Crittenden, Metcalf, Eey- 
nolds, Eeverdy Johnson, T, Yates Walsh, Clayton Botts, and others. 

On the 29th of May the Democratic National Convention, then 
in session in this city at the Odd-Fellows' Hall, Gay street, 
nominated James K. Polk as their candidate for President, and the 
next day nominated George M. Dallas for Vice-President, in the 
place of Mr. Silas Wright, w^ho was nominated, but refused to accept. 

The Tyler National Convention assembled on the 27th of May 
at Calvert Hall, which had been fitted up for the occasion, and 
nominated John T^der as their candidate for President. 

On the 10th of September Messrs. Coates & Glenn's lumber- 
yard and several stores and dwellings were destroyed by fire. 

Hon. Eichard B. Magruder, one of the associate judges of the 
Sixth Judicial District of Baltimore County Court, died suddenly 
Monday morning, February 12th. 

The interesting ceremonies of laying the corner-stone of the 
Third German Keformed Church, situated on the corner of Paca 
and Saratoga streets, was celebrated on Tuesday afternoon, Api'il 
9th, in the i^resence of a large concourse of people, by the Rev. S. 
Gutelius, assisted by the Rev. Mr. Heiner. Addresses were de- 
livered by the Eev. Dr. Berg of Philadelphia, and Eev. Mr. Heiner 
of this city. 

The aged and highly esteemed citizen David Barnum, pro- 
prietor of the City Hotel, died on Friday morning. May 10th. 

The convenient, comfortable, and cheap vehicles, "Omnibuses," 
commenced running in May from one extremity of the city to the 
other. 

The magnetic telegraph running from Washington city to the 
railroad dej^ot in Pratt street, was completed on or about the 20th 
of May. The wire was secured against the weather by a covering 
of rope-yarn and tar. The nominations made. May 29th, in the 
Democratic National Convention, were forwai'dcd to Washington 
by means of this telegraph. The following alphabet was used: 



(A) . - 


(GJ) . 


(N) -. 


(T) 


(B) - . . . 


(H) .... 


(0) . . 


(U) 


(C) . .. 


(lY) . . 


(P) 


(V) 


(D) - . . 


(K) - . - 


(Q) . . -. 


(W) 


(E) . 


(L) 


(R) . . . 


(X) 


(F) . - . . 


(M) 


(SZ) . . . 





CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 



5l3 



• The first exhibition of Laughing Gas took place at the Assem- 
bly Kooms on Wednesday evening, May 29th, under the charge of 
Dr. Colton, as applied in dentistry in extracting teeth without 
pain. 

The corner-stone of Mount Calvary Protestant Episcopal 
Church was laid on Tuesday, September 10th, on the north- 
west corner of Eutaw and Madison streets. The ceremonies were 
conducted by the llight Keverend Bishop Whittingham, assisted 
by other clergymen. 

On the 3d"of December "Jackson Square" was donated to the 
city. 

1845. Tuesday the 1st of July was the day especially set apart 
by the people of Baltimore for the observance of the funeral obse- 
quies of the departed ex-President Andrew Jackson. The occasion 
was one of deep solemnity, and it was marked throughout with all 
those evidences of appropriate pi'oceeding which imparted to it a 
character imposing and solemn in the highest degree. Everywhere 
along the route designated by the chief marshal, the houses were 
in mourning. All party distinctions seemed to be forgotten in the 
common desire to honor the memory and services of the distin- 
guished deceased, and the request that a general suspension of 
business should take place, was universally regarded. The proces- 
sion moved to Mount Vernon Place, where an immense stand was 
erected, and after an eloquent prayer by the Hev. Dr. Wyatt, the 
orator of the day, the Hon. Benjamin Chew Howard, delivered an 
eloquent and powerful address. When Gen. Howard resumed his 
seat, one of the bands played an appropriate solemn air. Then 
loUowed a dirge composed for the occasion by the liev. J. N. 
McJilton, which was sung by the Baltimore Musical Association. 
A benediction pronounced by the Kev. G. D. Purviance, and vol- 
leys of musketr}', closed the ceremonies of the day. 

Died, on the 18th of August, General William McDonald, in the 
87th year of his age. General McDonald commanded the sixth 
regiment at the battle of Baltimore in 1814, and received the warm 
commendations of the commanding General for his intrepid and 
soldier-like conduct on that occasion. He was also a soldier of the 
Revolution, and distinguished himself in several engagements with 
the enemy. 

Mr. Benjamin I. Cohen, well known throughout the country as 
one of the firm of J. I. Cohen, Jr., <fc Brothers, bankers and stock 
brokers, died in September alter a long illness. 

The splendid and commodious hotel, the " Eutaw House," was 
sold at auction on Thui-sday, October IGth, at the Exchange, for 
$58,500, exclusive of the furniture. Purchasers, Messrs. llobert 
Garrett & Sons. 

The Savings Bank of Baltimore purchased the residence of tho 
late Colonel Thomas Tenant, at the northwest corner of Gay and 
Second streets, in October, for $10,000. 
33 



514 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

The Baltimore Shot Tower in North Gay street, above- Fayette,, 
was taken down in January, 

The following message was transmitted through the telegraph 
on Friday, February' 14th, from Washington by Prof Morse, to his 
agent, Mr. Rogers, in this city : " Please express my regrets to the 
editors of the papers for whom the telegraph has reported, that 
the appropriation being expended, I am compelled to stop opera- 
tion. We shall all be without pay after the 15th inst." 

St. Alphonsus Church was dedicated on Friday morning, March 
14th, with imposing ceremonies, by the Most Eev. Archbishop Ec- 
cleston, assisted by several of the clergy, in the presence of a large 
and crowded auditory. 

Richai'd Caton, Esq., who married the eldest daughter of Chas. 
Carroll, of Carrollton, departed this life Monday, May 19th, in the 
83d year of his age. 

The steamboat Paul Jones, Capt. Moffitt, from Havre-de-Grrace, 
bound for this port, and having in tow eight canal boats, exploded 
lier boiler Tuesday morning, June 3d, between North Point and 
Bear Creek, and four persons were killed. 

Judge Brice, in the Baltimore City Court on Tuesday, March 
18th, pronounced sentence of death upon Henry McCurry, recently 
convicted of the murder of Mr. Paul Roux, while temporarily 
stopping in this city, and on Friday, June 27th, he was hung in the 
jail yard. 

On the 5th of March, " Franklin Square " was purchased by the 
Mayor and City Council from Mr. Canby for $10,000. 

1846. Judge Elias Glenn, one of our oldest and most respected 
citizens, died on Tuesday, January Gth, in the 77th year of his 
age. lie was long and favorably known as one of the brightest 
ornaments of the Baltimore bar. 

The Roman Amphitheatre, in North Calvert street, was opened 
for the first time on Monday, October 26th, by the equestrian 
troop of Messrs. Sands, Lent & Co. The house was full from pit 
to dome, many having to go away unable to obtain an entrance. 
The building was erected ior Messrs. Sands, Lent & Co. by R. C. 
Long, architect, II. & J. Reynolds, builders, E. Dryer & Lewis, 
decorators and painters. It was capable of holding 5000 persona 
comfortably. 

Ellen Webb; familiarly known to all who visited the court-house 
in her day, as "Aunt Nelly," died on Sunday afternoon, November 
22d. "Nelly Webb" came to the United States during the Revo- 
lutionary war, the wife of a sergeant in the British army under 
Lord Cornwallis. She was at that time but seventeen years of 
age, and was present at the battle of the Cowpens, January 16th, 
1781, Guilford Court-house, N. C, March 15th, 1781, and at York- 
town, Va., October 19th, 1781, at the latter battle of which she, 
with the rest of the British army, were made prisoners of war. 
At what time she came to Baltimoi'e it is not possible to learn, 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 515 

but for over half a century she had been known as the "Aunt 
Nelly " of the court-house. She was a most eminent and eccentric 
vender of pies, ai)i)les, cakes, and nuts. 

Mount Calvary Church. This beautiful edifice, situated at the 
corner of Madison and Eutaw streets, was consecrated Tluirstiay 
mornini^, Februar}' 19th, the Right Eev. Bishop WhittinLcham 
officiating on the occasion. The sermon was preached by the Rev. 
Mr. Atkinson, The music was by the choir of St. Paul's Church. 
The installation of the pastor, the Rev. Mr. Miller, took place the 
day following, with the usual impressive services of the Episcopal 
Church. The lot on which the church is built was given for the 
puri)oso by John B. Morris, Esq. 

On Wednesday evening, May 13th, 1846, in pursuance of a call 
in the public prints for a meeting of the citizens of Baltimore, 
favorable to the raising of volunteers to reinforce Gen. Taylor, 
&c., an immense concourse of persons assembled at " Union Hall," 
corner of Baltimore street and Tripolett's alley, (now Post-Offico 
avenue), the phice designated for the meeting. On motion of Capt. 
James Stewart, the meeting was organized by calling Capt. B. F. 
Mauldin to the chair, and appointing Capt. B. F. Owen secretary. 
A series of resolutions were ottered and adopted ; at this point, the 
meeting having become so immense, the whole street being l)locked 
up, a motion was made and carried to adjourn to Monument Square. 
As soon as they arrived in the Square, they were addressed by 
Coleman Yellott, Francis Gallagher, and William P. Preston, Esqs.^ 
in eloquent and soul-stirring speeches. 

The distinguished gentleman and ripe scholar, Mr. William 
George Read, was the youngest son of Jacob Read, of Charleston, 
South Carolina. He was born September 11th, 1800, and in 1820, 
in a class of fifty-seven, graduated at the Harvard University with 
the first honors. In 1822 he removed to Baltimore and studied law 
in the office of Robert Goodloe Harper. He married on the 7th of 
Ma}', 1825, Miss Sophia Catherine Howard, second daughter of 
Colonel John E. Howard. From 1827 Mr. Read became a perma- 
nent resident of Baltimore, devoting himself to his jirofessional 
and literaiy pursuits. He also took an ardent interest in politics, 
and tor fitlceii years his interest in political questions never flagged, 
and it was his voice that was ever the first to proclaim from 
the windows of the office of the old Itepublican and Arc/us paper 
the news of some great victory, to the assembled crowds of cheer- 
ing and enthusiastic Democrats; j-et he never consented to accept 
office IVom the people, asking only to be permitted to serve and ad- 
vise them, thus presenting the rare spectacle of a disinterested 
politician. Mr. Jlcad's personal courage was unquestioned. Dur- 
ing the dangerous riots of 1SU5 ho placed himself at the head of a 
few brave spirits who volunteered to defend the Convent of the 
(/armelite Nuns, in Aisquith street, which was threatened with an 
attack by a fanatical mob. Summoned as a witness iu the matter 



516 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

before the House of Delegates, he was questioned : " What did you 
intend doing if the mob bad broken into the Convent? " and the 
late Judge Glenn described the effect as " electric," produced by his 
firm reply — "to have died on the threshold ! " He Avas a devoted 
lloman Catholic, a brilliant lawyer and an accomplished scholar, 
a warm friend and a humble Christian. He died on the 7th of 
April, 1846. 

The Baltimore shipmasters and builders, mates and pilots, send 
an address to President James K. Polk, asking that Baltimore be 
selected as the location for building ships of war. The address 
was borne to Washington on the 18th of May, by Captains Wm. 
Mason, Mattbew Kelly, Philip M. Hale, Michael McDonald and 
Geo. Baker, the committee appointed for the purpose. 

On Saturday afternoon. May 23d, an immense "war meeting" 
was held in Monument Square, The meeting was called to order 
by Jacob I. Cohen, Jr., Esq., who nominated his Honor Mayor 
Davies as chairman, and T. Parkin Scott and Thomas Yates 
Walsh, Esqs., as secretaries. The following named gentlemen were 
appointed vice-presidents: Ist Ward, Capt. James Frazier ; 2d, 
Col. John E. Stansbur}^ ; 3d, Capt. Eobert Hutson ; 4th, Joshua 
Vansant; 5th, Col. Sol. Hillen ; 6th, Henry McElderry ; 7th, Henry 
P. Turner; 8th, Marcus Wolf; 9th, Gen. John Spear Smith ; 10th, 
Nathaniel Williams; 11th, Hon. John P. Kennedy ; 12th, Chas M. 
Keyser; 13th, Hugh Birkhead; 14th, John King; 15th, William 
J. Wight; 16th, Geo. W. Krebs ; 17th, Charles Keeder, Jr. ; 18th, 
Gen. Geo. H. Steuart ; 19th, David Stewart; 20th, Geo. K. Dodge; 
from the county Samuel Brady, William Tagert, William P. Pres- 
ton and William G. Howard, Esqs. Col. Davies, in a short and ap- 
propriate address, stated the object of the meeting ; after which 
Robert M. McLane, Esq., ofi'ered a preamble and resolutions, which 
he prefaced by a pati'iotic sj^eech. The resolutions were unani- 
mously adopted. After the adoption of the resolutions the Hon. 
Reverdy Johnson took the stand, and delivered one of the most 
eloquent and patriotic addresses that was ever listened to. At the 
conclusion of Mr. Johnson's address, his Honor the Mayor intro- 
duced to the meeting Gen. Samuel Houston, United States Senator 
from the State of Texas. The announcement of the name of the 
hero of " San Jacinto " was received by the meeting with prolonged 
cheers. Hon. Wm. L.Yancey, member of Congress from Alabama, 
closed the meeting by an eloquent address. During the delivery 
of the address of Gen. Houston, news from Mexico was received 
and read to the meeting by Col. Davies. At the mention of the 
death of the gallant Ringgold, every head was uncovered, and 
many a manly cheek was sutfused with tears. 

On Thursday morning, June 4th, the company called " Balti- 
more's Own " left this city in the 9 o'clock train of cars for Wash- 
ington, where they were mustered in the District battalion. Col. 
W. H. Watson. They elected the following officers: Captain, 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 517 

John E. Kenly ; F. B. Schaeffer, 1st Lieutenant; Oden Bowie, 2d 
Lieutenant; Sergeants, E. W. Aisquith, Wm. H. Ilieknuin, G. 
Oliver Lansdale, and Tliomas Tyson. Tbey were eseorted to the 
cars by the Ea<;le Artillery', Cajit. Kane, accompanied by the hand 
of the "Greys," and moved off from the depot amid the deafening 
cheers of the crowd congregated to see them depart. Previous to 
their departuue, Ca]>t. Kenly was presented with a beautiful ]>air 
of epaulettes by Or. D. Spurrier, in behalf of the officers of the third 
division of Mar3'land militia, lie was also subsequently presented 
with a handsome sword by Capt. Geo. P. Kane, on the ])art of the 
Eagle xlrtillery, as a testimonial of their re.spect and esteem. 

The news from Mexico was received in this city on the 11th of 
October, that Monterey, after three days' hard fighting, had capit- 
ulated. The rejoicing for this great victory was alloyed by the 
mournful intelligence of the death of so many brave officei-s and 
men, among the former the gallant Col. Watson of the J^altimore 
battalion. He fell fighting bravely at the head of his men, in at- 
tempting to storm a battery of artiller}' and musketry, which was 
pouring a deluge of grape and cannister shot at the distance of 
sixty 3'ards. The announcement of the death of Col. Watson cast 
a gloom over the entire city. In the gallant Watson our State 
suffered the loss of as brave a heart as ever beat, and the Balti- 
more bar, of which he was one of the brightest ornaments, a valu- 
able member. 

The mortal remains of Maj. Samuel Einggold were brought lo 
this cit}' on the 17th of December and placed on a catafalque at 
the Exchange, under militarj- escort; and on the 22d he was l)uried 
with grand and imposing military honors. He died on the field 
of Palo Alto, at the moment of a victory which his skill and 
coui'age contributed to achieve. Almost his last words were 
uttered to exhort others to perforna their duty. In the death of 
Maj. Kinggold, Maryland lost one of her brightest and most 
chivalric sons, and his country the services of as brave a heart as 
evt-r jKilpitated, and as true a patriot. The annunciation of his 
death cast a gloom over our city and State, and, with praiseworthy 
unanimity, it was resolved to ])ay to his remains the highest mark 
of respect. For the few days which his body remained in the 
rotunda of the Exchange it was visited by thousands of both 
sexes, who pressed eagerly to drop the sympathizing tear over the 
bier of one who, whilst living, was all that was manly, brave, gen- 
erous, and patriotic. Citizens from a distance vied with those of 
Baltimore in testifying their respect to the deceased; and the 
streets, during the procession on the 22d, jiresented a thnjtig of 
spectators and a ])arade of military seldom before witnessed. It 
was a gi-and and imposing spectacle, worthy of the heroic spirit 
to whom it was on'ere<l, as the tribute of grateful hearts. 

Official report of (>'a))tain James K. Stewart, commanding officer 
of the battalion of Baltimore and Washington volunteers: 



518 CHEONICLES OF BALTIMOEE. 

" Camp near Monterey, Mexico, September 26th, 1846. 

"The battalion of MarjMand and D. C. volunteers, under the 
command of Lieut.-Colonel Watson, connected with the first regi- 
ment of infantry, the whole under the command of Lieut.-Colonel 
Watson, were ordered to march at about 8 o'clock on the morning 
of the 21st, for the attack on Monterey. The battalion were out 
in their lull strength, save Company C, Captain Bronaugh, which 
was ordered to remain on guard-duty at camp, and Lieut. Owen, of 
Company A, with a detachment of twelve men, were ordered on 
picket-guard by General Twiggs. The battalion marched towards 
the city, and charged in the most gallant manner on a battery 
under a galling fire, in which it sustained some loss. The point of 
attack was then changed by order of Colonel Garland, and we en- 
tered the city exposed to a destructive fire from several batteries, 
supported by a large number of infantry, which raked the streets. 
We remained in the city i'or nearly half an hour, when we were 
ordered to retire. In doing so, the battalion became separated. 
Colonel Watson fell by a musket-shot whilst gallantly leading on 
to a second assault on the city. A portion of the battalion was 
then formed under Captain Kenly, and remained on the field of 
battle until it was ordered back to camp by General Twiggs, having 
been under a heavy fire nearly nine hours, losing in action, killed 
six, wounded eighteen. I take pleasure in noticing the gallant 
conduct of the battalion throughout. 

" James E. Stewart, Captain Commanding." 

We will here add that Captain Kenly, after the battalion came 
out of the town, finding himself the senior officer present, as- 
sumed command, and kept it in action and fought with it until 
ordered at nightfall to return to camp. The battalion lost nine 
killed. General Taylor speaking of this battle in his congratu- 
latory order, says : " The General begs to return his thanks to his 
commanders, and to all his officers and men, both of the regular 
and volunteer forces, for the skill, the courage, and the persever- 
ance with which they have overcome manifold difficulties, and 
finally achieved a victory shedding lustre upon the American arms. 
A great result has been obtained, but not without the loss of many 
gallant and accomplished officers and bi'ave men. The army and 
country will deeply sympathize with the families and friends of 
those who have thus sealed their devotion with their lives." 

On the 24th of November, Brevet-Major Robert C. Buchanan, 
of the Fourth Infantry U. S. A., a native of Baltimore and a citi- 
zen of Washington, was assigned by order of General Twiggs to 
the command of the battalion of Baltimore and Washington volun- 
teers. The battalion having distinguished itself in many hard- 
fought battles, and gained a name worthy of the State from which 
it came, and the term of enlistment having expired, was honorably 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 519 

discharged at Tampico on the 30th of May, 1847. The following 
letter was written at the time to the Mayor of Baltimore by Major 
Buchanan : 

" Tampico, May ^\st, 1847. 

^^ Dear Sir: — The term of service of the Baltimore Battalion 
having expired, it becomes necessary to make a suitable disposition 
of the flag under whose folds it so gallantly fought and so faith- 
fully sustained the toils and privations incident to the last twelve 
months' campaign. The officers of the battalion desire that it 
should be presented to the corporation of the city, to be kept in 
the City Hall as a memorial of their regard for Baltimore. In this 
arrangement I most heartily concur. It therefore becomes my 
agreeable duty to forward the flag to you, the chief magistrate of 
the city, with the request that it may bo disposed of in accordance 
to the wishes of the donors. V>y our fellow-citizens it may well be 
regarded with feelings of pride, as having been the standard of a 
body of their friends which, for good discipline, soldierly deport- 
ment, and efficiency for hard service, stood in a most enviable 
position. The Bio Grande, Monterey, Victoria, and Tampico will 
all bear witness to the services of the battalion. Sorgcant-Major 
William T. Lennox, who carried the flag in the battle of Monterey, 
after Hart was wounded, and who has been the color bearer 
since that time, Avill be intrusted with the duty of delivering 
it to you. I am, Sir, with much respect, 

" BoBERT C, Buchanan, 
"Brevet-Major Fourth Infantry', commanding Battalion. 
" To Hon. Jacob G. Davies, Mayor of Baltimore, Maryland." 

In Brevet Major-General John B. Kenly's "Memoirs of a 
Maryland Volunteer in the War with Mexico," we find the follow- 
ing letter from Major-General William II. Emory, United States 
Army : 

"Headquarters Department of the Gulf, 
" A'ew Orleans, September 30, 1872. 

"iify Dear General Kenly : — Your letter of the 16th September, 
and that preceding, followed me as far as Syracuse, New York, and 
back to this place, where they only reached mo to-day. 1 
hasten to rci)Iy, and take great pleasure in stating that the Mary- 
land regiment for the time it was under my command, during and 
toward the close of the war with Mexico, acted uniformly with 
great gallantry, steadiness, and good conduct. When I took com- 
mand of the regiment as Lieutenant-Colonel I bad just returned 
from the expedition engaged in the conquest of New Mexico and 
California, under the lamented (ioneral .lames \V. Kearney. There 
I 8erve<l with what was then c<msi(lered one of the crack regiments 
of the army, the old First Dragoons, and of course my ideas of 
discipline and efficiency were pitched pretty high ; yet 1 was not 



520 CHEONICLES OF BALTIMOEE. 

disappointed in either the dipcipline or the efficiency of the gallant 
Maryland regiment, with M'hioh 3'our name is so honorably identi- 
fied. Excuse the shortness of this note. Believe me, very faith- 
fully yours, W. H. Emory, 

^^ Brevet 3Iaj or- General U. S. A. 
" General John E. Kenly, Baltimore, Md." 

On the 12th of January, 1847, the Legislature adopted resolu- 
tions expressive of the loss sustained by Maryland of Col. True- 
jnan Cross, of Major Samuel Ringgold, of Colonel William H. 
Watson, of Major William Lear, of Captain Randolph Ridgely, 
of Passed Midshipman John Einpgold Hynson, and her other 
brave sons who fell in conflict with Mexico. These mighty suns 
have run their course — have sunk to rise no more forever; but the 
brilliancy of their parting rays shall fade away only when Mary- 
land's proud escutcheon shall become too tarnishetl to reflect them. 
Deeply do we mourn their loss, and yet such is our selfishness, 
such our pride, that if to us were given by a breath the honor 
won to our name must needs be blotted out, who is there among 
us but would pause ; and if in such a moment it were possible their 
own proud spirits might decide, would they not with one voice 
and one breath exclaim. Touch not the honor now sacred to old 
Maryland, we rest in peace! Amid the din of battle and the 
clash of arms death came without a sting, the grave Avithout a 
victor}-. Of the living we speak not — their names are stamped 
on Mexico and Montere3\ Their own brave deeds will ever tell 
their proudest eulogy, and all the eflbrts of fancy would but cast a 
veil over their brilliancy. 

In this year the grounds of the " Marine Hospital " were pur- 
chased for $2500. 

1847. On Sunday, the 31st of January, the brig C. H. Rogers, 
Capt. Wilson, arrived with the remains of Col. AYilliam H. Watson, 
Capt. Randolph Ridgely, Lieut. Eugene Boyle, Lieut. Graham, and 
Messrs. Geoi-ge W. Pearson and Herman S. Thomas, under the 
charge of Lieut. Samuel S. Mills. The intelligence soon spread 
throughout the city, and hundreds were seen hastening down to 
the wharves, while several of the bells in the city commenced 
tolling. A salute was fired by the Junior Artillerists, Capt. Mc- 
Dowell, and various other demonstrations of respect, especially on 
the part of the military, who immediately assembled at their re- 
spective armories to make arrangements for escorting the remains 
of the gallant dead from the boat. The funeral obsequies on the 
8th of February, in honor of the lamented Watson and the gallant 
Ridgely, wei-e a magnificent but melancholy pageant. The national 
flag, shrouded in mourning, was hoisted at half-mast at sunrise, 
from all the public buildings in the city, the principal shipping in 
port, tlie observatory on Federal Hill, the several armories of the 
military, the engine-houses of the fire companies, and from various 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 521 

other places, while in numerous instances appropriate inscriptions 
in honor of the i^allant dead were to be seen suspended from the 
windows of the houses on the line of procession ; in addition to which 
the booming cannon of the Ea,ii;le Artillerists, fired at intervals by a 
detachment of that corps detailed for the purpose, added no little 
to the sublimity of the mournful occasion. 

Josej)h Alexander (colored) was executed on the 26th of Feb- 
ruary, in the jail-yard, for the murder of the colox*ed boy Wash- 
ington Sbeppard. 

The ilUimination on the evening of the 21st of April in honor 
of the victories achieved by our gallant army and navy in every 
quarter of the Eepublic of Mexico, was one of the most brilliant 
and beautiful scenes which hail been witnessed in Baltimore since 
the memorable reception of General La Fayette when he visited 
this country in 1824. The streets were thronged with an almost 
uninterrupted mass of human beings, especially Baltimore street, 
which was the great centre of attraction. From the windows 
streamed forth thousands of lights ; public buildings and private 
houses were resplendent with beautiful and showy transparencies 
and appropriate mottoes ; from every flag-staff and from the ship- 
ping in the port floated the "Star-Spangled Banner," the vic- 
torious flag of a fi'ee people ; from the top of Washington Monu- 
ment and Washington College shot forth the glittering, daz- 
zling, and brilliant Drummond light, lighting up all parts of the 
city within the focus of its rays. 

On the 29th of April a meeting of merchants and business men 
favorable to the formation of a company to construct two steam 
tow-boats for the use of the trade between this cit}^ and the Tide- 
Water Canal at Ilavre-de-Grace, was held at Franklin Hall. Mr 
Richard Leminon, on motion of William Bose, was called to the 
chair, and Mr. William Peterkin appointed secretary. After the 
object of the meeting was stated, Mr. Thomas Wilson presented a 
preamble and resolutions, providing for the immediate formation 
of a company, which were unanimously adopted. 

On the 1st of June the Metamora Tribe No. 1, of the improved 
order of Red Men, laid the corner-stone of their now hall on Lom- 
bard near ILinover street. The ceremonies wore quite interesting, 
and attracted a large number of persons. This hall was dedicated 
on Thursda}', September 30. 

The venei'able old colored man, known to every man, woman, 
and chilli in the city at this time as "Old Moses," died on Wednes- 
day moi'niiig, June IGth, at his residence in Front sti'oet, very sud- 
denl}'. lie was quite aged, and was much respected by every 
person who knew him. 

l)r. Palmer, in an article published in Lippinrott's Magiizine, says: 
" Moses" was a negro of unmixe<l African blood, and with a com- 
plexion dear to the pride of Dahomey; burly too and of imposing 
stature, swathed in a vast white apron, Old Moses was a couspic- 



522 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

U0U8 presence, not to be overlooked by housekeeper or cook with 
hospitable thoughts intent on oj'sters or ice-cream. In his declin- 
ing years he affected a red wig, very ropy as to its texture and 
streaky as to its hue, which, by an effect to be felt rather than de- 
fined, imparted to his general make-up a spurious Choctaw aspect, 
thus conveying to many of his friends the erroneous impression 
that some Juan of the noble line of " Lo " had been surreptitiously 
concerned in his parentage. He had a great gift of whistle, 
whereat we boys did whistle and admire, for he whistled with his 
tongue out, and the tongue was half folded like a leaf. I have 
studied it patiently by the hour, and practised it passionately by 
the day; and he, gravely complaisant, gratified by the apprecia- 
tion my fine ambition evinced, condescended again and again to 
explain to me his method, and demonstrate the acoustic advantage 
of what I may term the lingual attachment. But in vain — I could 
never get the hang of it; and to-daj^, contemplating my honorable 
defeat, my consolation is that in all these post-Moses years I have 
found but one individual who could whistle with the lingual at- 
tachment, and he was a red-headed negro, also named Moses, who 
doubtless came by the gift in the natural way. His music was 
commonly of the sacred order, derived from the familiar and rous- 
ing psalmody of the Methodist practice ; but he occasionally diver- 
sified this with robust performances in the patriotic or sentimental- 
domestic line, and his rendition of a medley (dreadfully popular at 
that time) from such purely national works as "Hail Columbia," 
"The Star-Spangled Banner," " Yankee Doodle," "Home, Sweet 
Home," "Old Grimes," "Days of Absence," and "Away with 
Melancholy ! " was eff'ective and inspiring. His cry was a rapture 
of advertisement at once original and irresistible, and at the 
sound of it from poi'ches and garden-gates and alleys out came the 
children as to the fatal piping of the pied wizard of Hamelin : 

" Out came the children running; 

All tlie little boys and girls, 

Willi rosy cheeks and flaxen curls, 

And .sparkling eyes and teeth like pearls, 
Tripping and skipping, ran merrily after 
The wonderful music with shouting and laughter." 

" La, lilla, lilla, lilla, lilla, lilla, lilla, 1 — a, lemon ice-cream ! lemon 
i — ce curreem ! " (Here a few bars of " Old Hundred," vocal, piano.) 
"Lemon ice-cream! curreem, curreem ! La, lilla, lilla, lilla, lilla, 
lilla, lilla, 1-a-a-a-a! '' (shake.) "Lemon ice-cream!" (" Blow ye 
the Trumpet, Blow! " sifflement with attachment, forte, followed by 
a fantastic melange of " Hail Columbia," " Old Oaken Bucket," and 
" Polly, put de Kittle On," vocal and instrumental, ad lib.) " Poor 
old Moses ! poor old fellah I Jist a-comin' roun' onct moah to e — 
commerdate de ladies and gentium wid de elegint nice oysters! 
Oysh, oysh, shock oy — sh! Oh, my charrain' oysters 1 my 'light- 
ful fresh oysters ! 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 523 

" My o)'?ters Jire fresh, 
An' jis' from de sliell ; 
I can't lell de reason 
My oysters won't sell." 

" Sho — hock oysters! Mj- charmin', nice oysters!" But alack I 
poor human nature! Alas! that a life so useful, so cheerful, so 
melodious, a spirit wherein all the (graces of piet}', patriotism and 
domestic peace were sweetly blended should have licked his xcife ! 
"Ever}- morning, whether she had oflended or not," that was the 
shocking scandal. Every morning ere he took up literally the 
yoke and burden of the day, and with the professional freezers or 
cans, and dippers and pint-pots, went forth on the professional cir- 
cuit, he conscientiously strapped the tough partner of his joys. 
He did it " on principle," he explained, as a preventive measure. 
" It Avarn't as ef he had anything agin her, not to say wishus ; but 
him a-shufflin' roun' all day, and she a lone 'ooman, onpertected, 
and a lot o' ornery niggahs from de alley triflin' roun' de back 
doah, dere warn't no knowin' what kind of deblish spells dey 
might put on to de feebleminded critter to make her disgrace de 
fam'ly, and she wid quality washin' took in, ef he didn't adwise 
her." 

On the 10th of July the flag of the Baltimore battalion — the 
flag that was first planted on the walls of Monterey — was formally 
presented to the corpoiation b}^ Ca])tain James E. Stewart. The 
ceremony took place in front of the City Jlali, and was witnessed 
by a large number of citizens and strangers. The Mayor, Jacob 
G. Davies, received the flag in a very ajipropriate address, and at 
its conclusion, loud calls were made for Capt. Kenly, who addressed 
the crowd in a soul-stirring speech of some twenty minutes. 

"We will here remark that never before were there so many acts 
of incendiarism and firemen's riots as at this time. Scarcely a 
paper is issued in which is not contained an account of one or more 
tires, evidently the act of some vile incendiary. There were no 
less than five on November 28th, all in the same hour and at dif- 
ferent points of the city. These fires were evidently designed for 
the purpose of causing disgraceful riots between rival fire com- 
panies. On Satui-day night, the 25th of Se])tember, the apparatus 
of the New Market and United fii-e companies proceeded towards 
Federal Hill at an alarm of fire; when at the corner of Light and 
York streets a collision took place between parties running with 
the New Market and United combined, on one side, and the 
Watchman fire company on the other side. The figlit was con- 
tinued from lOi to 12 o'clock — along Light street, iVom York to 
Camden, and along Barre street, from Jiight to Sharj) streets, 
during which bricks were torn up from the side-walks and show- 
ered like hail, ])istols were fired in every direction. The New 
Market reel and suction were captured, and the former thrown 
into the dock from the east end of York street; the suction was 



524 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

rescued from those who had it in possession, who were about 
tuinblini>- it into the dock also. The officers of the Baltimore 
United Fire Department, with Joshua Vansant, Esq., at their head, 
assisted the city police and night-watch in suppressing the riot. 

On the evening of the 1st of December, a meeting was held at 
Washington Hall for the purpose of forming an association for the 
promotion of the " Mechanic Arts." It was organized by the ap- 
pointment of Mr. Jesse Hunt chairman, and Mr. Jno. B. Easton 
secretary. John H. B. Latrobe, Esq., then addressed the meeting 
in an eloquent manner, in which he alluded to the history of the 
former associations for the promotion of the mechanic arts which 
existed in our city Irom 1826 to 1834, and brought forward many 
excellent reasons why a similar institution should be formed now. 
Mr. James Milholland offered resolutions, which were unanimously 
adopted. 

The Presbyterian church at the northwest corner of Franklin 
and Cathedral streets was dedicated on Sunday, February 21st. 
The dedication sermon was preached by Dr. Backus, and by the 
pastor elect. Rev. Dr. Plummer, in the evening. 

A gloom was thrown over the city of Baltimore on Sunday, 
June 6th, on the announcement that the esteemed citizen. Major 
James O. Law, was dead. The deceased, aside from his great per- 
sonal popularity among all classes of society, had filled Avith be- 
coming dignity the office of Mayor of this city, was formerly a 
prominent merchant, and at the time of his death, flour inspector 
general. He was born in this city on the 14th day of March, 
A. D. 1809. 

The Seventh Baptist church was dedicated Sunday, August 2d, 
Rev. Dr. Fuller, the pastoi", preaching on the occasion. 

The Belair market-house was commenced in June. 

On the 5th of July an alarming riot took place between the 
citizens of Annapolis and a portion of the passengers of the 
steamer Jewess. The steamer left Baltimore on an excursion to 
St. Michael's ; when about twenty miles down the river it was 
found that in consequence of the crowded state of the boat, it 
would be dangerous to cross the bay to the Eastern Shore, and ac- 
cordingly, after consultation, it was determined to run into An- 
napolis. After a short time a fight was started on the wharf be- 
tween some citizens of the town and some of the young men who 
were on the boat. In a few minutes the fight became general, and 
for the time assumed a fearful character. Stones, bricks, and mis- 
siles in abundance were thrown indiscriminately upon the boat, 
striking ladies and children as well as others. This so incensed 
the male portion of the passengers that they broke into the room 
in which the rifles of Capt. McAllister's company were placed, and 
loading them with ball cartridges, fired among the crowd upon the 
wharf, wounding five persons. The citizens of Annapolis, seeing 
their friends thus shot down, procured two small cannon, one a 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 525 

six and the other a four-pounder, and, after placing them on the 
comraon near the wharf, wero about to discharge them at the boat, 
when Col. Kane, with General Watkins and Judge Brewer, buc- 
ceeded in preventing it by placing themselves before them. This 
proved a fortunate circumstance, as the boat immediately started 
for Baltimore, 

Mv. Solomon Etting died on the 6th of August, in the 83d year 
of his age. He was a native of York, Pa., but had been a resident 
of Baltimore for sixty years. 

On the 4th of Februar}', 1847, an Act of Incorporation was 
passed by the General Assembly of Maryland, " That Samuel F. B. 
Morse, B. B. French, George C. Penniman, Henry J. Rogers, John 
S. McKim, J, R. Trimble, William M. Swain, John O. Sterns, A. 
Sidney Hoane, and their associates, who have acquired from said 
Morse the right to contract and carry on the Electro Magnetic 
Telegraph, by him invented and patented, through this State on 
the route leading from the city of Washington to the city of New 
York, are hereby created a body politic for the purpose of erecting 
and maintaining a line of said telegraph on the route aforesaid, 
and transmitting intelligence by means thereof, under the name 
and style of the Magnetic Telegraph Company." 

On the 10th of ^lay, "Union Square" was donated to the city 
of Baltimore by the Messrs. Dounells ; a short time alter, the waste 
water from the spring was sold to the Baltimore and Ohio railroad 
companj-, for 84,000. 

1848. Agreeably to jirevious announcement, the first Fair ever 
held in this city for the exhibition and encouragement of the 
mechanic arts generally, was commenced on Thursday morning, 
May 18th, in the saloon of Washington Hall, adjoining Baltimore 
Street bridge. 

On Thursday morning. May 25, the new massive cast-iron 
bridge wiiich crossed Jones Falls at Fayette street, broke in 
the centre and fell with a tremendous crash into the water 
beneath. 

A number of the Baltimore troops, under the command of Major 
Kenly, arrived in Baltimore on Thursday afternoon, July 20th, from 
the battle-fields of Mexico. 

The melancholy duty of committing to their mother earth the 
mortal remains of the late Capt. Boyd and Tjieut. Taney liill, both of 
whom fell whilst nobly and bi-tively defending their country's flag 
in an engagement near Ilaiijiittn, Mexico, on the 12th of July, 
1847, was j)erformed on Monday, September 27th, by an immense 
concourse of their fellow-citizens, friends, acquaintances, and be- 
reaved rcilatives. 

The Baltimore Athenaeum was opened, and the edifice inaugur- 
ated by the address of Mr. Brant/. Maj-er, on Monday evening, 
October 23d, in the pre 86. ice of a large and brilliant audience of 
ladies and gentlemen. The address, which was listened lo with 



526 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

profound attention, was an able and eloquent pi'oduction worthy 
the high attainments of its talented author. The Athenaeum is the 
fi"ee gilt of the citizens of Baltimore to the Maryland Historical 
Society, and is occupied by the Maryland Historical Society, Old 
Baltimore Library Company, now merged in the former society, 
and the Mercantile Librar}' Association. Forty thousand dollai-s 
were contributed to build the Athena3um by citizens of Balti- 
more, and of the sum by far the largest portion was solicited 
and obtained by the late Osmond C. Tiffany, an eminent mer- 
chant, originally from New England, but who settled in Balti- 
more in 1816, and died in 1851. Mr. Charles M. Eaton also ren- 
dered good service in this matter, very frequently accompanying 
Mr. Tiffany in his visits of solicitation. 

On the 9th of April, Mr. Joseph K. Eandall leased the upper 
floors of the large building at the N. E. corner of Baltimore and 
Charles street, belonging to Mr. Wm. W. McClellan, and altered 
the premises into a theatre, which he called the "Howard Athe- 
naeum and Gallery of Arts," which was opened on Monday even- 
ing, June 12th, under the proprietorship of Mrs. Charles Howard, 
and direct management of Messrs. Howard & Hewitt, The or- 
chestra was under the direction of Mr. Sandy Jamison. The per- 
formance commenced with an opening address delivered by Mrs. 
Howard, followed by a play called the " Kivala;" then followed a 
dance by Miss Albertine, after which the performances were con- 
cluded by a farce called the "Two Queens." In 1853 Mr. John E. 
Owens assumed charge of the theatre, opening on the 25th of 
April with Mr. and Mrs. Barney Williams. On the 5th of May, 
the property was leased to Geoi-ge Joseph Arnold, who enlarged 
the theatre, and called it " Arnold's Olympic." Arnold, in turn, 
transferred his leasehold interest to " The Kemble Company of 
Baltimore," (composed of Wm. Key Howard, Wm. E. T ravers, 
Geo. P. Kane, Wm. Sperry and others), who had originally fur- 
nished the means for Arnold to enlarge it. On Chi'istmas eve the 
theatre was re-opened by Laura Keene, with the finest company 
which had ever appeared in Baltimore. They held the boards 
until the close of the season, drawing most fashionable audiences. 
Early in the winter of 1854, Mr. John E. Owens became manager, 
so continuing until June 10th, 1855. On the 1st of July, 1855, 
Mr. Joseph Jefferson and John Sleeper Clarke rented the theatre. 
In October, 1856, Mr. McClellan altered the property into offices 
and warerooms as at present. Mr. Edwin Adams made his first 
great hit at this theatre. The following actors made their first ap- 
pearance at this theatre: John Wilkes Booth, who assassinated 
President Abraham Lincoln, made his debut as Kichmond in " Eich- 
ard the Third." He and his brother Edwin F. Booth were born 
near Belair, in Harford Countj^, the first in 1838, and the latter in 
November, 1833. Mr. John S. Clarke was born in Baltimore in 
1833. He made his first public aj)pearance ou any stage at the 



CHEONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 527 

Howard Alhenfcum, Boston, but his first appearance was as a 
member of the Thespian Association in this city, Mr. Edwin 
Booth being the leading man. "While connected with this associ- 
ation, Mr. Clarke acted all the tragic parts, believing that h\s forte 
was tragedy, Mr. Booth playing comedy. Mr. Hichard P. Jones 
made his first appearance on the stage as an actor at this theatre, 
February 10th, 1855. Among those who made their first appear- 
ance in Baltimore upon the theatrical stage, we find Thomas Ap- 
thorjie Coo])er in 1796 ; John Claude ; Mrs. John Johnson, Novem- 
ber 5th, 17*J5, as Lady Teazle ; Mr. John Mills in America, Octo- 
ber -ith, 1806; Mr. AVarren 1776, and Frederick Wheatley. 

An immense town meeting was held in Monument Square on 
Wednesda}' evening. Ma}' 3d, by the citizens of Baltimore, for the 
purpose of giving expression to the feelings of pride and exultation 
at the intelligence of the recent revolution in France. Addresses 
were delivered by Reverdy Johnson, Chas, F. Mayer, Charles E. 
Leloup, George Fein, Wm. P. Preston, and Thomas Svvann. 

The Democratic National Convention, to nominate candidates 
for President and Vice-President of the United States, met in this 
city on the 22d of May, in the basement of the Universalist Church, 
Calvert street. On the 24th, during the proceedings, a crashing 
sound was heard in the gallery, that was crowded most densely 
with spectators, which was followed by a most alarming scene for 
a moment, under the impression on the part of all in the house 
that the whole gallery was coming down. A rush was made in 
every direction for an opening to escape from the catastrophe, 
which it was supposed was about to happen. So great was the 
fright that many jumped out of the windows, others tumbled over 
each other in their ettbrt to reach the door, while several jumped 
from the upper end of the gallery down upon the platform erected 
for the officers. Others thought the chui'ch was on fire, and cries 
of fire in some parts of the house rendered the panic still greater. 
After much exertion upon the part of the president and the com- 
mittee of arrangements, order was partially restored. It was then 
stated by some that only a pew had broken ; by others, that the 
gallery had settled somewhat in one corner; the convention finally 
took a recess, and examined the gallery. The convention on the 
25th nominated Gen. Lewis Cass, United States Senator from 
Michigan, as their candidate for the Presidency, and Gen. NVHUiam 
O. Butler, of Kentuck}', as their candidate for the Vice-Presidency. 
One of the most destructive fires with which our city has been 
visited, occurred on the afternoon of the 28lh of May. It broke 
out about three o'clock, in the extensive cotton factory of Mr. 
Knox, situated in Lexington street, above Fremont. There were 
at least sixty dwellings consumed. The origin of this dreadful 
calamity was the work of an incendiary. 

Aljout half-past five o'clock on the afternoon of the 30th of May, 
the whole city was startled by a violent shock, as if by an earth- 



528 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMOEE. 

quake, which immediately gave rise to the most painful and ex- 
aggerated statements. But on the arrival of the York train of 
cars, intelligence was received that the shock was caused by the 
explosion of the powder mill of Mr. Beatty, some six miles from 
the city on the Susquehanna railroad, by which two lives were lost, 
and much damage done to the propert}' in the surrounding neigh- 
borhood. This same mill exploded in JSovember, 1846. 

On the 25th of May, the Western telegraph line to Cumberland 
was opened for business. 

On the 4th of October, after the result of the election for sheriff 
had been ascertained, a party of rowdies, bearing with them a 
transparency purporting to belong to the 7th wai'd Cass and Butler 
club, created a wanton and unprovoked riot in Baltimore street, 
and immediately made a violent attack on the Baltimore Clipper 
office, smashing in windows, breaking the doors, endangering the 
lives of the bands while at work, and doing much other damage. 
The mob, before the attack on the Clipper office, showered upon 
the Patriot office a volley of brick-bats and other missiles which 
broke more or less all the windows in the building, and also the 
windows of Mr. G. S. Griffith, Messrs Ades & Albert, Mr. W. 
Moulton, and Mr. Taylor's periodical depot. 

On the 10th of October our city was again disgraced by another 
shameful riot, which occurred in the eastern section of the city. 
About 8 o'clock a large number of persons, having with them a 
portion of the apparatus of the Watchman Fire Company, pro- 
ceeded to Caroline street above Baltimore, and for reasons 
best known to themselves, commenced a violent attack upon the 
tavern of Mr. John Appleby, at the corner of Caroline and Hami)- 
stead streets, demolishing nearly every window in his house, one 
of the bricks striking Mr. A. a severe blow on the forehead. 
Pistols were freely used. Finding his house surrounded by a host 
of wretches who seemed bent on its destruction, Mr. Appleby 
thought proper to defend himself as he best could, and accordingly 
fired sevei-al shots at them from his windows, some of which took 
effect on his assailants and caused them to retreat. During the 
progi'ess of the row the pavements in the neighborhood were torn 
up with axes to supj^ly ammunition. We regret to say seven men 
were shot. 

Mr. Kobert Gilmore, one of the oldest merchants in this city, 
died on the morning of the 30th of November after a protracted 
illness. Mr. G. was extensively connected with mercantile affairs, 
and died regretted and esteemed by a large number of friends. 

1849. February 7th was a day of intense excitement in this 
city, it being the day set apart for the great prize-fight between 
Hyer and Yankee Sullivan, in which, contrary to general expecta- 
tion, Sullivan was dreadfully whipped by Hyer, who sustained but 
comparative little injury, winning the stakes ($10,000) in sixteen 
minutes. The j)olice force, under High Constable Gifford, started 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 529 

in backs for Carroll's Island to operate by land in that direction. 
The Independent Greys, Capt. Hall, and the Independent Blues, 
Capt. Shutt, were on brief notice ordered out, " armed and 
equipped as the law directs," all under the command of Major 
"Watkins. The steamer Boston havin<T; been chartered by Attorney- 
General Richardson to carry the militar}' to the "seat of war," 
started off about 12 o'clock on the night of the Gth, and reached 
the field of battle about da^'light. The police and military arriv^ed 
on Poole's Island about 3 o'clock on the morning of the iight, but 
both of the principals escaped. The fight took place notwith- 
standing all the efforts to prevent it, on Rock Point, in Kent 
County, Maryland. As it was, none of those who were on board 
the boat, and those of the police who so nobly endured the most 
laborious and painful hardships to prevent the fight, will ever 
forget this memorable " expedition to Poole's Island." 

The National (council of the Bishops of the Roman Catholic 
Church commenced its session at the Cathedral on the Gth of May. 
The Most Rev. Archbishop Eccleston of Baltimore presided. 

On the 20th of Jul}- Conrad Vintner, the murderer of Mrs. 
Elizabeth Cooper, near Parkton, Baltimore County, was executed 
in the jail-3'ard. 

Duriug the summer of 1819 the cholera prevailed to an alarm- 
ing extent at the almshouse. The first death from the epidemic 
occurred on the 11th of July, and the last one on the 4th of 
August. The total numl)er of cases during its existence was 158, 
and the total number of deaths 94. 

The funeral ceremonies which took place in this cit}- on the 
everniig of the 25th of July in honor of the late ex-President Polk, 
drew together in Monument Square one of the largest assemblages 
ever before convened in Baltimore. It was a spontaneous out- 
pouring apparently of our whole population, Whigs and Demo- 
crats, male and female, of all classes and conditions of society. 
The orator of the day was Hon. John C. Legrand ; the ofliciating 
clergymen Rev. Dr. Johns and Rev. T. B. Sergeant. 

On the 17th of September, about four o'clock, a large number 
of ])ersons assembled on W. Lexington street near Fraidclin square, 
to witness the ceremony of laying the corner-stone for the "Indi- 
gent Widows' Asylum," about being erected under the auspices of 
the Female Humane Impartial Society of Baltimore. The ceremo- 
nies were opened by an impressive prayer by the Rev. S. P. Hill. 
The Rev. Joseph P. Smith, pastor of Second Presbyterian Church, 
then delivered an eloquent and a|)j)ro[)riate address. The Rev. Mr. 
Tru|)nall, of St. Andrew's (Kpiscoi)alian) Church, followed in 
anollicr address. The corner-stone was then laid by ^fr. Dixon, 
the architect, after which a liberal collection was raised. The 
ceremonies concluded by a prayer from the Rev. .Mr. Nadall, of the 
Methodist Episcopal Cliurtdi. This institution was (ledieatc-(l with 
religious services on Tuesday, October 28Lh, 1851. Doctor Fuller 
34 



530 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

commenced the exercises with prayer, followed by Eev. Dr. Eoberts. 
Eev. John C. Baekun delivered the address, followed with prayer 
by Eev. Messrs. Bolton and Heiner. 

Edgar Allan Poe, although not actually born in Baltimore, was 
tbe descendant of a family long settled in this city, and is there- 
fore universally looked upon as a Baltimorean. His mother was 
temporarily absent from her home at the time of his birth. It is 
not positively certain whether he actually saw the light first in 
Boston or Eichmond. It is, however, certain that there is an error 
of two years in all his biographies as to the day of his nativity. 
He was born on the 20th of January, 1809. His father was David 
Poe, Jr., son of that David Poe of whose services to the country 
during the Eevolutionary War, as deputy Commissary General of 
Supplies, we have heretofore spoken in this Avork. His mother 
was Mrs. Hopkins, an actress, an Englishwoman by birth, whose 
maiden name was Elizabeth Arnold. His father and mother dying 
when he was an infant, he was adopted by Mr. John Allan, a rich 
and childless Scotchman, of Eichmond, whose wife became passion- 
ately attached to him. He had every possible opportunity for educa- 
tion — having been placed at school in England underthechargeof the 
Eev. Dr. Buzby. Afterwards he was sent to the University of Vir- 
ginia, where his classmates, amongst others, were St. Geo. W, 
Teackle, the late Judge Collins Lee, and the Hon. E. M. T. Hunter, 
of Virginia. In consequence of some irregularities he left the 
University before graduating. His foster-father obtained for him 
an appointment of cadet at West Point, but he was unfitted for the 
discipline of a military school and did not remain long there. Mrs. 
Allan having died and Mr. Allan having married a young lady who 
soon brought him children of his own, the adopted son disagreed 
with his early patron and friend and was left to his own resources. 
The story of his visit to Greece and St. Petei'sburg which is found 
in all his biographies, is a pure invention, as he never was in Europe, 
except whilst he was at Dr. Buzby's academy. 

From the time of his estrangement from Mr. Allan he was 
obliged to rely for support upon his exertions as a writer. In 1829 
he published Tamerlane and Al Aaraf, which, whilst they exhibit 
many marks of his peculiar genius, did not attract general atten- 
tion. In 1838, a committee consisting of John P. Kennedy, John 
H. B. Latrobe, and another gentleman, were requested by the pub- 
lishers of the Baltimore Saturday Visitor to award prizes of one 
hundred dollars each, which they had offered for the best poem and 
prose story. The names of the competitors were not known until 
the prizes had been awarded to the respective pifeces, when it was 
found that Poe was the successful competitor for both. It is not 
within the scope of this work to trace him through his litei-ary 
labors. He M'as successivel}^ editor of the Southern Literary Mes- 
senger at Eichmond, of Burton's Gentleman's Magazine in Phila- 
delphia, and an assistant of Morris and Willis upon the Home 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 531 

Journal. lie also established, in conjunction with Charles F, 
Briggs, a short-lived weekly paper, called the Broadway Journal. 
He was equally distinguished as a writer of prose and poetry. 
Some of his tales disphi}', in a high degree, invention and imagina- 
tion, but the impression they have upon the mind is often gloomy 
and unsatisfactory. " The Uaven " is universally regarded as a 
woriv which could onl}' have been produced by a genius at once 
original antl sublime. It has been translated into many languages, 
and is spoken of by the most tliscriminating critics as entirely sui 
generis. 

Ilis death was as melancholy as his life. In September, 1849, 
he went to Kichmond, Va., where he delivered a lectui'c on tem- 
perance, lie there met a lady to whom he had been attached in 
earl}' life. lie had become a widower — his amiable and beautiful 
wife, Virginia Clemm, having died some years before; and the lady 
had lost her husband. Their old partiality was revived, and it 
was arranged that they should be married. He set out early in 
October, 1849, for New York to make arrangements for his mar- 
riage. Arriving in Baltimore, he was induced by the solicitation 
of a friend to take a glass of wine. His temperament was such 
that one or two glasses produced upon him all the consequences 
usually lullowing excessive indulgence. For one or two days his 
whereabouts cannot be traced, but on the fourth of October he 
was carried, in a condition of unconsciousness, to the Washington 
University Hospital. On the seventh of that month he regained, 
for a few moments, the possession of his faculties, looked round 
and inquired where he was. The answer brought to his mind, no 
doubt, the terrible consciousness of what he had probably forfeited 
by yielding to temptation, and he died in a few moments — there 
is every reason to believe, from the overwhelming conflict of his 
emotions. He lies buried amongst his kindred, near the western 
wall of Westminster graveyard, corner of CJreene and Fayette 
streets, and no stone or monument yet marks his resting-])lace. 

Gen. Tol)ias E. Stansbury died at his residence in Baltimore 
county, on Tliursday, October 25ih, in the 93d year of his age. 

On the 11th of December the Jlev. Theobold Matthew, so ex- 
tensively known as the advocate and propagator of Temperance, 
arrived in this city in the morning train from Philadelphia. Ho 
was received at the outer depot with every demonstration of re- 
spect by a large number of persons who had assembled there, and 
was from thence conveyed in a carriage to the residence of the Kev. 
Mr. Dolan, adjoining St. Patrick's Church, Broadwa}', where ho so- 
journed during liis slay in this city. Among the many who visited 
him was his Honor Mayor Stansburj', who welcomed him to the 
city, and who expressed the hope (hat his sojourn here would bo 
rendered |)leasant and agreeable. Mr. A. Ilyam took the tempe- 
rance jdedge from Father Mattiicw, and his certificate was num- 
bered 5,774,059, being the whole number of persons who had re- 



532 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

ceived the pledge from the reverend father from the beginning 
of his labors up to this time. Mr. Hj-am was chief officer of 
the Sons of Temperance in this city, and administered the pledge 
of his order to Father Matthew, who expressed himself highly 
honored. 

Proverbial as our country is for impulse and enterprise, these 
feelings have never been so fully illustrated as since the discovery 
of gold in the recently acquired territory of California. " The 
fever is up," and thousands went on their way to "the modern El 
Dorado." The adventurers were not confined to the reckless and 
the improvident — to individuals bankrupt in character and in 
fortune ; but among them were choice spirits — active, earnest, in- 
dustrious and high-minded young men, who saw in this discovery 
" a golden opportunity," and who were determined to take ad- 
vantage of a tide that appeared so especially calculated to lead on 
to fortune. Many, no doubt, departed with delusive hopes and ex- 
travagant expectations. Others, excited and bewildered, dashed 
into the enterprise without an adequate calculation as to all the 
risks and trials, the perils by sea and land, the dangers to health, 
the difficulties of the way, and the fearful sickness which is apt to 
steal upon the heart when friends, home, and beings loved dearer 
than life, are far, far aAvay. There were others again who calcu- 
lated the chances, who embarked in a cool, calm and somewhat re- 
luctant spirit, but still with a determination to tax every energy to 
realise something in the way of pecuniar}^ independence. Several 
vessels departed from the port of Baltimore during this yeai*. 
Crowds on these occasions thronged the wharves, the light laugh 
and the merry jest were heard from the lookers-on, and among the 
adventurers were not a few who smiled a last farewell, and joined 
in the hearty shout that thrilled like the peal of a trumpet as the 
vessels were parted from their fastenings. But there were other 
and sadder scenes. Gentleness and love had their homes in some 
of those daring hearts, and the voice trembled with emotion and 
the eye filled with tears as a fair white hand was clasped for the 
last time, or a sacred kiss was impressed upon checks that paled at 
the thoughts and associations ot that tender, passionate, and yet 
sorrow-fraught moment. The mother parted from her son, the 
husband from his wife, the lover from his betrothed ; and the very 
effort to subdue and suppress emotion, to check and restrain the 
overflowings of the heart, only rendered the agony deeper. The 
first ship off was the Greyhound, on the 10th of Janu:ay, com- 
manded by Capt. Claypoole, and owned by William Chesnut. She 
carried out thirty-nine passengers. The Greyhound was followed 
by the following vessels, all destined for the same country, Cali- 
fornia: Schooner Sovereign, Capt. Peterson; ship Xylon, Capt. 
Millington ; barque John Potter, Capt. Watts ; ship Jane Parker, 
barque Kirkland, barque Tarquin, ship Juniata, Capt. Smith ; 
barque Hebe, Capt. Stetson ; barque John Mayo, Capt. Parrington ; 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 533 

brig Richard W. Broivn, Capt. Speed ; brig Bathurst, Capt. Hooper; 
schooners Ferdinand, Capt. Parker; Wdmington, Capt. Gosiiell; 
brig St. Andrew, Capt. Paul; brig Arabian, CayiL Slemmor; ship 
Andalusia, schooner Creole, Capt. Allen ; brig Ospray, Capt. Orem ; 
barque Martin W. Brett, ship Aquetnet, Capt. Mosher ; ship Jlenry 
Pratt, Capt. Muling. A number of persons went from this city on 
their way to California by the overland route, through Indepen- 
dence, Missouri. 

The new Jewish temple of the Har Sinai Verein, situated on 
north High, near Fayette street, was dedicated on Friday, Septem- 
ber 7th. The ceremonies were conducted under the direction of 
Messrs. L, Lowman, Samuel Dellvie, and William Mosher, the com- 
mittee of arrangements. The introductory pra^xn* was read by 
Mr. William S. Raynor, in German. The consecration sermon was 
preached by Rev. Mr. Braun ; and ^Vi\ Joachimsen, Esq., of New 
York, delivered an oration in English. 

1850. Mr. Henry Mankin estai)lished a regular line of packets be- 
tween Baltimoreand Liverpool in January. The Mayor of Baltimore 
called on the citizens to assemble in town meeting at Monument 
Square, on Monday evening, March 4th, to give " exjjression of Bal- 
timore city for the Union! " The whole number of ])ersons assembled 
was estimated at 5000, which considering the severity of the 
weather was an immense meeting. Joshua Vansant called the 
meeting to order, and nominated a large number of officers. 
Speeches were made by Col. Stansbury, Hon. Wm. Fell Giles, and 
Wm. H. Collins, Esq. 

On Tuesday, April 2d, Messrs. Gibson & Co., auctioneers, sold 
at the Exchange the property known as the " Wheatfield Inn," 
situated on the west side of Howard street, north of Baltimore, 
now known as the Howard House, fronting 51i feet, with a depth 
of 140 foet. Purchased by llobert Garrett and Sons for 325,000. 

The scene throughout the city of Baltimore on Saturday, July 
1.3th. the day set for the commencement of the funeral obsequies 
at Washington to the memory of President Zachary Taylor, who 
died in Wushington, July the 9th. was of the most impressive and 
8olen\n character. The deep and mournful tolling of the church 
and tire bells — the constant booming of distant minute-guns — the 
waving of craped flags from every prominent point in the city and 
harbor — the insigrua of mourning displayed in front of |)ublic 
houses and stores, all toM that our citizens were deeply impressed 
with the great loss which the nation had sustained in the death of 
that brave and good old man. Gen. Zachary Taylor, and that they 
were resolved to sanctify his memory in their hearts' warmest af- 
fections. The day will long be remembered as one of unusual 
solemnity in Baltimore. 

On Satunlay, July 13th, al)()ut half-past eleven o'clock- at night, 
a firo broke out in the extensive lumber-yard oi" Mi". John J. (rrif- 
fith, East Falls avenue, which, owing to the dry and combustible 



534 CHEOKICLES OF BALTIMOKE. 

nature of the material, spread with great rapidit}', resulting in one 
of the most destruetive fires that had been witnessed in this city. 
The wind at the time was blowing quite fresh from the west; and 
by the time an}' of the a])paratuR could get to work, the whole 
line of the lumber-yard of Mr. Griffith along the Falls, from Fawn 
street up, was in one sheet of flame. Soon after the fire spread to 
the adjoining lumber-yard of Mr. James Harker, working up noi'th- 
wardly toward the steam saw and planing mill of Mr. H. Herring. 
Despite the exertions of the firemen, the fire gradually gained upon 
them, until the entire block from the Falls to President street and 
from a short distance below Fawn street, including a portion of 
Messrs. King and Sutton's lumber-yard, and two dwelling houses 
belonging to Mr. Richard Cross, up to Stiles street, were in flames. 
Mr. Herring's saw-mill, through the incessant labors of the firemen, 
withstood the flames, only a small portion of the building being 
burnt. As usual at this j^eriod, the lumber-yard was set on fire by 
an incendiary. 

On the 20th of July the corner-stone of Grace Church (Protes- 
tant Episcopal) was laid with the usual ceremonies by the Eev. 
Dr. Atkinson, assisted by the Rev. Messrs. Killen, Leakin, Pig- 
gott, Mooi'e, Berger, Stewart and Hall. 

On the 21st of October the ceremony of laying the corner-stone 
of a monument to commemorate the virtues and the noble deeds of 
the tM'O brave 3'ouths, Wells and McComas, who lost their lives in 
the memorable battle of North Point, was performed under the 
most favorable auspices. Governor Thomas laid the stone, being 
escorted to the ground b}' the militia and various civic societies of 
the city. Rev, Henry Slicer followed with an eloquent prayer, 
after which Col.B. U, Campbell was introduced to the assemblage, 
and jjroceeded to deliver an oration full of eloquence and replete 
with interest. 

After long expectation, the great songstress Jenny Lind arrived 
in this city on the 8th of December. In anticipation of her arrival, 
several thousand persons had assembled at the depot and Barnum's 
to get a sight of her. During the afternoon and evening she was 
waited upon by a number of ladies, receiving all in a graceful 
manner. At night she was serenaded by the " Independent Greys 
Band." The announcement that the tickets, or rather seats, for 
the first concert would be disposed of at auction, drew an immense 
crowd at the Front Street Theatre, the place of sale. About ten 
o'clock Mr. Gibson, of the firm of Gibson and Co., auctioneers, 
mounted a stand in the centre of the stage and announced that 
the sale would now commence, and proceeded to state the terms. 
The ])ricc of tickets of admission to all parts of the house had been 
fixed at S3. The first choice was now ])ut up : " What's bid for 
the first choice?" A breathless silence prevailed for a moment, 
and then was heard a first voice say " ten dollars;" S20, $30, and 
^40 ibllowed in quick succession. §50 was then bid ; and after 



CHROINICLES OF BALTIMORE. 535 

being dwelt upon for several minutes, Avas raised to seventy-five. 
One hundred followed quickly, and at this price the seat was 
knocked down to the bidder, Mr. J. II. Whitehurst, the well-known 
" daguerreotypist." The announcement brought from the house 
" three cheers for Whitehurst ! " and cries of " show him up ! " But 
Mr. W. was not present, having been represented by an agent. 
The aggregate amount of the sales, including price of tickets and 
premiums, reached S12,000; average price of the tickets was about 
$7. On the night of the concert, the scene within the theatre was 
one beyond the power of description. Every nook and corner 
where a man could stanil was filled, just room enough being left 
on the stage for the orchestra and the fair Nightingale. A more 
brilliant audience — more beauty and fashion — never assembled 
within the walls of any building in this city. The doors were 
opened at six o'clock, and the crowd commenced pouring in in a 
continuous stream till 8, the time for the commencement of th'e 
concert. Front street was blocked up with carriages, omnibuses, 
and a dense mass of spectators, so that it was extremel}^ difficult 
to get near the door. For her fourth and last concert a charge of 
twelve and a half cents was made at the door for all persons who 
went into the auction at the theatre to purchase tickets. The re- 
ceipts of the four concerts were about SGO,000, a very snug sum 
for the singing of some two dozen songs. How much the specu- 
lators made on them is hard to tell, but it could not be less than one 
fourth more. 

1851. Archbishop Eccleston, of Baltimore, died at Georgetown 
on the 22d of April, 1851. Bishoj) Eccleston was held in the 
highest esteem, not only by the particular branch of the religious 
denomination of which he was the honored head, but by the citi- 
zens generally. He was a prelate of distinguished talents, eminent 
piety, and great influence. He was born in Kent county in June, 
1801, and was therefore nearly fifty years of age. 

On the 15th of September, a meeting of some five or six thous- 
and persons was held in Monument square to give an expression 
of the sentiments and feelings of Baltiinoreans relative to the 
recent outrage and murder at Christiana, Penns3ivania. The meet- 
ing was organized \)y Hon. John II. T. Jerome, president, with a 
large number of vice-presidents and secretaries, ^[essrs. Z. Col- 
lins Lee, Coleman Ycllott, Francis (Jallagher, Samuel H. Tagart, 
and Col. Ceoi-ge W. Hughes ebxpuuitly ad<lrcsscd tiie meeting. 
The accounts oi' the terrible affair having i-eached the city on the 
12th of SeiHeinber, were briefly this: Mr. Fdwai-d CJursuch, a 
wealthy, well-known and highly esteemed citizen of the upper part 
of Baltimore county, residing at Coal Bottom, about 22 miles from 
the city, on the York road, missed two valualjle slaves, and ascer- 
taining that they had taken refuge at a small town in Lancaster 
Co., Pa., named (Jhristiana, some 20 miles from Lancaster, deter- 
mined to proceed thither and repossess himself of them. In com- 



536 CHEONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

paiiy with his son Mr. Dic-kinson Gorsuch, and several of his 
neighbors, Di\ Pearce, Mr. Nathan Nelson, Mr. Nicholas Hutchins, 
and his nephew, Mr. Joshua Gorsuch, he proceeded to Philadelphia, 
and there obtaining the services of a deputy United States Marshal, 
started for the village above-named. They arrived there the next 
day about daylight, and proceeded to the house of Levi Pownell, 
where Mr. Gorsuch expected to find his slaves. The house seemed 
occupied by negroes. Mr. Gorsuch immediately requested his 
slaves, who looked from the windows, to come down, but they 
refused, and threw an axe at him. About the same time two 
white men appeared on horseback, and simultaneously gangs of 
negroes surrounded the Deputy Marshal and his companions. The 
blacks then fired and killed Mr. Edward Gorsuch, and desperately 
wounded his son Dickinson, and slightly wounding Dr. Pearce. 
Throughout the whole county of Baltimore, as also in this and 
other parts of the State, the murder created an intense feeling of 
revenge. 

According to previous announcement, the interesting cei'emony 
of laying the corner-stone of the new hall about being erected by 
the "Maryland Institute for the Promotion of the Mechanic Arts," 
on the site heretofore occupied by the first of the Centre market- 
houses, took place on the 13th of March, in the presence of a large 
concourse of citizens. The exercises were commenced b}' a fervent 
prayer to the Throne of Grace by the Rev. Dr. Fuller, at the con- 
clusion of which the building committee, headed by its chairman, 
Wm. Bailey, Esq., proceeded to lay the corner-stone, the formula 
used being similar to that used by the Masonic order. Upon the 
conclusion of this part of the ceremony the band performed the 
national anthem of Hail Columbia, and Joshua Vansant, Esq., 
president of the institute, introduced to the audience S. Teackle 
Wallis, Esq., the orator of the occasion, who proceeded to deliver 
the address. At the conclusion of Mr. Wallis's address, the pro- 
ceedings were closed by a prayer and benediction by the Eev. Dr. 
J. G. Burnap, followed by music from the band. On the 20th of 
October the building was opened with a great exhibition, and on 
the 21st the Hon. Jno. P. Kennedy delivered the annual address 
to the vast assemblage that thronged the hall in every part. The 
first ]nle for this building was driven on Monday, January 13th, 
and the first stone laid Friday, Janmxry 24th, 1851. 

The corner-stone of the House of Eefiige, located at the inter- 
section of the Frederick Road and Gwynn's Falls, was laid with 
appropriate ceremonies on the 27th of October. A staging was 
erected near the southwestern corner of the building, which was 
occupied by Gov. Lowe, Chief Justice Taney of the United States 
Supreme Court, the Mayor, members of the Council, the choir, and 
a number of other invited guests. The ceremony Avas commenced 
by the choir singing "Before Jehovah's Awful Throne," accom- 
panied by instrumental music from the Quartezians, consisting of 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 537 

Messrs. J. F. Dix, Andrew Reese, Jacob Deems, Jr., and II. S. 
Spillman. The choir was princijially from the Rev. Dr. Fuller's 
church, led b}- Mr. John Mason. The Rev. Dr. Johns then ottered 
up an eloquent and appropriate praj'cr. Gov. Lowe, Mayor 
Jerome, and Geo. Brown, lilsq., president of the House of Refuge, 
then ])roceeded to lay the stone. Having returned to the stand, 
after singing by the choir, Mr. Charles F. Mayer was introduced, 
and delivered an address which was most eloquent and appro- 
priate, and was listened to with great interest and 8atisfa"liou by 
the attentive auditory. Rev. J. G. Ilamner closed the ceremonies 
of the afternoon by prayer and benediction. This institution .was 
incorporated February 8th, 1831, and the charter amended March 
27th, 1850. 

On the Ist of November the interesting ceremony of laying 
the corner-stone of St. Luke's Protestant Episcopal Church, on 
the east side of Carey street, between Saratoga and Lexington 
streets, took place in the presence of about five hundred persons. 
The Rt. Rev. Bishop AVhittingham officiated in person, assisted by 
twelve of the reverend clergy of this diocese. Rector, Rev. 
Francis Asbury Baker. The lot on which the church is 
erected was presented to the congregation by John Glenn, Esq. 

Died, on the 10th of February, Attorney-General George R. 
Richardson ; and also James AVilson, Esq., of the well-known firm 
of William Wilson & Sons. 

The New Assembly Rooms, at the corner of Hanover and Lom- 
bard streets, were finished in February for Col. John Eager 
Howard, and were opened on the 5th of March by Madame Anna 
Bishop with her concert troupe. The shot-tower on South Eutaw 
street was torn down in March, and the bricks used in the 
building of five warehouses on the south side of Baltimore street, 
between Eutaw and Paca streets. 

The corner-stone of the Methodist Episcopal Church situated 
on the corner of Franklin and Poppleton streets, was laid on Mon- 
day afternoon, March 24th, with the usual ceremonies. The exer- 
cises were opened by Rev. A. A. Reese, and concluded b}' the Rev. 
I. P. Cook. St. Mark's Protestant Episcopal Church was conse- 
crated on Thursday morning, July 17th. The Rt. Rev. Bishop Whit- 
tingham officiated, assisted by the Rev. Mr. McFarland, the pastor 
ol" the church. 

In June the Post-Office Department at Washington rented the 
Exchange building for a post-office, and after expending consider- 
able means in fitting it up, removed there on Thur-sday, August 
21st, from the corner of N(n*th an*! Fayette streets. 

A crowd of several hundred persons from Fodei-al Hill paraded 
through the principal streets of the city on Fi-iday evening, 
August 29th, with a l)anil of music, accompanied by an old worn- 
out horse, bearing on his back an ^fi^^jl,}' intended to represent the 
Hon. A. F. Owen, the American consul at Havana. The " pa- 



538 CHEONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

geant" attracted no little curiosity, and was followed by an im- 
mense crowd, who finally wended their way back to the Hill, 
where the effigy was committed to the flames amidst the greatest 
apparent enthusiasm. These pi'oceedings were caused by the exe- 
cution of fifty American citizens in Havana for participation in the 
revolution in Cuba. 

The first annual exhibition of the Maryland Horticultural 
Society was held in the saloon of Carroll Hall in September. 

The first of the contemplated course of lectures was delivered 
on Tuesday evening, December 16th, at the hall of the Maryland 
Institute, by the Hon. Joseph R. Chandler, of Philadelphia. 

During the past five years the number of houses annually 
erected in the city has been as follows: 1847,2006; 1848,1920; 
1849, 1894; 1850, 1827; 1851, 1815. 

The distinguished Hungarian patriot and exile, Louis Kossuth, 
arrived in this city on Saturday afternoon, December 27th, and re- 
ceived one of the most enthusiastic receptions that has ever been 
extended by the people of Baltimore to any individual since the 
memorable visit of the great " Friend of America," La Fayette. 
Notwithstanding the extreme cold, the shocking condition of the 
streets from ice and snow, and the shortness of the time given for 
the making of preparations, the great Magj'ar was greeted by a 
numerous procession of military and civic associations, constituting 
a most imposing demonstration of welcome. As soon as the cars 
arrived bearing Kossuth, he stepped into a barouche by the side of 
Mayor Jerome and bowed to the people. The carriages were then 
put in motion, and bore him to the right of the military. Here 
the barouche, with the carriages foUowino;, halted, whilst the mill- 
tary escort filed past him in review; after which the procession 
moved forward. Kossuth was dressed in a black velvet sack cloak, 
with full sleeves, and wore a Hungarian hat with black plumes. 
He stood erect in the carriage by the side of Mayor Jerome, and 
bowed repeatedly in answer to the cheers that greeted him in his 
progress at every point. Following Kossuth came a long line of 
cari'iages, containing Madame Kossuth, Madame Pulusky and the 
members of his suite; the members of the City Council of Balti- 
more, committee of reception on the part of the citizens, and a 
delegation from the City Council of Philadelphia, who, together 
with the sub-committees of reception on the part of the City Coun- 
cil and of the citizens of Baltimore, accompanied the distinguished 
guest to this city. On reaching the Eutaw House, Kossuth was 
escorted to his apartments by Ma3'or Jerome, and shortly afterwards, 
in answer to the vociferous calls of the people without, appeared 
on the portico, and delivered a few remarks. In the evening the 
Mayor delivered his welcome address to Kossuth in the Maryland 
Institute ; upon the conclusion of which Kossuth delivered a long 
and eloquent reply. Adddesses were also delivered by Judge 
Legrand, Wm. P. Preston, and R. T. Merrick. 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 539 

The C4cncral Assembly of Mar3'land, on the 6th of May, incor- 
porated the Baltimore and Potomac Railroad Company. 

1852. The Roman Catholic national council met in this city on 
the 9th of May, consisting of six archbishops, twenty seven 
bishops, and a larire number of provincials, superiors, clei-gymen 
and seminarians. The Most Rev. Archbishop Hughes preached the 
opening sermon of the council. 

The Democratic National Convention convened at the hall of 
the Maryland Institute on the 1st of June, pursuant to appoint- 
ment, and on the 5th nominated General Franklin Pierce, of New 
Hampshire, as the Democratic candidate for President, and Wm. 
E. King, of Alabama, candidate for Vice-President. 

TheVVhig National Convention asseml)led in this city on the 
16th of June, at the hall of the Maryland Institute, and on the 2l8t 
of June nominated Gen. Winfiehl Scott, of New Jersey, on the 
fifty-third ballot as the Whig candidate for President of the United 
States, and subsequently Wm. A. Graham, of North Carolina, was 
nominated for Vice-President. On the evening of the 21st, one of 
the lai'gest and most enthusiastic meetings that ever collected in 
Monument Square was assembled there, to ratify the Whig nomi- 
nations made that day. It was estimated that there were 20.000 
people present. Hon. John H. T. Jerome was chairman. The 
meeting was addressed by Messrs. Gardner of Alabama, Preston of 
Virginia, Williams of Kentucky, Yerger of Mississippi, and Gov. 
Jones of Tennessee. 

On the 29th of June, a telegraphic despatch was received in 
this cit}' at a quarter before twelve o'clock, announcing the death 
of the great statesman, orator and patriot, the Hon. Henry Clay, 
at the National Hotel, Washington city, D. C. Immediately on 
receipt of this melancholy information the bells commenced tolling, 
and a gloomy iecling pervaded the community. Flags, draped in 
mourning, were flung out, and the business men generally promptly 
resolved to suspend all ti-ansactions, and close their respective stores 
and counting-rooms for the rest of the day. The 1st of July was 
indeed a gl(K)my day in the city ; liusiness was paral3'zed, and the 
people's whole mind and conversation were turned upon the solemn 
ceremonies about to take ])lace ; in connection Avith which, the life 
and services of the distinguished subject of these solemnities were 
the engrossing topics of conversation ; men of all parties com- 
mingled in crowds, and freely joined in expressions of sorrow 
and deep-felt grief. About six o'clock, the car containing the re- 
mains of the illustrious statesman reached the outer depot at the 
corner of Poppleton and Pratt streets, and the cotfiii containing 
the remains was i-emoved from the car and placeil in a richly- 
trimmed hearse, and escorted by a large procession ofmililary, &e., 
to the rotunda of the lOxehange, when^ it was ))laced upon a beauti- 
ful catafalque richly di-essed with drapery. The lid of the coffin 
was thrown open, admitting to view, tiirough a glass plate, the face 



540 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

of the deceased, and thousands of the citizens availed themselves 
of the opportunity to get a last look at the features of one of the 
greatest patriots and statesmen that ever lived. On the morning 
of the 2d the coffin was conveyed out of the Exchange to the 
hearse, and driven with the escort to the Philadelphia depot. 
After a short detention the cars moved off, and all that was mortal 
of Henry Clay had left Baltimore forever. 

On the morning of the 13th of July it began to rain very hard 
about half-past nine o'clock, and continued to pour down in torrents 
for the space of an hour and a half Harford Run, in the north- 
eastern section of the city, however, seems to have been the only 
stream the rapid rising of which caused any considerable destruc- 
tion of propei-ty. The bridge across the run at Broadvva}^, near 
Gay street, was swept away, and came thundering down the stream, 
and striking against the bridge which crosses at Bond street, tore 
it from its fastenings. The current then kept upon its onward 
course, bearing the bridges upon its bosom, until it got into the 
midst of a cluster of about a hundred new houses, erected along 
the line and in the immediate neighborhood of Dallas and Gay 
streets. The two floating bridges, together with a vast amount of 
drift-wood, fences, &c., came in violent contact with the Dallas 
street bridge, and with a tremendous crash it gave way. Two of 
the bridges kept on in the current of the stream, and were stranded 
after floating a short distance ; the other bridge turned off from 
the main channel, and brought up in the midst of the houses above 
mentioned, and after knocking the sides and corners of two or 
three of them away, was stayed in its course by actually piercing 
into one of the houses. The bridges crossing Cai'oline and Spring 
streets shared the same fate as those mentioned. Six new houses 
on Spring street, near Madison, were undermined by the water, 
gave way, and fell to the ground. A man named Phillips was 
driving two cows in from the pasture, when the banks of the run 
overflowed above Broadway. The water swept towards the 
animals at a rapid rate, and after vainly endeavoring to urge them 
on, the driver was compelled to abandon them to their fate, and 
betake himself to flight for his own safety. The cows were over- 
taken b}^ \vatcr and swept off and drowned. At a house in the 
vicinity of Dallas street, a cradle with a small child in it floated out 
of the window of the first floor, and was caught as it went surging 
along by a neighbor, and the child rescued and restored to its 
parents uninjured. 

The " Loyola College," situated on Calvert, near Madison street, 
was opened on the 15th of September, and in April, 1853, was 
raised by the Legislature of Maryland to the rank of a university. 
The course of studies is that pursued in other colleges of the 
country, and more particularly of the Society of Jesus. In addi- 
tion to the fifteen hundred volumes in the students' libraries, the 
institution possesses a library of twenty thousand volumes, in- 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMOEE. 541 

eluding a valuable collection of rare and interesting works, a gift 
of the late llev. James Dolan. 

On the 18th of November, a number of gentlemen connected 
with the various Evangelical Associations of this city, met in the 
lecture-room of the First Presbytei-ian Church, corner of North 
and Fayette streets. The object of the meeting was to take 
measures for the formation of a Baltimore City Young Men's 
Christian Association. Mr. M. M. Yeakle was called to the chair, 
and John W. Ball ap])ointed secretar}'. After a couple of hours 
spent in a very entertaining discussion, in which a number of rev- 
erend gentlemen and others jnirticipated, a committee of five was 
appointed, consisting of the llev. Fraid<lin Wilson, the Rev. Mr. 
Balton, and Messrs. H. M. Lockwood, Wm. B. Canfield and John 
C. Bridges, with instructions to take the necessary steps to aid in 
carrying out the objects of the contemplated association. 

St. Michael's E. C. Church, situated at the corner of Pratt and 
Eegistor streets, was dedicated on Sunday morning, January 11th. 
The flight Jlev. Archbishop Kenrick officiated. 

The Hon. Judge Upton S. Heath died on Saturday morning, Feb- 
ruary 21st, in the 67th year of his age. He had been lor sixteen 
years Judge of the District Court of the United States for the 
district of Maryland. 

The corner-stone of the Baltimore Orphan Asylum, on Strieker 
street, near Saratoga, was laid on Thursday, June 10th, with appro- 
priate ceremonies, b}- IJov. Drs. Fuller, Poisal, and Ivillen. It was 
formally opened Thursday, November 10th, 1853. 

A special train containing John Smith llollins, Maj'or elect, 
a large number of the members of the City Council, and other in- 
vited guests, left this city on Friday morning, October 22d, in a 
special car irom Calvert Station, to witness the opening of the 
Hanover Branch Railroad. 

The earthly remains of the great tragedian, Junius Brutus 
Booth, arrived in Baltimore Thursday evening, December 9th, 
from Louisville, Ky., where he died on the 2d, whilst on his way 
to this city on a visit to his family. For more than thirty years 
he was the most popular i-ej)resentative of Shakspcare's characters 
in this country. He was born in London, May 1st, 179G, aiul made 
hisfii'st apj)earance upon the American stage as a " star " at Peters- 
burg, Va., under the management of James H. Caldwell, in 1821, 
as " Picliard the Third." He resided in this city on Exeter street. 

On Saturday, December 11th, seven prisoners confined in the 
jail effected their escape. 

1853. In the month of April the Kev. Francis A. Baker resigned 
the rectorship of the Protestant Episcopal chapel, kinnvn as St. 
Luke's, to connect hims(df with the Jioman Catholic church. This 
event created the greatest excitement amongst the congregation 
over whom Mr. Baker was pastor, the^' having looked upon him 
with peculiar feelings of veneration and love from his spotless 



542 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

Christian character. On the fact being made known to the con- 
gregation, men and women wept like children. By his change of 
faith, which came upon him after long deliberation, he certainly 
had nothing to gain in a worldly point of view. No clergyman in 
this city enjoyed more thoroughly the love and affection of his 
flock than Mr. Baker, and the desertion of the doctrines of the 
church he had for a number of years so successfully been teaching, 
created as great a sensation in the religious community as had 
occurred in this city for many years. 

On the morning of the 5th of August, Thomas Connor, con- 
victed of the murder of Capt. Wm. Hutchinson, of Accomac county, 
Va., in the eurly part of October, 1852, paid the penalty of his 
crime by death on the gallows. The ceremony on the gallows was 
short, consisting of reading a few pra3"er8, on the conclusion of 
which the sheriff and the Rev. Mr. Foley and Rev. Mr. Ilickey 
bade him farewell, and descended; a few moments after the drop 
fell. To the horror of all, the I'ope, which was insufficient to bear 
the weight of his bod}^, broke, and the miserable man was precipi- 
tated with considerable force to the ground. He struck the ground 
on his feet, and fell over on his right side, sustaining, however, 
very little injury beyond being slightly stunned. The officers 
gathered around the fallen man and raised him to a sitting posture, 
Avhen he exclaimed in a full clear tone, " Gentlemen, I am innocent 
of murder in the first degree." He wept bitterly, saying that he 
did not wish to live. He begged over and over again to take him 
"up there" where he just came from. Another rope was pro- 
cured, and Avhen all was fixed the trap fell, and Connor swung in 
the air, having fallen about three feet. The awful sight was wit- 
nessed by an immense concourse of men, women and children. It 
was estimated there were 20,000 j^ersons collected on the vacant 
lots and the roofs of the surrounding houses, one-third at least of 
whom were females. On the bi'eaking of the rope a feeling of 
deep regret pervaded the immense crowd; largo numbers, whose 
curiosity had been fully satisfied by witnessing this awful catas- 
trophe, returned to their homes without waiting to witness the 
further execution of the law, whilst some few unfeeling and igno- 
rant persons commenced shouting and clapping their hands. 

On Thursday, May 5th, the corner-stone of St. Matthew's 
Lutheran church of this city, on Centi'al avenue, north of Balti- 
more street, was laid with the usual solemnities and in the presence 
of a lai'ge audience. The ceremonies were conducted by Rev. Mr. 
Neuhaus, Rev. Mr. Schwartz, Rev. T>r. Benj. Kurtz, Rev. Mr. Siess, 
Rev. Chas. Wcyl, and Rev. Mr. Branden. 

The Jlon. John Glenn, Judge of the United States District 
Court of Maryland, died on Friday, July 8th, at his country seat, 
near Catonsvillc. During his short career upon the bench, his 
decisions were marked with an ability and impartiality that gave 
universal satisfaction. The Hon. Wm. Fell Giles was appointed 
to fill the vacanc}' occasioned by the death of Judge Glenn. 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 543 

London Park Cemetery was dedicated Thursday, July 14th. 
Charles F. Mayer, Esq., delivered the opening address. 

Considerable excitement was raised in this city in July, occa- 
sioned by Mayor lloUins prohibiting "lilind Johnny" to preach 
in the market houses. A mass-meeting was held in Monument 
square, and addresses were delivered by a large number of citizens. 
A committee was appointed requesting the Mayor to resign, who 
declined. 

The first " Know-Nothing" mass-meeting was held in Monu- 
ment square on Thursday evening, August 18th, and was attended 
b}' neai-ly 5000 persons. 

The corner-stone of the Union Square Methodist Episcopal 
church was laid on Tuesday, September 20th, with a))pi"opriate 
ceremonies, in which the Revs. T. B. Sergeant, A. A. lieed, John 
Bear, and Isaac P. Cook were engaged. 

The corner-stone of St. Ignatius Roman Catholic church was 
laid on Sunday, September 25th, before a large assemblage of 
persons. The ceremonies were conducted by Archbishop Kenrick. 

The corner-stone of the Second Baptist church was laid on 
Monday, October 3d, the ceremonies being conducted by the Revs. 
Geo. F. Adams, AVilliams, Simpson, and Fuller. 

1854. Nathan Towson was born in Baltimore County in 1784, 
and was appointed Captain in the second regiment of artillery in 
March, 1812. In a few days alter his appointment he gathered 
around him in Towsontown, a brave band of his fellow country- 
men, whose hearts beat in sympathy with his own, and then and 
there was organized that company which soon afterwards carried 
terror into the enemy's ranks, all along the Canada frontier. He 
aided Lieutenant Elliott, of the nav}^, in capturing the Caledonian 
and Detroit, two British vessels, from under the very guns of Fort 
Erie in October, 1812, and for his gallant conduct upon this occa- 
sion he was breveted a Major. We must pass over the other con- 
tests in which he was honorably engaged ; his services at Queens- 
town, his brave defence of Black Rock, his gallantry disj)layed 
at the capture of Fort (leorge, at the defence of Fort Erie and at 
Stony Creek. In Fort J'^rie a bastion was named in his lionor, after 
the Americans took possession of it early in July, 1814. But there 
were two engagements during that war which the pen of Ameri- 
can history should ever delight to record — for they covered the 
American luime with gloiy, and first taught our vaunting enemy 
that there still existed among our countrymen the same undaunted 
bravery wliich they had displayed forty 3'ears before, at Saratoga, 
Eutaw, and Yorktown. It was on the afternoon of a hot summer 
day, the 5th of July, 1814, upon an open plain on the Canada 
shore, that the glorious battle of Chippewa was fought. There 
nineteen hundred Americans, under the heroic Scott, met in close 
encounter, and vanquished twenty-one hundred of the best regu- 
lars of the British army. The only artilKry under Scott's com- 



544 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

mand was the company of Towson ; and throughout that fierce 
engiigcraent its guns poured upon the enemy's ranks a constant 
Btoim of canister, which mowed them down like grass, and mate- 
rially contributed to their final defeat. Gen. "Wilkinson, writing 
an account of this battle, saj's : "A warm, close, and bloody conflict 
of small arms and field artillery ensued, in which it was the good 
fortune of the gallant Towson to silence the enem^^'s chief battery. 
The oblique attack of the artillery and the perpendicular fire of 
the American line were insupportable, and valorous troops yielded 
the palm and retreated precipitately, leaving their killed and 
wounded on the field. Here, as at Minden, the fate of the day was 
settled by the artillery ; and the American Towson may deservedly 
be ranked with the Eritish Phillips, Drummond, and Foy." For 
his conduct upon this occasion he was breveted Lieutenant-Colonel. 
Three weeks afterwards, amid the roar and almost within the spray 
of the mighty cataract of Niagara, was fought the memorable battle 
of Lundy's Lane — except Bueiia Vista, the bloodiest and most des- 
perate ever fought by an American army against a foreign enemy. 
From sunset until after midnight the hostile ranks were closely 
mingled together in the murderous struggle, which left upon the 
field, killed or wounded, nearly one-fourth of their whole numbers. 
Among the American forces were found Brown and Scott and 
Kipley, and Jessup, Miller, and Worth ; and thei-e, too, in the very 
thickest of the fight, was the brave Towson, pouring leaden death 
upon the foe. A continued sheet of flame marked the presence of 
his artillerj', known then and ever after as "Towson's Light- 
House." The official dispatch of the commanding officer says : 
" Towson's company was the first and last engaged, and during 
the whole conflict maintained that high character which they had 
previously won by their skill and valor." Both of his Lieutenants 
and twent^'-seven of his thirty-six men were either killed or 
wounded upon the spot. Speaking of his conduct upon another 
occasion. General Eipley said : " I cannot refrain from adverting 
to the manner in which Captain Towson's artilleiy was served ; I 
have never seen it equalled. This officer has so distinguished him- 
self, that to say simply that he is in action is a volume of eulogium; 
the army only to be informed he is thei-e, by a spontaneous assent 
are at once satisfied that he has performed well his part. I have 
no idea that there is an artillery officer in any service superior to 
him in the knowledge and performance of his duty." He was re- 
tained in the service at the close of the war, and was made Pay- 
master-General in 1819. In 1834 he was breveted Brigadier-Gen- 
eral ; and for his distinguished services in the Mexican war he was 
breveted Major-General in March, 1849. He died in Washington 
city on the 20th of July, 1854, at the age of seventy years. His 
remains lie interred on a pleasant slope in Oak Hill Cemetery, 
Georgetown, District of Columbia, by the side of those of his wife. 
General Nathan Towson is now no more, but his gallant achieve- 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE, 545 

ments will not be forgotten. His native State and county will 
never cease to remember with pride that his is one of the most 
glorious names which ever adorned the rolls of the American 
army. 

In May Mayor HoUins gave his approval to the ordinance 
authorising the purchase or lease of the square. of ground bounded 
by Fayette, Lexington, Holiiday, and North streets, for the erec- 
tion of a new City Hall. The terms of the lease were that the city 
was to issue stock to Messrs. Brown and White, the owners, to the 
amount of 9104,000, bearing six per cent, interest, redeemable at 
the pleasure of the Mayor and City Council. There was also a 
further ground rent upon the lot of $180 per annum, making the 
total cost in fee $107,000. The city was not to take possession until 
the 3^ear 1858. 

One of the most terrible railroad accidents that ever transpired 
in our country took place on Tuesday afternoon, July 4th, 1854, on 
the Baltimore and Susquehanna llailroad, by which over thirty 
persons were killed and nearly one hundred wounded, some of 
them sligbtl}'. The scene of the accident was a curve of the road 
about midway between the lielay House and Rider's Grove, at 
which latter spot the "Grand American Celebration" took place. 
It was doubtless the largest 4th of July celebration ever held in 
the neighborhood of Baltimore, the assemblage amounting, it was 
estimated, to about ten thousand persons. The Declaration of Inde- 
pendence was read by Wm. P. Preston, and addresses were de- 
livered by a number of other gentlemen. Three trains full of 
ladies and gentlemen with children left our city during the day to 
participate in the celebration. Returning, one of the trains left for 
Baltimore at two o'clock, another started at five, and the third, to 
which the accident occurred, at about fifteen minutes later. It 
seems that the accommodation train for York with four passenger 
cars attached, under the direction of Wm. Scott, conductor, started 
on its way up shortly before 5 o'clock, instructed to lay off at 
Green Spring Switch until one of the excursion trains should pass. 
This he did, and the second return train passed as directed. The 
accommodation train then started, and, dreadful to relate, an ex- 
cursion train from the Grove had also started. They met about 
three-quarters of a mile above the Relay House, at the turn of an 
abrupt switch, and came together with a learful crash. About half 
a dozen cars were crushed and shivered to atoms, and a large 
number of their unhapjjy inmates either killed upon the spot or 
dreadfully injured. The scene was described as harrowing to the 
last degree. Several of those killed and wounded were so caught 
in the wreck of the broken cars that they could not bo released 
for a considerable time. Axes and crow-bars were brought into 
requisition, and those alive and unhurt made superhuman efforts 
for their relief An eye-witness says: "The scene, as first pro- 
eeuted, was altogether the most horrible we ever witnessed, and 
35 



546 CHEONICLES OF BALTIMOEE. 

we hope never to see again. On both sides of the wreck, turn 
which way you would, there lay the inanimate and stiffening 
forms of those who were so lately breathing as freely as ourselves. 
Some had their arms crossed upon their breasts by friendly hands, 
and most had their straw-hats placed over their ghastly faces. The 
wounded cried continually for water — 'Water!' The physicians 
on the ground labored indefatigably for the relief of the sufferers ; 
and, for lack of materials, used slats from the car-windows for 
splints, and for bandages shreds of shirts, drawers, their own hand- 
kerchiefs, and in several cases extra skirts handed over by the 
ladies." Immediately upon the authorities at Calvert Station 
being informed of the disaster, they despatched assistance to the 
spot. The train with the survivors and the killed and wounded 
came in at half-past twelve o'clock. The scene at the depot was 
harrowing in the extreme. An immense crowd of those who had 
friends and relatives at the Grove was assembled, and the state of 
terrible suspense was painful to behold. Wives and mothers, 
brothers and sisters, ran up and down the platform, eagerly ques- 
tioning as to the killed and wounded; anxious, yet dreading the reply 
which might inform them of the melancholy fate of some one near 
or dear. The bodies were taken out of the car where they had 
been placed piled one upon another, presenting a ghastly spectacle, 
and laid upon the platform, where inquests were held over them by 
Coroners Stevens and Goldsmith. Most of them had been instantly 
killed by the crash, some of them being horribl}' crushed and muti- 
lated in a manner to sicken the beholder of the spectacle. The 
wounded were made as easy as possible; and, in most of the cases, 
their friends were at the depot, and had them immediately 
removed. 

One of the most destructive fires with which our city has been 
visited broke out shortly before 12 o'clock on Thursday night, 
October 19th. It is supposed that the fire originated in the 
engine-room of Crook & Duff's sash factory, on East Falls avenue, 
near Stiles street. Owing to the inflammable nature of the con- 
tents of the establishment, the flames spread with a fierceness and 
rapidity that defied all efforts made for their suppression, and the 
factory was soon reduced to a heap of smouldering ruins, together 
with a large amount of read^^-made work. The extensive steam 
works and sash factory of Messrs. Lapourelle & Maughlin, nearly 
acljoining, on the corner of Stiles street and East Falls avenue was, 
next reduced to ruins, together with all the machinery, ready-made 
woik, &c. The lumber-yard of Griffith & Cate, with the extensive 
stock on hand, was also completely destroj'ed. Five dwelling 
houses, extending from President street to a court in the rear, were 
also burnt out. The fire also communicated to the rear of James 
Bates' establishment, also a vessel-load of coal belonging to him 
was consumed, with fixtures, hoisting-wheels, &c. The spice-mill 
of Crawford & Berry, the coal office of Mr. Cliff, cooper-shop of 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE, 547 

Mr. Jolin Caiisiii, and several tenement houses occupied b}' colored 
people, were burnt out, as also were 8C%'eral sheds, &c. The tire 
department was promptly on the spot and did all that could be 
done to quench the flames, l)ut owing to the large piles of lumber 
on the wharf of the Falls, great ditBculty was experienced in ob- 
taining water. At one time it was feared that the conflagration 
would sweep the whole of that section of the city, the flames being 
dashed about in huge masses, and the roofs of many of the houSes 
that actually escaped material damage showing symptoms of soon 
being given up to the devouring element from flakes of fire that 
had fallen upon them, or from the intense heat of the burning 
buildings, lumber, coal, &c. 

On ihe afternoon of Saturday, December 9th, another destruc- 
tive fire broke out in the warehouse of J. McGowan & Sons on 
Baltimore street, one door east of Paca, and before the flames 
could be arrested seven large warehouses were destroyed, besides 
which three others were injured to a very great extent, inflicting 
a loss estimated at $200,000. The stores were occupied by Messrs. 
J. McGowan & Sons, wholesale grocery and liquors, Messrs. Knabe 
& Gahlc, piano manufacturers, Messrs. Mills & Bro., stoves and 
tinware, Messrs. Newsham & Co., iron-railing manufacturers, 
Messrs. trills & Murray, feed store, Messrs. Rothrock and Peacock, 
tinners and roofers, Mr. Caspear, cedar-cooper, Mr. E. P. Osier, 
cedar-cooper. On Paca street the stores of Messrs. Kahler and 
Smitli were also on fire. At one time it was feared that the 
Eutaw House would be destroyed, but the employees well saturated 
the roof with water, and thus prevented the disaster that might 
otherwise have ensued. 

The corner-stone of the First Constitutional Presbyterian 
church, situated on the corner of Greene and German streets, was 
laid on the afternoon of Tuesday, May 2d, Rev, John C. Smith 
oflftciating. Addresses were delivered by Rev. A. II. Boyd, Rev. 
Thomas A, Brainard, and Rev. B. Sunderland ; Rev. Mr. McCain 
offering the benediction. This church was dedicated Sunday, July 
8th, 1855. The ceremony of laying the corner-stone of the Ger- 
man Methodist Episcopal church on Broadway, took place on 
Monday, June 5th. The corner-stone of the Franklin Square 
Baptist church was laid on Tuesday, September 12th, with api)ro- 
priate religious ceremonies. Addresses were delivered by Rev. J. 
W. M. Williamson and Rev. Dr. Fuller. 

Judge J'din Purviancc, the contemporary of Harper, Pinkney, 
Wirt, and Taney, and frequently their colleague in the important 
cases of the day, died in September, in his 81st 3'ear. 

1855. On Saturday, ^lay 2Glh, a very destructive fire broke 
out Ijetween seven and eight o'clock, at wliich time the bells 
soundeil an alarm, and the firemen i)r(^mptly i'e[)aired to the scene 
of disaster, but were unalde, in consequence of the great headway 
the fire had gained, to subdue it until four largo warehouses, to- 



548 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

gether with their contents, had fallen a pre}^, and several others, 
with the stock in them, considerably damaged. The fire originated 
in the cellar of the wholesale clothing warehouse of Messrs. 
Dailey, Massey & Maupin, Baltimore street, one door east of 
Howard. The tiames next communicated to the houses occupied 
by Messrs. Devries, Stejihens & Thomas, wholesale dry goods 
Dierchants, on the corner of Baltimore and Howard streets, then 
to Norris, Caldwell & Co., grocers, and Messrs. Fisher, Boyd & Co. 
On Howard street the stores of Messrs. Mayer & Brother, John 
Gushing, and Mr. Enoch Bennett were greatly damaged, if not 
completely ruined. 

The Union Protestant Infirmary was opened on Monday, 
January 8th, for the first time, with religious ceremonies, the Revs. 
Franklin Wilson, Mr. Hoge, Dr. Fuller, Williams, and Edwards 
officiating. 

The trial of the steam fire-engine " Miles Greenwood," built in 
Cincinnati for the corporation of Boston, came off" on Thursday, 
Februarj' 2d. This was the first steam fire-engine in this city. 

The " Emanue'l Church " was dedicated on Thursday, March 
8th. The dedicatory sermon was preached by Rev. John Johns, 
Bishop of Virginia. The following reverend gentlemen partici- 
pated : Rev. l)r. H. V. D. Johns, Rev. Dr. Cox, Rev. Mr. Swope, 
and the Right Rev. W. R. Whittingham. Col. Bernard U. Camp- 
bell, of the Baltimore branch of Brown, Brothers & Co., of London, 
died in this city on Frida}^, April 27th. 

The most disgraceful riot on the part of firemen that had oc- 
curred within the city since the riots of 1838, transpired on Satur- 
day night, August 18th, 1855. It apj^ears that the New Market 
fire company, in colleague with the United, had formed a plot 
whereby they designed giving the Mount Vernon Hook and Ladder 
company a severe thrashing, and accordingly the bell of the New 
Market sounded an alarm of fire at ten o'clock on that night, and 
the members ran with the apparatus in a northerly direction. 
Upon returning, the New Market fell in behind the Hook and 
Ladder at the corner of Franklin and Park streets, when bricks 
were thrown at them. This continued until the companies reached 
Lerew's alley, where pistols were fired and a skirmish of short 
duration ensued ; after which they proceeded along Franklin street, 
until about midway between Howard and Eutaw streets, the Hook 
and Ladder ahead and New Market following. At this juncture 
the United turned out of Eutaw street into Franklin, immediately 
in front of the Hook and Ladder company, and the onslaught 
commenced upon them from the front and rear. Pistols wei"e fired, 
bricks thrown, and axes, picks and hooks used in the most des- 
perate manner. Life seemed to have little valuation to those con- 
cerned. The Hook and Ladder company, however, thus hemmed 
in, with the aid of the police fought until their assailants were glad 
to scamper oft'. During the melee two men were mortally wounded, 
and a greater number severely. 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 549 

ITon. "William Frick, Judge of the Superior Court, died at the 
Warm Sulphur Springs, Ya., on Sunday, July 29th, aged Ga years. 
The deceased spent a large portion of his Hie in prominent public 
positions, the duties and responsibilities of which had been dis- 
charged in a manner highl}' acceptable to those by whom the^^ had 
been delegated. His first public position, after several years' suc- 
cessful practice in the courts of this State, was as State Senator 
from this city, that being succeeded by the office of collector of 
this port, under the administration of Martin Van Buren. He was 
subsequently appointed Judge of the Baltimore county courts by 
the late Ex-Governor P. F. Thomas, which place he held until the 
adoption of the new constitution, when he was chosen by his fellow- 
citizens as the first Judge of the Superior Court of this city, which 
post he honorably filled to the date of his death. 

1856. Tbis city was visited by a violent storm of wind and 
rain on the night of Wednesday, August 13th. It was a veritable 
tornador, leaving very visible traces of its passage by the destruc- 
tion it occasioned, which was not less than $100,000. At the 
corner of Madison and Calvert street a row of four-story brick 
houses in course of erection by Mr. Michael Roach were struck by 
lightning, and four of them almost totally ruined. The roofs of 
warehouses of the following gentlemen were blown off: Mr. Solo- 
mon King, Mr. Larrabee, Mr. George, Kensett Si, Wheeler, Middle- 
ton & Dorsey, David T. Bayl^', Love, ]\Iartin & Co., Montel & Bro., 
William Crane & Sons, and J. Lyle Clark & Co. There were nu- 
merous instances of minor damages throughout the city: signs 
were blown down, awnings torn to atoms, telegraph-poles pros- 
trated, window-glass broken, trees torn up, all attesting the mighty 
force exerted by the wind. 

On the 12th of September a bloody and disgraceful I'iot took 
place at the Seventeenth Ward House, kept b}' James Clark, on 
Light street, nearly opposite Warren. The house was attacked 
by the ''l{ip-Rap" and " Wampanoag " Clubs, and then com- 
menced a bloody and despei-ate affray, which will long bo re- 
membered as one of the most bloodthirsty ruffianisms of the times. 
The streets where the contest took place presented the appearance 
as if cart-loads of bricks had been strewn al)Out. Women were 
running about looking for their husbands and brothers, and the 
curiosity which attracted many to the scene was the occasion 
of many being wounded. During the melee one man was killed 
and some twenty badly wounded, some of them fatally. This reck- 
less and saiiguinaiy fusilade continued for ncai'ly half an houi", when 
the police gra<lually dispei'scd tlu; crowd and the firing ceased. 

Baltimore was again di.sgraced by another such scene of vio- 
lence and blood, which occurred on Wednesday, the 8th of October, 
being the election for Mayor ami City Council, when Air. Thomas 
Swann was elected .Mayor by 1575 majority over Mr. llolici-t C. 
Wright. About 12 o'clock a desperate struggle took i)lace Itetween 



550 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

the " Eip-Eap " Club and the New Market Fire Company in the 
Lexington Market, which was a bloody and protracted battle. The 
firing was as regular as if it were by platoons. A great manj'- 
persons weie wounded and carried from the ground, and the drug 
Bhops near the scene of action were filled with the wounded and 
dying. The New Market Company were driven from the market- 
house and dispersed. Their engine-house was entered by the 
" Eip-Eaps " and found deserted, which they sacked. Disturbances 
broke out in various parts of the city, but none equalled that 
which we have mentioned. 

The " Exchange Buildings " were sold to the United States 
Government in February for "§267,000, and the old " First Presby- 
terian Church," situated at the northwest corner of North and 
Fayette streets, for $50,000. 

The dedication of the Eed Men's Hall on Paea street took 
place on Wednesday, September 10th. The ceremonies were con- 
ducted by William G. Corsuch, Louis Bonsai, Isaac Petit, E. H. 
Eeip, George W. Lindsay, William H. Hayward, Samuel Meeking, 
and Howard Meixsell. E. Stockett Matthews, the orator of the 
da}', delivered an exceedingly ajipropriate and beautifully couched 
oration. 

The " Old Line Whigs" National Convention met at the Mary- 
land Institute on Wednesday, September 17th, and endorsed Mil- 
lard Fillmore and Andrew Jackson Donelson as their candidates 
for the Presidency and Vice-Presidency of the United States. 

Our city, on the 4th of November, was again made the theatre 
of the most prolonged and desperate rioting. Armed and organ- 
ized associations, belonging to both political parties, resorted to 
firearms, with which they were liberally provided, and fought with 
ferocious and daring recklessness. Individual combats and minor 
aftVays occurred at a number of polls, but the most serious took 
place in the vicinity of the second and eighth ward polls. In both 
of these riots eight persons were killed and about 150 were 
wounded. During the morning there was considerable ill-feeling 
displayed at the second ward polls, but up to three o'clock no seri- 
ous disturbance occurred. At that hour a furious fight broke out, 
said to have originated from a stone being thrown into the crowd 
surrounding the window. Pistols were immediately drawn and 
fired by both parties. The Democrats drove the Know-Nothings 
from the polls and up High street. The alarm was carried to the 
fourth ward jjoUs, and a stnmg body of Know-Nothings started 
from there. In the vicinity of the second ward polls they were 
met and di-iven back. Further reinforcements were then received 
and the battle renewed. A good proportion of both parties by this 
time were jirovided with muskets, whilst others used pistols, and 
others skirmished with knives and clubs. Both parties fought with 
determination, and in many instances exposed themselves with the 
most reckless disregai'd of danger. The battle-ground was spread 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 551 

over portions of Fawn, Stiles, Exeter and High streets, and Eastern 
Avenue, and tlie spectacle presented was a terrible and revolting 
one. As cither part^' gained a temporary advantage, nxen would 
be seen running, with others shooting at them; the wounded were 
limping off and being carried away by their companions, whilst 
others begrimed with smoke and powder, and in some cases 
covered with blood, still kept up the fight, now firing singly and 
then again in voUej^s. In the surrounding neighborhood the ut- 
most degree of excitement and consternation prevailed. Children 
were hastily gathered, the houses closed, and the occupants in 
many instances sought their garrets and cellars to be out of harm's 
way. The Democrats were finally overpowered, driven away from 
the polls, and retreated, still fighting, down Eastern Avenue. In 
the neighborhood of the Causeway they again made a stand, and 
there a guerilla warfare, carried on from the alleys and street 
corners, continued for more than an hour. About 3 o'clock in the 
afternoon a report was brought to the police stationed at the 
eighth ward, that there was fighting at the sixth ward, and 
assistance was asked to quell it. The police started, and with 
them several hundred of the crowd assembled around the polls, 
who in a few moments were armed with muskets, and ac- 
companied by two gangs of boys, each dragging small brass 
cannon on wheels. They passed along the side of the Belair 
market, and towards Orleans street, when they were met by a con- 
course of equally as wild infuriated men aitd youths, armed with 
muskets and pistols. A fight then commenced, the eighth wai'd 
Democrats taking shelter in the marketdiouse, and the sixth and 
seventh ward Know-Nothings firing from the fish-market and the 
corner of Orleans street. They finally rallied on the eighth ward 
party and drove them up through the market, accompanied by 
perfect volleys of musketry and the occasional discharge of a swivel. 
The fighting through the market was continued with but little in- 
termission up to dark, when both parties retired. The scene in 
the vicinity of the Beliiir market was of the most sanguinary char- 
acter throughout the afternoon. At times one party would appa- 
rently obtain the better of the other, and they continued to drive 
each other back and forward through the market-house. The 
sixth ward party were reinforced shortly after the battle com- 
menced by a detachment of the seventh ward and other Know- 
Nothing clubs, who brought with them a small cannon on wheels. 
The Democrats got possession of this cannon at one time, and were 
about carrying it off, when it upset and the cannon fell off the 
wheels. Whilst the fight was going on in the Belair market, word 
was sent to the central station for aid. High constable Herring, 
deputy Brashears, and Sergeant Tayman, with a squad of twenty 
men, repair^Ml to the scene. On arriving at the market they found 
the eighth warders with a cannon in position ])re[)aiMng to fire. They 
attempted to take possession of the piece, but were immediately 



552 CHEONICLES OF BALTIMOEE. 

surrounded by an infuriated crowd armed with muskets. They at- 
tempted to make arrests, but were foiled by the number and fierce- 
ness of the assailants, but succeeded, however, in carrying off the 
cannon. 

1857. On Friday evening, January 30th, George Peabody, Esq., 
was received at the rooms of the Maryland Historical Society, 
where he met with much of the cultivation and refinement of the 
city, and was entertained by a sumptuous banquet provided with 
the most lavish hand. On Monday evening he met another wel- 
come at the Maryland Institute — embracing all classes and all 
phases of our business and social life, with its large and expanding 
popular usefulness. The Maj'or and members of the City Council, 
and other city officers, and a large number of distinguished citizens, 
were present. 

Mr, Robert Garrett, the aged and highly esteemed citizen, of 
the mercantile house of Robert Garrett and Sons, died suddenly 
with apoplexy at the Eutaw House on Tuesday morning, Febru- 
ary 3d, in the 74th year of his age. In all relations of his life he 
was regarded as an exemplary Christian, kind-hearted, and liberal 
in cases of distress amongst the poor, and ever willing to extend a 
helping hand to those of his fellow-merchants requiring it from the 
vicissitudes frequently accompanying a mercantile life. 

In a letter from Mr. Geo. Peabody to the trustees for the estab- 
lishment of an institute in the city of Baltimore, dated February 
12th, 1857, he donates $300,000 for the purpose. The gentlemen 
named by Mr. George Peabody as the trustees of the institute he 
has so munificently endowed, met together on Thursday, the 19th 
of February, and twenty-four out of the twenty-five signified their 
acceptance of the trust, as will be seen by the following letter : 

" Baltimore, February 19th, 1857. 
" To George Peabody, Esq. 

''Sir: — The undersigned acknowledge the receipt of your letter 
addressed to us on the twelfth of this month, and with a grateful 
sense of this evidence of your confidence and regard, accept the 
office of receivers and dispensers of the munificent fund which you 
therein dedicate to the erection and endowment of an institute in 
the city of Baltimore. On behalf of those for whom this great 
benefaction is designed, we offer you most cordial thanks, with 
our admiration of the noble and generous heart which could con- 
ceive and execute so comprehensive a scheme for the improvement 
and gratification of thousands unknown and unborn. We will en- 
deavor to manifest a just appreciation of our obligations to you, by 
prompt and uni-emitted eftbrts to carry out the views and sugges- 
tions contained in your letter. And -we earnestly hope you may be 
permitted for many coming j-ears to have the satisfaction of wit- 
nessing the accomplishment of all you propose and desire in found- 
ing so splendid a monument of enlightened j^hilanthropy and 
patriotism. 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE, 553 

"John ^r. Gordon, Samuel W. Smith, Chauncey Brooks, Wm. 
F. Murdoch, Enoch Pratt, J. Mason Camphell, Geo. W". lirown, 
Galloway Cheston, Geo. P. Tiflfany, Charles Bradenbaugh, Edwani 
M. Greenway, Jr;, Wm. C. Shaw, Wm. E. Mayhew, John P. Ken- 
nedy, Chas. J. M. Eaton, Thomas Swann, George Brown, John B. 
Morris, S. Owings Hoftman, G. W. Burnap, Wm. D. H. C. Wright, 
Josiah Pennington, Wm. McKim, David S. Wilson." 

Mr. Peabod}" also named Mr. Wm. Presoott Smith, but he de- 
clined. 

Mr. Moses Sheppard died in the city of Baltimore on the 1st of 
February, aged 84 years. lie has transmitted his name to posterity, 
and enshrined his memory in the hearts of all who cherish a regard 
for afflicted humanity, by his muniticent gift that founded the 
asylum for indigent insane which bears his name. This institution 
is located about one mile from Towsontown, between the York and 
Charles street roads. There are three hundred and seventy acres 
of ground attached to it. The building is 375 feet front, built of 
stone and brick, and will amply accommodate one hundred and 
fifty patients. The far-seeing mind of its founder directed that 
nothing of its endowment should be used in its construction or 
management except the interest. This amount is about thirty- 
five thousand dollars per annum, the appraised value of the 
estate being about §560,000. The grounds cost $G5,000. The 
board of trustees, to whom the management of this fund and the 
erection of the institution are committed, consists of J. Saurin 
Norris, president ; D. M. Perine, R. H. Townsend, Dr. Wm. Piley, 
Gerard T. Hopkins, Wm. H. Graham, and Gerard II. Reese. 

In accordance with previous notice, the remains of the late Dr. 
Elisha Kent Kane, the universal!}' lamented explorer of the Arctic 
regions, and intrepid soldier in the war with Mexico, arrived in our 
city on the morning of the 10th of March from AVheeling, in charge 
of the committee of I'cception on the part of the membership of 
the Mar3-land Institute. At half-past three o'clock the body was 
removed from the hall at Camden Station, and placed upon a caisson 
belonging to the artillery of Fort McIIenry, and the line of pro- 
cession taken up along Eutaw street to Baltimore, and thence to 
the Maryland Institute. The streets began to fill at an early hour, 
along the line which the procession was to take, and before two 
o'clock Baltimore street, from the Institute to Eutaw street, and 
from Eutaw street to the Camden depot, was crowded with a dense 
mass of human beings, filling the si<lewalks and the doors and 
windows, and even the roofs of the houses. It seemed as if the 
whole population had been poured forth to testify by their presence 
their homage to departed worth. There was a general suspension 
of business and closing of the stores on the streets through which 
the procession was to pass, and many <;f the houses and stores wore 
draped in mourning, and flags displayed at half-mast throughout 
the city. The solemn tolling of the bells, and the booming of 



554 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

cannon at intervals, added to the impressiveness of the occasion. 
On arriving at the Institute, the sarcophagus was conveyed to the 
large hall, and placed upon a suitable platform erected in the centre 
of the apartment, appropriately draped in black, with a United 
States flag at each corner dressed in mourning. After the pro- 
cession was dismissed, the Independent Greys mounted guard over 
the bier, and the hall remained open until a late hour; and during 
that time was visited by a great number of persons. The body 
was taken to Philadelphia the next day in charge of a Baltimore 
committee, accompanied by the Philadelphia and other committees. 
A few minutes after eight o'clock on the evening of the 14th of 
April, the bell of the Mechanical company sounded an alarm of 
fire due west, and upon repairing of the companies in the direc- 
tion pointed, it was found that the large and handsome five-story 
warehouses JSTos. 37, 39, and 41 South Charles, a few doors north 
of Lombard street, had been set on fire, and were burning briskly. 
Flames were first seen illumining the windows near the stairway 
which runs sideway of the buildings, and owing to the large 
quantity of inflammable material, the three houses soon became 
enveloped in flames. The fire communicated from the rear of the 
stores on Charles street to the large foui"-story iron store of E. L. 
Parker & Co., on Lombard street, which, with its contents, was 
entirely destroyed. The fire then spread to the three-storj' stores 
east of Parker's building. The first store was occupied by Hodges 
& Emaek, hardware merchants, the next by Hanly & Bansemer, 
as a wholesale grocery, and the third by Gilpin, Bailey & Canby, 
as a wholesale drug store. They were entirely consumed, with 
their contents. A small two-story building, between Parker's and 
Hodges & Emack's stores, was also consumed. The upper house 
of the three on Charles street was occupied by J. S. llobinson, 
paper dealer, and L. Harrison & Co., cap manufacturers. The 
middle building was occupied by Messrs. R. Edwards & Co., the 
lower portion was used by Messrs. B. S. & W. A. Loney. The 
lower house was occupied by Messi'S. Norris & Bro. About half- 
past ten o'clock, while a number of persons were on the first floor of 
the grocery store of Handj^ & Bansemer, the upper part of the 
building, as well as those on both sides, being in flames, the floor 
above fell, enveloping them in flames and covering tbem in the 
ruins. A number were gotten out shortly after, seriously burned 
and injured. A search for dead bodies was made, and during two 
days lourteen were recovered from the ruins. The calls for aid 
by those who were thus caught by the falling wall were said to 
have been appalling, while the view of others with their hair and 
clothes on fire struggling to escape presented a heart-rending 
sight. All the next day the streets surrounding the ruins were 
full of spectators who came to gaze upon the scene of the most 
severe catastrophe of the kind which has ever occurred in Balti- 
more. The dead recognized were Joseph E. Bruce, Joseph Ward, 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 555 

George Boyle, Jacob ^rarshek, James TTasson, Win. E. Aliell, James 
Payne, Herman Bollmaii, Theodore Brun, James Ilussy, Thomas 
Buckley, and Jos. Litzinger. Out of the thirteen bodies taken to 
the station-house there was but one that had the head attached 
to it. 

The conductors and others having charge of the burthen trains 
over the tirst and second divisions of the Baltimore and Ohio Rail- 
road sto])ped work on the 29th of April, and refused to do duty. 
The men allowed themselves to become the slaves of such ex- 
treme passion and hardihood as to attempt by force to secure 
their et\ds. During the week the woods from Baltimore to 
the Relay House were interspersed with bonfires, around which 
the}' sat in anticipation of the approach of the freight trains ; but 
none were sent out without the same was accompanied by an 
armed bod}' of men determined to fight their Avay against the des- 
perate opposition presented. The crisis took place about four 
o'clock on the afternoon of the 1st of May. At that hour Sheriff 
Pole, of Baltimore County, with a posse of officers, appeared at 
the Camden Station, and were placed in an old passenger-car, which 
being attached to one of the tonnage trains, was started for the 
main stem near Gwynn's Falls. Here several trains from ^[ount 
Clare depot were drawn up, and proceeded along immediately 
after the pioneer train. They encountered no resistance until 
nearing the deep cut at Jackson's bridge. Here a man Avas seen 
ahead of the engine waving his hat for the engineer to stop; but 
no heed was paid him, the train continued on, and the man, who 
endeavored to stop it, jumped from the track barely in time to save 
himself from being caught and crushed beneath the "cow-catcher." 
This ineffectual effort to check the train was a signal for the dis- 
graceful onslaught which followed. Pistols, short rifles and 
missiles of different kinds were discharged and hurled at the engi- 
neer and sheriff's posse, whilst they in return fired some thirty 
muskets heavily loaded amongst the rioters, several of whom were 
severely wounded. The car was pretty well peppered with balls, 
and several of the inmates narrowly escaped death. Upon passing 
under the bridge rocks were hurled down upon the cars, crushing 
them in several places. This train jiassed on, but the three that 
followed were not so successful. They were surrounded by the 
rioters at the bridge, who junijicd upon them, put down the bi-akes, 
uncoupled the cars, and threw the cou])lingpins away. They 
were not further interfered with, and the ti'ain returned to Mount 
Clare. The disgraceful proceedings of Friday, May 1st, were con- 
tinued on Saturday, and to some extent during Sunday, along the lino 
of the road from the city limits to Kllicott's Mills, (jovernor [jigon 
having arrived in town, he was waitecl upon at Baruuni's Hotel on 
Saturday morning by the officers of the road, and after c<jnsulta- 
tion with them, issued a proclamation " warning all persons to 
keep away from the neighborhood of those disturbances." At four 



556 CHKONICLES OF BALTIMOBE. 

o'clock Saturday afternoon, in pursuance of power invested in the 
officers of the road by the Governor, the Baltimore City Guards, 
under the command of Capt. Warner, and the Independent Greys, 
commanded by Captain Brush, made their appearance at the Cam- 
den Station, where they were placed, together with a number of 
the Sheriff's posse, in passenger cars, in advance of three very 
lengthy burthen trains. To the extreme end of the burthen trains 
were attached the paymaster's car and a small " bunk cai'," denomi- 
nated " Sebastopol " by the county sheriff's posse and others occu- 
pying it. Thus prepared, the entire trains, locked together, 
moved off, under the command of Col. Shutt and Capt. Itawlings, 
conductors. In addition to the companies of militar}'^ the following 
staff officers of the Fifth Regiment were present : Col. J. Alden 
Weston, Adjutant Johannes, Paymaster Tj'son, Quartermaster 
McKim, and Surgeon Stewart. Gen. Egerton and Major Mont- 
gomery w^ere also in attendance as volunteers. There were vast 
crowds of spectators along the road as far as, and for some dis- 
tance beyond, the city limits ; but no difficulty was met with until 
reaching the deep cut at Jackson's bridge. Here, as on the pre- 
vious day, a volley of rocks was hurled at the cars, whilst the 
sharp reports of revolvers indicated that more deadly weapons 
were being used against the inmates of the train. Upon nearing 
the bridge over the road the vioters threw rocks from the bridge, 
but they were too small to crush the cars, and consequently no 
injury followed. In passing this bridge shots were fired by the 
military stationed upon the engines and by the Sheriff's officers, 
but none of the rioters were injui'ed. After proceeding about a 
mile further, the train, in passing through another deep cut, was 
again the recipient of a sharp fire, and several on board narrowly 
escaped. The rioters in this instance fared worse than those pre- 
viously encountered. Several w^ere seen limping from the scene, 
whilst one man, named Henry Hovvser, was killed instantly. One 
ball entered his forehead just above the left eye, and penetrated 
through the brain towards the back part of the scalp, whilst 
another ball barely escaped his windpipe and entered his neck. 
He fell and expired in a few minutes. He was formerly engaged 
as fireman on the road, and lived in the vicinity of Mount Clare. 
From this point no further obstacles of a similar nature were met 
with ; but on reaching Lee's water-station the train was brought 
to a standstill, from the fact of the engine and tender of ah east' 
bound burthen and stock train having been thi'own from the track 
by a heavy stone placed thereon. The fragments of the engine 
after some time were removed from the track, and it proceeded on 
to Eilicott's Mills. It left the Mills at ten o'clock, with the run-off 
stock train in advance, and returned as far as the country-seat 
formerly occupied by Carroll Spence, Esq., about two miles from 
the city, without any injury whatevex'. At this point some of the 
rioters had spiked the track, which was done by fastening a rail 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 557 

inside of and parallel -with those forming the regular track. 
Upon striking the rail the engine ran oft", and four or five bur- 
then ears were thrown from the track, wounding several of the 
military who were on the engine. !No engine being ready at hand 
to bring them to town, they concluded to walk, and reached Mount 
Clare depot as the clock struck two Sunday morning. JN^o dispo- 
sition was manifested to interfere with any of the trains after- 
wards, as the difficulty was amicably settled. 

In April La Faj'ette Square was purchased from Messrs. Knell, 
Rice, Iloft", and others, by the Mayor and City Council for the sum 
of fifteen thousand dollars. 

The banks of Baltimore suspended specie payments on Monday, 
September 28. 

Hon. Louis McLane died on Wednesday, October 7th, at his re- 
sidence in Baltimore, in the seventy-fourth year of his age. He 
was the son of Allan McLane, a distinguished officer in the Kevo- 
lutionary War ; and was born in the village of Smj^rna, Kent county, 
Delaware, on the 28th of May, 1784. In the year 1798, being then 
only fourteen years of age, he served with great credit as a mid- 
shipman on board the frigate Philadelphia, then on her first cruise, 
and under the command of Stephen Decatur, the father of Commo- 
dore Decatur. In 1801, j'ielding to the desire of his family, he left 
the navy; and having completed his education at Newark College, 
in his native State, he began the study of the law in 180-1 under 
the instruction of James A. Bayard, of Delaware. He was ad- 
mitted to the bar in 1807, and rapidly attained a high place in his 
profession. In the war of 1812 he was a volunteer in a company 
commanded by Casar A. Ilodney, who had been the Attorney-Gen. 
of the United States under Mr. Jefterson, and marched with that 
company to the relief of Baltimore when it was threatened by the 
British. The great capacities of Mr. McLane now began to attract 
public attention in another direction, and in 181G he was elected 
to the House of Representatives from Delaware; and so largely 
had he won the confidence of his constituents that he remained a 
member of that body until 1827, when he was chosen by the Legis- 
lature a Senator of the United States. In May, 1820, he was ap- 
pointed by President Jackson to be the minister of the United 
States to Creat Britain, where he remained two years, and on his 
return he was called by the same President to take a place in the 
cabinet as Secretary of the Treasury. He served in this place until 
1833, when he became Secretary of State; and in June, 1834:, ho' 
retired from political life. In 1837, when the financial condition of the 
country was such as to require his services among ourselves, Mr. 
McLane was prevailed upon toacceptthejjrcsidency of the Baltimore 
and Ohio iiailroad Company, and removing to this Slate, he dis- 
charged th(.' duties of this lalxM'ious office untd 1847. In this time ho 
was i-cquesled by President Polk to occupy, duiing the pendency of 
the Oregon negotiations, the mission to England, and this duty being 



558 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

accomplished, he again retui'iied to Maryland. In 1850 he was 
solicited and prevailed upon by his fellow-citizens in Cecil county, 
in this State, where he resided, to serve as their representative in 
the convention called to reform the constitution of Maryland. 
After performing this service he finally retired from public life. 
Mr. McLane was a chief actor in all the great political events which 
marked the first half of this century. He was the companion, fel- 
low-laborer, and friend of those who have with him won the re- 
membrance of our countrymen as the statesmen of America. 

The corner-stone of the Union Protestant Infirmary, situated 
on the corner of Mosher and Division streets, was laid on Tuesday, 
October 13th, with appropriate ceremonies. The following gen- 
tlemen participated : Iiev. William Hamilton, Rev. Robert L. 
Dashiells, Rev. Mr. Cabe, Rev. Dr. J. C. Backus, and Rev. G. Owen. 

Died on Monday, December 28th, Col. Jacob G. Davies, late 
Mayor of the city. 

On Saturday, July 18th, a lai'ge number of the corporate author- 
ities of our sister cities of St. Louis, Cincinnati, and Chillicothe, to- 
gether with a large number of prominent and distinguished citizens 
of the West, arrived hei'e as the guests of the city. 

The election for members of ihe City Council was not allowed 
to pass otf quietly on the 14th of October, and scenes of riot and 
bloodshed occurred in several sections of the city. In the eighth 
ward Sergeant William Jordon of the police force was killed. The 
election was a mere mockery of the elective franchise, accompanied 
throughout the city by riot and bloodshed. In some of the wards 
naturalized citizens were not allowed to vote. Owing to the man- 
ner in which the election was conducted by the party in power, 
during the day a number of the Democratic candidates withdrew 
from the contest, and quite a number of the judges of election re- 
signed. To give an idea of the manner in which the election was 
carried on, we have the following result : The Know-Nothing ticket 
polled 11,898 votes; the Democratic ticket polled 2792 votes; 
majority for the Know-Nothings 9106 votes. The Democratic 
ticket polled in the 20th wai'd one vote, in the 11th ward two, in 
the 14th eight, in the 17th ten, and in the 8th 1013 votes. Gov. 
Lio;on in his messai;e to the Le<>islature ffives a narrative of the 
political events which transpired in the city of Baltimore at this 
time, from which we extract the following : "At the municipal elec- 
tion in Baltimore, held in October, 185(3, an organized fbi'ce was 
made apparent at the polls, which in its direct influence was im- 
mediately felt by naturalized citizens. This class of voters was to 
a considerable extent excluded from the exercise of suft'rage; many 
of them beaten, and others overawed and deterred by violence 
from visiting the polls. Such were the representations made to 
me, asserted by a portion of the press of the city, and measurably 
conceded- by all. In the course of the day, bloody and destructive 
riots took place, and the subsequent record comprehended a list of 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 559 

killed and wounded truly appalling. The city was temporarily- 
outlawed by its Any, and it is boyoii<l all quest ion with nie, that 
could the executive authority have commanded militarj- power at 
the moment of the emergency, it would have been my duty then to 
have interposed, and overwhelmed a lawless demonstration clearly 
defiant of the municipal police. As the time approached for the 
Presidential election in November, 185G, apprehension generally 
prevailed that a recurrence of similar scenes was inevitable. Po- 
litical sentiment and party animosity were alike demonstrative and 
violent, and peaceable and orderly- citizens, and especially natural- 
ized citizens, were utterly hopeless of those decencies and proprie- 
ties essential to the freedom of suffrage. In short, the large body 
of citizens composing the Democratic party within the city of 
Baltimore saw the day of election approach, under the assurance 
that they would not be suffei-ed to record their votes, and on the 
other hand would be exjwscd to the cons(5quences of the most 
reckless frauds. ** **;f: :fc*** 

"On the eve of the Presidential election I proceeded to Balti- 
more and sought an interview with the Ma^'or of the city (Thos. 
Swann), in the vain hope of such a co-operation of influences, and 
moral and material power, as would ensure the peace of the city, 
prevent bloodshed, and secure to every citizen, without respect to 
party, the exercise of his political rights. My overtures were 
repulsed with cold civilit}'. I was thrown upon my personal and 
official responsibility, before an important and respectable com- 
munity, for the initiative in a meastu-e which the exigency of the 
time demanded, and the Executive of the city was indisposed to 
adopt. The day of election was then too near at hand lor me to 
mature, under my official authority and by my independent act, a 
force adequate to the probable necessity which menaced the occa- 
sion. I accordingly left the full measure of accountability with 
the Ma^'or and his subordinates. How fearful that accountalulity 
was, the sanguinary deeds of that election (\-,\y have sulliciently 
proved. Again party animosity ran riot throughout the city; the 
most desperate encounters took phice, in which hundreds of in- 
furiated partizans were engaged ; arms of all kinds were employed, 
and bloodshed, wounds and death, stained the record of the day, 
and added another page of dishonor to the annals of the distracted 
city. I retired from the scene convinced that all this might have 
been prevented, and not without a painful sense of duty unful- 
filled. 

"A year glided away, and with the fall of 1857 the political 
elements were again stirred for the election contests of the season. 
In the meantime the civil condition of the city had become more 
sensibly demoralized. The press, without distinction oi' ]>arty, 
was teeming with every day's report of wrong, outrage', violent 
encounters of partizans, dt'sp(Mate assaidts and homicides. These 
things thus grouped are but the catalogue of deeds transpiring ia 



660 CHEONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

rajDid succession, and culminating in frequenc}'^ and ferocity as the 
day of municipal election drew near. The day of election came and 
passed, and although the bloody scenes of the preceding year were 
not re-enacted, violence was eveiy where in the ascendant ; out- 
rages were perpetrated with entire impunity, and many thousands 
cf the citizens were, by causes beyond their individual control, 
deprived of the exercise of suffrage. In a word, the Democrats of 
the city, both native born and naturalized, were, to an extent that 
a few yeai's since would have been absolutely incredible, virtually 
disfranchised. The experience of that day was presented to me 
by several eminent citizens of Baltimore as sufficient proof that 
the municipal authorities were wholly inadequate, fi'om some cause, 
to cope with a tierce organization which held absolute control of 
the polls. I was assured and convinced the people of Baltimore 
■were inextricably involved within the grip of a dilemma. On one 
side was a party disfranchised by lawless violence, with which it 
was unable to cope ; on the other, a party sustained by violence 
which even the most honest and upright of its members were un- 
able to repress and restrain ; while the city authorities themselves 
w^ere either unable to grapple eff'ectually with the diabolism broken 
loose in the community, or unwilling to provoke the retaliatory 
spirit of a desirable but furious ally. 

" Such was the condition of affairs in Baltimore when the most 
urgent appeals were made to me to exert the authority vested in 
the Executive of the State for the protection of her citizens against 
intestine disorder, and to see that the laws were executed. 1 did 
not feel at liberty to hesitate longer in the performance of a duty 
evidently incumbent upon me. It was not for me to consider the 
contingencies of political antagonism or a perverted public senti- 
ment. My duty was plain, and I had no alternative but to perform 
it, and to leave the sequel to the people themselves. I realized no 
accountability in an utter failure to rally a single man to the 
service to which he might be called. It was my duty to present 
such a statement of facts as had been laid before me, to exhibit the 
remedy, and to use the proper means lor the application of it. To 
this end, responding to the entreaties of gentlemen earnest in their 
avowals of co-operation to any necessary extremity, and in full 
compliance with my own sense of duty, i visited Baltimore. Im- 
mediately upon my arrival 1 addressed the Mayor of the city, and 
invited his counsel and co-operation in devising and putting into 
practical effect means adequate to the impending emergency. 
Again were my overtures repulsed, and this time the executive 
authority of the State coolly and gratuitously disjjuted. The 
object which I had in view requiring in my judgment the most 
prompt ai'd rigorous measures, would not admit of the delay inci- 
dent to an empty controversy about well established authority. 
Accordingly, in the execution of my purpose, I at once initiated 
preliminary measures towards the summary and eff'ective organiza- 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 561 

tion of the militia, and on Thursday morning, October 29th, issued 
a proclamation informing the people of Baltimore what I had done, 
and further contemplated for the preservation of the peace, and to 
secure to the legal voters of the city their rights against violence 
and intimidation. Orders were issued to Major-General George 
H. Steuart to hold his command, the 1st Light Division, M. V., 
ready for service at a time specified, and to Major-General John 
Spear Smith to, enrol and embody without delay six regiments of 
not less than six hundred men each, to be ready for service at the 
same time. These orders were responded to by the general officers 
with immediate measures in pursuance of the purpose in view. 
Having thus initiated proceedings, I took occasion to reply at some 
length to the very remarkable propositions advanced by the Mayor 
of Baltimore in his letter to me, and renewed my solicitation that 
he would co-operate with me in a harmonious effort to assert the 
supremacy of the laws. The Maj^or rejoined briefly, declining to 
discuss any point at issue, remarking that the responsibility was 
with me — a fact which I had well considered from the first, and 
had resolved to bear with me to the end. 

" The measures which had been set on foot progressed during 
Friday and Saturday, the 30th and 31st of October, and reports 
were made to me from time to time. From these I had no diffi- 
culty in gathering the conviction that, whatever effort might be 
made by the military officers to embody the proposed force, the 
result would be unsatisfactory and inadequate. This was of course 
a sufficient cause of official embarrassment, and a result entirely at 
variance with what I had been led to expect. Misrepresentation 
and voluble abuse from the press, together with the assiduous 
diffusion of the most erroneous sentiments respecting the executive 
authority and the proceedings I had taken, no doubt had their 
effect upon the public mind. There was, moreover, and had been 
for so long a time, a peculiar tolerance of the lawless element to 
be subdued, and a sjDecies of infatuation pervading a large portion 
of the community which effected or amounted to a morbid igno- 
rance of its true character, in consequence of which the class of 
citizens from whom military service was mainly to be expected 
exhibited first indecision and at last unwillingness to respond to 
the call which had been made upon the community I need hardly 
say, that however a portion of the people or of the press found 
cause to rejoice in this state of things, and its obvious consequences, 
I was made painfully sensible of a total perversion of political 
sentiment, and an indifference to the security of equal rights wholly 
inconsistent with the spirit of our institutions. 1 had been invited 
to exert the extreme executive authority in a community notoriously 
without sufficient or effective municipal power, for the protection 
of its citizens against outrage and violence, and fi^r the execution 
of its own laws; and when in obclience to my own sense of duty 
I assumed tlie unwelcome tusk, 1 found a complaining people nioro 
3G 



562 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

willing to submit to the grievances wliich oppressed them, to the 
lawlessness which disfranchised them, to the terrors which over- 
awed them, than to rally in their strength and vindicate their out- 
raged rights and insulted honor. Justly and truly indignant at 
such a result, I resolved to maintain my own, and pursue the pur- 
pose I had undertaken. In this resolve I was sustained by a few 
gallant, earnest and faithful men, and by the spirit with which one, 
at least, of the military officers was responded to in-the district as- 
signed to him. In this case there was an enrolment of volunteers, 
prompt, earnest and effective. And so long as there was but a 
maniple of true men, willing to stand for their rights and honor, 
I determined that they should, at least, have the full sanction of 
what I had done, and my personal interest in the matter until the 
emergency was past. 

" On Sunday, the 1st of l^ovember, for the first time, a detailed 
exhibit was made to me of the special and extraordinary arrange- 
ments matured by the Mayor for the maintenance of the j)eace and 
the protection of the citizens in the exercise of their rights at the 
approaching election. The submission of these arrangements for 
my consideration then, which were withheld fi'om me on my fii'st 
arrival in the city, was the result of some consultations brought 
about through the intervention of several gentlemen representing 
the respective views of the Mayor and myself. This plan was in 
terms plausible ; it had the appearance of sincerity of pui-pose, and 
I doubt not was offered in good faith. I must confess, however, 
that had the proceedings I had commenced been sustained with all 
the vigor the occasion i*equired, I could not have withheld the con- 
ciliatory step I deemed it proper to take in view of the arrange- 
ments submitted for my consideration by the Mayor, and especially 
as each of the gentlemen with whom I was in consultation seemed 
to be entirely confident of the sufficiency of the arrangements 
which had been now adopted. Under this impression I was ui'ged 
to withdraw my proclamation and to rescind all military orders. I 
positively refused under any circumstances to comply with any pro- 
position which included such a stipulation. First, because it had the 
appearance, at least, of a surrender of my constitutional authority 
at a time when violent opposition to the laws was openly threat- 
ened ; and secondly, because I knew not what exigency might 
arise on the day of election. But in deference to the opinions ot 
gentlemen in whom I then had and still have great confidence, who 
were citizens of Baltimore, and who knew more of the local con- 
dition of affairs than myself, I consented to an announcement, that 
in view of the sufficiency of the arrangements just made, ' I did 
not contemplate the use of the military force which I had ordered 
to be enrolled and organized,' on the day of election. 

"In this state of public affairs the day of election a])proached. 
A form of suffrage was observed under circumstances defiant of the 
execution of the laws. Eiot, in its vociferous and most formidable 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 563 

aspect, did not occur, but I was made the recipient of almost cease- 
less complaints of outrage, violence, and organized ruffianism at 
the polls, whereby multitudes of citizens, native and naturalized, 
were deterred from voting. I was powerless for their protection. 
The opportunity was past in which, as a lawful and enrolled force, 
they could have exhibited a moral as well as material power 
against their assailants. They were at the mercy of a mob, and 
without protection from the civil power. Abundant evidence from 
respectable citizens in all parts of the city could be obtained to 
prove a state of societ}'^ verging upon the fiercest anarchy, out- 
rages almost incredible in a civilized community, and the ubiquity 
of an organization which prevailed by violence to the exclusion of 
voters at will, and controlled means and resources for the most 
pernicious and daring frauds. It is beyond all question that such 
wrongs were perpetrated on that election day as have no parallel 
in the election annals of our country, but in Baltimore itself; and 
this, too, under the official assurance of municipal authority, and 
of a police organization and a plan of operations adequate to the 
emergency." 

1858. The steam fire-engine built for the first Baltimore com- 
pany, and afterwards called the "Alpha," arrived in this city on 
the morning of the 18th of May, by one of the Ei'icsson line of 
steamers, from Philadelphia. This was the first steam fire-engine 
owned in this city by the Baltimore fire department. 

In June the Mayor and City Council adopted the use of the 
police and fire alarm telegraph. 

Our city was visited on Saturday afternoon, June 12th, with a 
flood almost equal to that of the 3'ear 1837. The amount of prop- 
erty destroyed could not be estimated. The rain commenced on 
Friday afternoon, and continued without intermission until four 
o'clock on Saturday afternoon. The principal sufferers in the city 
were, as usual, those persons who resided and did business on Har- 
rison and Saratoga streets and the east side of Centre Market 
Space. All the houses on the line near the bridge were inundated, 
some to such an extent that the inmates removed their furniture 
into the second stories. Several of the police officers procured a 
small boat and rendered great assistance to persons unable to got 
out of their houses. Charles street bridge was washed down the 
stream, being the only one in the city that was carried away. 

In January Mrs. Thomas Wiiians established a soup-house near 
her mansion, on West Jialtimore street, from which the poor were 
furnished daily with souj), bread, and in some instances fuel. This 
noljlo work of charity was under her own supervision, and very 
often as many as six hundred daily received the renovating bever- 
age from her hands. 

September 2d will long be remembered by our citizens, espe- 
cially by those of German origin, as in point of interest the grandest 
gala-day which we have had in our city for a long time. It was 



564 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

to them indeed a social reunion of no common interest, being not 
merely a festival of pleasure, but a fitting tribute to the memory 
of one of the brave sons of their own fatherland, " Baron Steuben," 
who nobly shared with our great Washington and other patriots 
of the Eevolution in the struggle for American liberty. Although 
the majority of the immense concourse present were Germans, 
there were in attendance large numbers of native-born citizens 
who mingled freely in the festivities of the day, as members of 
one common brotherhood. From 7 o'clock in the morning our 
streets were enlivened with the music of the bands and the rapid 
march of the different societies as they severallf^ proceeded to 
Broadway, the ])\a.ce appointed for forming the procession. This 
was accomplished about 9 o'clock, when the line, which Avas over 
a mile in length, moved up Baltimore street, and thence through 
several streets out to the festive grounds of "Kullman's Gardens," 
on the Frederick road. The opening address was delivered in 
German by Eev. H. Scheib ; then followed the orator of the day, 
Hon. Joshua Vansant. 

Never has the victory which was achieved by our arms at the 
battle of North Point been more generally or appropriately cele- 
brated than on Monday, the 13th of September. The day had 
been properly selected by the Wells and McComas Monument As- 
sociation for the reinterment of the mortal remains of these brave 
young men. The ceremonies pertaining to the funeral obsequies 
were of a character reflecting ci-editably upon those who planned 
them, and under whose supervision they were performed. The 
several streets through which the procession passed were densely 
crowded with citizens ;• while this was so much the case in the 
vicinity of the Maryland Institute that it was with extreme diffi- 
culty the procession could form. The line having at length been 
formed on Baltimore street, the coffins were removed from Mary- 
land Institute hall, where they had lain in state, and placed upon 
the funeral car. The line then moved up Baltimore street, and 
thence through several streets to Ashland square, the place of in- 
terment. On arriving at the square, the car was placed in front 
of the stand, but the vast concoui-se of people here assembled pre- 
cluded the possibility of the military forming around the tomb as 
was designed, and they were necessarily compelled to form on the 
adjacent streets. The ceremonies were then commenced by the 
Eev. Jno. McCron, who delivered a chaste and impressive pi'ayer. 
Maj^or Swann was next introduced, and delivered an address. At 
its close, the orator of the day, the Hon. Jno. C. Legrand, was 
presented to the vast multitude, and his address was listened to 
with an unusual interest and attention, and was received with 
marked favor. Immediately after the close of the oration of 
Judge Legrand, the stand went down with a crash, which for a 
few moments caused great consternation, but fortunately no one 
was seriously injured thereby. 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 565 

Another foul and unprovoked murder was committed about 
half-past 11 o'clock on September 22d, in the western section of 
the city, which durin<^ these times stained the record of almost 
every day with blood. It appears that there was a party going 
on in a private house on Biddle street, between Pennsylvania 
avenue and Marsh street, and at about fifteen minutes after 11 o'clock 
two men named John Eisenhart and David Houck rapped at the 
door and demanded admittance, which was refused. They then 
insisted on coming in, u2)on which the proprietor called for the 
officers ; and officers Benjamin Benton and Kigdon hearing the 
noise, came up and arrested Eisenhart 'and Ilouck on the charge 
of disorderly conduct in the street. They had proceeded but a 
short distance with their prisoners when a man named Henry 
Gambrill approached them, and demanded of the officers that they 
should release their men, which they refused to do, when Gambrill 
immediately drew his revolver and fired, the contents taking effect 
in the head of officer Benton, killing him instantly. Gambrill then 
ran off, and went to the public-house of James Morgan, on the 
corner of Eutaw and Eoss streets, and from thence to his own 
house near by, where he changed his clothing. He was arrested 
shortly after. 

In September the ordinance passed both branches of the City 
Council for a Paid City Fii-e Department. 

On Monday night, September 27th, a party of rowdies attacked 
the German Correspondent newspaper office, corner of Baltimore 
and Gay streets, stoning the building and breaking a number of 
window panes. One of the missiles passed close by the head of 
one of the compositors, who made a narrow escape from serious 
injury. 

The 13th of October was the day assigned for the mockery of our 
municipal election. No serious results ensued, as but few save the 
dominant party ventured to visit the polls. The candidates were 
Thomas Swann, who represented the Know-Nothing party, and Col. 
Shutt, who was the independent candidate for Mayor. Mr. Swann 
received 24,008 votes ; Col. Shutt received 4,858 votes; Mr. Swann's 
majority 19,149. At an early hour in the day it became manifest 
that no free or fair expression of the popular will, with respect to 
the choice of municipal officers, would be permitted by the bands 
of armed and lawless ruffians who took and maintained possession 
of the polls. Tlie jiolice made no effort to protect citizens in the 
exercise of their rights of suffrage, but remained unconcerned spec- 
tators of the violence to which they were subjected. Under these 
circumstances, at the hour of noon, Col. Siuitt, the independent 
candidate for the Mayoralty, finding it impossible for those favor- 
able to his election to approach the ballot-box without the risk of 
incurring great personal danger, issued the following address : 

" Fellow-citizens, it being now clearly manifest that a deliberate 
purpose actuates the Mayor of this city to countenance the general 



666 CHRONICLES OF BA.LTIMORE. 

combination which now prevails between his police and the armed 
bands of lawless men who have since the opening of the ballot- 
boxes 'held possession of the polls, to the exclusion of all voters 
opposed to Mayor Swann, and it being urged upon me by many of 
our best citizens that an}^ persistent attempts to vote upon the part 
of my friends can only be attended with loss of life and the gene- 
ral disorder of the city, I feel it' my dutj" to yield to their judg- 
ments, and withdraw my name as a candidate for Mayor. A. P. 
Shutt, Wednesday, October 13th, 12 o'clock M." 

On Friday night, November 5th, about 8 o'clock, another most 
villainous murder was perpetrated upon police officer Eobert M. 
Eigdon, at his dwelling, No. 468 West Baltimore street. Mr. Eig- 
don left the western police station for his home, having been pre- 
viously cautioned by Captain Lineweaver, who had heard that 
threats had been made against his life, to be on his guard, and to 
remain at home until the excitement attending the rendition of 
the verdict against Henry Garabrill- had subsided; the feeling 
against the deceased, and the threats of vengeance upon him hav- 
ing grown out of his having testified so positivelj^ in the case to the 
guilt of Gambrill for the murder of officer Benton, as heretofore men- 
tioned. Upon leaving the station-house he proceeded home, and had 
been there but a short time when the assassination took place ; whilst 
he was standing leaning against the mantle in the sitting-room of his 
house in conversation with his wife, who was sitting near by, while 
a small child, whom he had found in the street and taken into his 
family, was playing at his feet. Within two feet of where he was 
standing, a small window opened into the yard in the rear of the 
dwelling, and the assassins had gained access to the yard b}^ way 
of the alley,' and fired through this window, the weapon used be- 
ing an old fowling-piece cut down to a length of about eighteen 
inches, and heavily loaded with slugs. Simultaneously with the 
discharge of the weapon Eigdon exclaimed " I am shot ! " and in- 
stantly fell to the floor ; the only subsequent signs of life he gave 
being the utterance of a single gr.oan of agony. At the time of 
the commission of the murder, officer John Cook was opposite to 
the dwelling on Baltimore street, and heai'ing the report of the 
pistol, ran across ; but before he reached the premises a man came 
out of the alley, running with a revolver in his hand, and upon 
the officer attempting to arrest him, he turned and fired twice at 
him without eff^ect, Avhen he again started at full speed up Balti- 
more street. Officer Cook followed in pursuit, and after being thus 
fired at, drew his own revolver and also fired two shots at the fug- 
itive. At the intersection of Baltimore and Pine streets the man 
again turned and fired at the officer, which shot the latter re- 
turned but again without effect. This exciting chase was continued 
until they reached Penn street, where the officer came up close 
enough to knock the fellow down with his pistol. Officers Jami- 
son and Higgins here came up and aided in conveying the prisoner 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 567 

to the western station-house, when he was recognized to be a man 
named Peter Corrie, a butcher, residing on the llookstown road. 
Upon the prisoner being arraigned at the station-house he made a 
full confession of his participation in the horrible traged}', pro- 
testing that he did not commit the murder, but had gone to the 
place with Marion Cropps, who fired the pistol, he having waited 
at the mouth of the alley whilst Cropps had gone up to the window 
and fired the ftital shot. A warrant was issued for the arrest of 
Crojips, and he was found at the tavern of Erasmus Levy, on Hol- 
liday street, near Baltimore. 

In accordance with an invitation on the part of the members 
of the City Council, Dr. Thomas Buckler on the 23d of November 
addressed the First Branch chamber upon the project of " filling 
up of the harbor or back basin from Light street to a line con- 
tinuous with the west side of Jones' Falls, at the same time level- 
ing and grading Federal Hill, and then carrying Calvert, South, 
Commerce, Gay and Frederick streets, Marsh Market Space, Con- 
cord street, and West Falls avenue across and over the basin and 
Whetstone Point to the Patapsco river, between Fort Mcllenry 
iand the Feny Bar, and to open Camden, Conway, Barre, Lee, 
York, Hill, Great Hughes, and Montgomery sti'eets eastwardly, to 
intersect West Falls avenue at or near Fell's Point." Dr. Buckler 
incurred much ridicule from the wiseacres of the city for his views, 
which, however, in time arc sure to be adopted. The vile nuisance 
of the stagnant basin has been growing worse and worse ever 
since. Dr. Buckler within the present time, 1873, published a 
stirring pamphlet in support of his theory. 

A conviction that some movement to secure the peace and 
restore the reputation of the city was necessary had become 
general, and several prominent citizens, foremost among whom was 
Mr. George William Brown, united to form a " Reform Associa- 
tion," the object of which was by regular meetings and a])peal8 
through the press to organize the friends of law and order into a 
body suflSciently influential and powerful to secure quiet and fair- 
ness at the polls, which at this time were the scenes of the most 
disgraceful fraud, violence and disorder. In addition to the ordi- 
nary acts of riot and intimidation, honest gentlemen as well as un- 
fortunate wretches were frecpientl}' seized and "cooped" in vilo 
dens, drugged and stupefied with whiskey, and then carried round 
in omnibuses and "voted" in ward after ward, the police offering 
no opposition aiul judges of election receiving the votes. Fire- 
arms were opeidy disphiyed and fre(piently used, resulting in at 
least one murder. A singular but effective moans of annoyance 
and intimidation was brought into play by the use of small awls, 
which ruffians in a dense crowd thrust into the persons of their 
adversaries in a manner which easily escaped detection. Accord- 
ingly a great mass meeting of the people came off in the afternoon 
of the 8th of September, in Monument Square. Not less than 



668 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

10,000 people were on the ground. At four o'clock the committee 
arrived and took their seats ujjon the platform. Wm. Woodward, 
Esq., was, on motion of Chas. D. Hinks, appointed chairman, and 
speeches were made by Messrs. Geo. Wm. Brown, James Hodges, 
and Geo. M. Gill. This was the first organization of what was 
formerly known as the " Eeform " party. 

The cashiers of all the Baltimore banks met on Friday after- 
noon, March 5th, in the cashier's room of the Union Bank, and 
after due deliberation, unanimously agreed to establish a "clearing- 
house," to go into operation Monday, March 8th. 

The General Assembly of Marj-land incorporated on the 24th 
of February, "The Maryland Club," on the 9th of March " The 
Peabody Institute," and on the same day incorporated the " Tow- 
sontown Eailroad Company." 

1859. Mr. Thomas Winans' "Cigar Ship" made quite a suc- 
cessful trial trip on Thursday afternoon, January 20th, going as far 
as North Point. 

It would be difficult to conceive of a popular excitement more 
intense in feeling, though subdued in the manner of its manifes- 
tations, than that which pervaded the city on the 8th of April. 
The day will long be remembered in this community as the day 
upon which the supremacy of the law was vindicated by the exe- 
cution of four convicted mui-derers, viz : Henry Gambrill, Marion 
Cropps, Peter Corrie, and John Stephens alias Cypbus, for the murder 
of Benjamin Benton, Eobert M. Eigdon, and William King (colored). 
Three of the murderers were young men of respectable parentage, 
but who had been led to commit the crimes for which they bad 
been condemned to suffer an ignominious death by giving free rein 
to their unbridled passions, and through the baneful influence ex- 
erted upon them by evil associates. Friends powerful and influ- 
ential in certain quarters had for weeks persistently yet vainly 
sought to move the Governor of the State to exercise a prerogative 
which, while it might have been an act of mercy to the condemned, 
would have inflicted a most serious injury upon society. An ex- 
tension of the time oi'iginally fixed for the execution of the law 
was twice granted by the Governor, but beyond this he finally 
declined to interpose. The number of spectators assembled to 
witness this tragic spectacle has been roughly estimated at thirty 
thousand. 

The ordinance granting permission to William H. Travers and 
others to construct a city passenger railway in our city, was finally 
passed the City Council on Monday, March 14th. 

On the 16th of April, the ceremony of laying the corner-stone 
of the Peabody Institute building was performed in the presence 
of the Board of Trustees. 

The first operation of the police and fire alarm telegraph took 
place onMonday afternoon, June 27th. It was a test of the power 
of the telegraphic wires in ringing the bell connected with the 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 569 

engine houao of the "Alpha," on Paca street, near Fayette. The 
entire line was completed June 30th. 

On the 12th of July the first ear was placed on the City Pas- 
senger Railway on Broadway, and a considerable number of persons 
assembled to witness the start. During the entire morning the 
car on every trip was crowded to excess with men and boys, par- 
ticularly the latter, who were present by hundreds ; and those of 
them who could not get a seat inside, clung to the platforms and 
sides of the car. On the 27th of October the cars ran from one end 
of the line to the other. 

At an early hour on the morning of the 17th of October, our 
city was thrown into a state of excitement by the publication of a 
despatch from Frederick, stating that a negro insurrection had 
broken out in the town of Harper's Ferry, that the insurgents had 
taken possession of the place, seized upon the armory, and were 
proceeding to imprison the citizens and liberate the slaves of the 
adjacent country. The intelligence at first seemed so improbable 
that little credit was given to it ; but the reception of other des- 
patches of the same purport, and non-arrival of the train from the 
West due at 5 A. M., gave color of truthfulness to the statement, 
and the newspaper offices were besieged by an anxious and in- 
creasing crowd. About noon confirmatory despatches were received 
from the office of the Baltimore and Ohio railroad. Shortly after 
12 M. the express train arrived, and full particulars of the affair 
were obtained from conductor Phelps and his officers. These state- 
ments, as may be imagined, excited the most intense feeling, and 
the news was speedily communicated to Washington and elsewhere. 
The Frederick military telegraphed to the President proffering 
their services, which were immediately accepted. Major-General 
George H. Steuart, of this city, instantly tendered the services of 
his division ; and five companies, under command of Lieut. -Col. 
Egerton, left at 5 o'clock in the afternoon for the scene of disturb- 
ance, amid the cheers of the immense crowd who had collected at 
the depot. Telegraphic operators, with proper instruments, were 
also sent out to establish communication between the nearest ac- 
cessible point to Harper's Ferry and the city. The train consisted 
of eleven cars; the first contained liquor and provisions; six cars 
were filled with the military, and the remainder were occupied by 
passengers and citizens not in uniform, and by the princijial officers 
of the road. The companies which left were the Independent 
Greys, Law Greys, Baltimore City Guard, and Wells and McComas 
Riflemen, numbering 201 muskets. At an early hour the next 
morning the Lafayette CJuards, Capt. I^Y'rrandini, the reserve guard 
of the Law Greys, the Baltimore atid Turner Rifles and the artillery 
companies, presented themselves at the Camden Station ready to 
proceed to the seat of war, but it was not deemed necessary to call 
their services into requisition. In the evening the volunteer com- 
panies, except the Independent Greys, which left the city on 



570 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

Monday to assist in quelling the insurrection, returned. A very- 
large number of persons were in attendance on the arrival of the 
cars at the Camden Station anxious to welcome back their friends. 
The Independent Greys remained to deposit the arms which they 
captured. 

If we could, we would blot out forever the record of the 2d of 
November's shame from the annals of Baltimore ; but the deeds 
that were done can never be forgotten, and monuments of brass 
will not be so enduring as the memory of that day. We take the 
following extracts from the papers in the contested election case of 
the members, as returned to the House of Delegates, on the 2d of 
!Novernber, 1859, which fully show by sworn statements of re- 
spectable gentlemen the melancholy condition of affairs in this 
cit}^, which the scenes and incidents of this day so fully disclosed. 

Mr. George H. Kyle, brother to Adam B. Kyle, being requested 
to state what occurred at the 15th ward poll, said : 

" I went to the polls at half-past eight o'clock A. M., and was 
within two feet of the window ; remained there about five minutes, 
with my brother. I had a bundle of tickets under my arm, and one 
man walked up to me and asked me what it was that I had. I told 
him tickets; he made a snatch at them, and I avoided him and 
turned round. As I turned, I heard ray brother say, ' I am struck, 
George ! ' At the same time I saw my brother raise his stick and 
strike at some one ; the same, I suppose, that had struck him. At 
that moment I was struck from behind a severe blow on the back 
of the head, which would have knocked me down, but the crowd 
which had gathered round us, some thirty or forty in a cluster, 
was so dense that I was, as it were, kept up. After 1 received 
this blow I drew a dirk knife, which I had in my pocket, with 
which I endeavored to strike the man, who, as I supposed, had 
struck me. I then felt a pistol placed right close to my head, so that 
I felt the cold steel upon my forehead. At that moment I made a 
little motion of my head, which caused the shot of the pistol to 
glance from my head ; my hat showed afterwards the mark of a 
bullet, which I supposed to have been from that shot. The dis- 
charge of the pistol, which blew off a large piece of the skin of my 
forehead and covered my face with blood, caused me to fall. When 
I arose I saw my brother in the middle of the street, about ten 
feet from me, surrounded by a ci'owd who were striking at him 
and firing pistols all around him ; he was knocked down twice, and 
at one time while he was down I saw two men jump on his body 
and kick him ; he had no other weapon in his hand than his stick. 
In the meantime I drew my pistol and filled into the crowd, which 
was immediately in front of me, every man of whom seemed to 
have a pistol in his hand and was firing as rapidly as he could ; in 
this crowd there were fully from forty to fifty persons. I saw at 
the second story windows of the Watchmen engine-house building, 
in which the polls were held, cut-off muskets, or large pistols pro- 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMOEE. 571 

truding, and observed smoke issuing from the muzzles, as though 
they were being fired at me ; I then turned towards my l)rother 
and endeavored to get to him. When within a few feet of liim I 
saw him fall, ])laoing his hand on liis groin as if badly hurt ; at the 
same moment a shorstruck me in the shoulder, which went through 
my arm and penetrated into my breast ; from the direction the 
ball took I am satisfied that the shot w^as fired from the second 
story of the engine-house. "When 1 got up my brother was still 
lying on the ground immediately opposite the door of the house 
into which he afterwards managed to get; I supposed that he was 
dead, and transferred m}' pistol from my right hand, which was 
disabled, to my left hand, and holding it in front of me, backed 
down towards Lee street, the crowd following me. • As I backed in 
that way, just as I got near Lee street, a fellow ran out a musket 
from under a shed, and I pointed my pistol at him, which made him 
change his position a little. As I continued to back off a brick 
struck me in the breast and I fell ; just at that moment the musket 
was discharged, and the ball whizzed over me as I Avas falling. 
"While I was so retreating, the crowd were firing at me constantly; 
when I arose there Avas no further trouble offered to me, and in a 
few moments some one came up, with whom I went off. There 
were seven bullet-holes in my coat, and the coat was cut as if by 
knives in various places ; the pantaloons had also the appearance 
of having been cut by bullets. During all this time I saw no police 
officers, and it was only when I was on my way home that an 
officer came up and asked me my name. My brother died that 
evening from the effect of injuries received there." 

Mr! 8. Teackle "Wallis says: "About twenty minutes or a half 
an hour after the polls were opened in the tenth ward, they were 
taken forcible possession of b}^ the same party of rioters with a 
volley of bricks and a discharge of fire-arms; from that time until 
I left, no man was permitted access to the polls except at the 
pleasure of the ' Know Nothing party ' who had so taken possession 
of them." 

Mr. Charles D. Ilinks, of the fourteenth ward, says : " I saw 
Gregory Barrett draw his pistol and fire five times, but being in- 
tently engaged watching him, I did not see at whom his pistol was 
pointed. After he had discharged all the barrels of his pistol ho 
called for rifles; he and some of his party raved like madmen, 
swearing that they wouhl kill the Reformers — and I heard McGon- 
nigan, one of the JJip J{ai)s, swear that no Reformer should vote, 
except over his dead body." 

Mr. John Justus Ritzus, says: ""While 1 was drinking, another 
man present in the room at the corner of "Wilkes and (Jiirolino 
street.s, said to me, 'As soon as the work hero is done you can go 
back to the other warehouse.' After awhile our conductor came 
and le<l us through the back of the house into a court-jard, and 
then apparently through one or two yards, until wo came in front 



572 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

of a crowd of men, about five or six, armed with clubs and guns 
and other weapons, standing at a sort of entrance through the 
fence or partition between two houses. Immediately I was pushed 
from behind, and caught by the arm by one of the crowd and 
dragged through the opening ; at the same time another German, 
not one who had accompanied us, was pushed through immediately 
behind me. The conductor and the two others I saw no more after 
we had been got through the opening into the next house, as I 
have stated. Another man came and led us into a dark room, 
where we were kept a few minutes. While we were there the man 
with me began to make a noise, trying to break the planks out, &c. ; 
immediately thereupon the door opened and three or four men 
appeared, one of whom struck the poor fellow on the head with a 
club which felled him to the ground ; a second one raised an axe 
and struck at him through the doorway. Seeing the intention of 
the man I pushed the door to, so as to intercept the blow, which 
fell upon the door, beat it back against my mouth, and hurt my 
lips severely ; the jjarty then came in and searched us thoroughly, 
taking everything of any value from us. I had only a small pocket- 
knife, which they took ; my companion they made strip, and as he 
drew off his shoes his money fell out, a few quartei's and some 
small money. We were left locked in for awhile, then the captain 
of the coop came, opened the door, and led us down stairs to a 
small trap-door which led to the cellar. We were put down there, 
and as we were going down, I in front, my companion was pushed 
down violently, and, falling against me, we both tumbled down 
into the cellar. Here we found ourselves in a dark hole full of all 
sorts of men, with one solitary candle to give us light. There I was 
kept until Tuesday afternoon, when the captain came down and 
selected the oldest of us ; I was called by name and led uj) stairs 
to the second story, and put into a large room, which was also full 
of persons who were similarly cooped ; there I was kept until 
Wednesday morning, the day of the last election. On Wednesday 
morning, after nine o'clock, we were brought out by threes and 
fours, and had tickets put into our hands ; I examined the tickets 
which were given me, and know they were ' American ' tickets ; I 
recognized them by the names of the candidates, the black stripe 
down their length, the head of Washington at the top, and the 
extreme narrowness of the ticket. Three others and myself wei'e 
brought out, and led by the rowdies, holding us by the arm, up to 
the window of the second ward polls and voted ; we four then were 
put into a carriage and driven around through the town, through 
streets which I did not know to various polls, and we were voted 
five or six times; we were then driven to the HoUiday street polls, 
voted there, and then shut up in the coop there next to the polls, 
in the cellar. We were then brought up into a room, and ordered 
by the captain of the coop to change clothes with some seven or 
eight other cooped individuals, which most of us did, but I retained 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. ' 573 

my own clothes; the cnptain changed clothes with a German, 
taking a nice hat and black overcoat in exchange for his cap and 
coat, which were of little value. We were then voted again at these 
polls, and then we were led on foot to Baltimore street, where an 
omnibus awaited us, and we were packed in till it was full, and driven 
down to the coop house at the second ward again. Arrived there, we 
voted again at the second ward, and then we were driven around 
in the omnibus to various polls and voted some six times, until we 
came to a poll the other side of Ensor street, where there was a 
great crowd hustling and pushing, screaming, &c., in spite of which 
we were led up by the arm, by the rowdies, through the crowd, 
and compelled to vote. I was let go for a moment, while the 
rowdies who had held me joined in the hustling and pushing, and 
seeing the chance, 1 dodged into the crowd and escaped to my 
home. I voted at least in the various wards sixteen times, com- 
pelled each time to give a different name; none of the judges said 

anything to me, or any of us The treatment of some of 

those in the coop was disgusting and horrible in the exti'eme ; men 
were beaten, kicked and stamped in the face with heavy boots. 
In the cellar of the second ward there were about seventy or 
eighty persons locked up, not allowed to be about for a moment to 
satisfy the wants of nature, and in the upper room of which 1 have 
spoken as many more. The three men who were with me, voted, 
each of them, as often as I did." 

Mr. Peter Fitzpatrick, of the sixth ward, who was in " Eas 
Levy's coop," in HoUiday street, between Faj^ettc and Baltimore, 
says : " When I got in there, there were about fifteen in there 
before me, and from fifteen, up to Wednesday, the number in- 
creased until, to the best of my knowledge, they had about eighty 
or ninety; and on Wednesday morning they took us out six at a 
time, to vote the American ticket. I told them I Avasn't entitled 
to a vote, and they said if I wouldn't vote I should die. There 
was a good many others that they served in the same way. 
Knocked them down with billies and slung shots, and took their 
money and their watches." Mr. Henry Funk, of the sixth ward, 
who was in this same " coop," says : " They knocked me down 
flat on my back, and poured the whiskey into me, about half a 

pint I saw one German, who was very anxious to get 

home, who said he lived in the country twenty-two miles, and left 
his team at the market, and he made a noise to get out, and they 
handcuffed him and kept him so all night, and stripped him of all 
, his clothes except his shirt and drawers, and they took a comfort 
and put it around his neck and said they would hang him, and ho 
went down on his knees and said he would bo quiet, and then they 
K-t him alone. I saw fellows come in with revolvers in their 
hands, which they pointed at the men in the "coop," and told 
them to lie down and go to sleep or they would be shot; and they 
had guns at the door, and they always came in with large clubs. 



574 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

like watchmen's clubs, in their hands ; and I saw them beat men 
with them too. One German was brought in with a large beard 
on, and Crab Ashby took a candle and set fire to his beai'd and 
burnt it off." 

The following notice is taken from the Baltimore Clipper of 
November 1st, 1859 : " Eattlers American Club No. 1, Twelfth 
Ward — The original members of the American Eattlers are hereby 
notified to meet on Tuesday evening, November 1st, at 7 o'clock, 
as there are traitors in the camp. P. S, — The awls will be ready 
for distribution. By order, Eobert Nelson, President." 

Mr. Clifton W. Tayleure, who was local reporter for the Balti- 
more Clipper^ says of the transparencies, &c., carried in the proces- 
sion of the Know-Nothing clubs at a mass-meeting of the party 
presided over by the Hon. Anthony Kennedy, and addressed by 
the Hon. H. Winter Davis and others, which was held in Monu- 
ment square, shortly before the election of November 2d, 1859 : 
" Some of them were of the usual character on election transpa- 
rencies ; some were humorous and some were threatening ; the 
prevailing figure was that of an awl. One of the transpai'encies 
was the figure of a man running, with another in pursuit, sticking 
him with an awl. There was another figure of a bleeding head, 
with the device, ' The head of a Eeformer.' There was another of 
an uplifted arm, with a clenched fist, with the device, ' With this 
we'll do the work.' One of the parties on hoi'seback, with a ribbon 
around him, carried a large awl strapped to his back. A party 
from the eighteenth ward had a forge, with fire, and persons ham- 
mering, apparently making awls." 

Mr. George Brown, the second son of Alexander Brown, the 
founder of the eminent banking firm of Brown, Brothers & Co., 
died at his country residence, near this city, on Friday morning, 
August 26th, in the 72d year of his age. As a business man he 
was distinguished by caution, prudence, sterling integrity, quick- 
ness of perception, and indefatigable application. In 1827, when 
the Mechanics' Bank was reduced almost to insolvency by bad 
management, he consented to become its president, and in a short 
time raised it to a state of great prosj^erity ; and it is a fact worthy 
of notice that a long time afterwards his son George S. success- 
fully presided over the same institution, having been called to the 
management in consequence of a serious disaster which it h'ad sus- 
tained. Mr. George Brown was the principal founder of the Mer- 
chants' Bank, of which he was for some time the president. The 
House of Eefuge was a special object of his care, as was also the ^ 
Baltimore Association for the Improvement of the Condition of 
the Poor. Mr. Bi'own was one of the pi-incipal founders of the 
Baltimore and Ohio Eailroad, and the first treasurer of that com- 
pany. On his decease he was possessed of the largest fortune 
which had ever been left by an individual in Maryland. The 
beautiful Presbyterian chui'ch at the corner of Park avenue and 



CHEONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 575 

Townscnd street, known as the Erown Memorial Church, which 
has recently been finished, attests not only his widoAv's devotion 
to his memory, but his fervent attachment to the faith in which 
he had been educated, in Avhich he lived, and in humble reliance 
on which he died. 

The "Odd-Fellows" of Baltimore dedicated the south wing of 
their hall on Gay street with a grand parade and other appropriate 
ceremonies, on Monday, September 26th. Mr. William H. Young 
was the orator of the day. 

Judge Z. Collins Lee departed this life on Saturday, November 
26th. 

1860. The new jail, which is so creditable to the enterprise and 
humanity of our city, was in January formally delivered to the 
municipal authorities in a complete condition by Messrs. John 
Maxwell & Co., the contractors and builders. 

The Hon. John Nelson died in this city on Wednesday night, 
January ISth, in the 70th year of his age. Mr. Nelson was recog- 
nized throughout the country as one of the most brilliant orna- 
ments of the American bar, and has forever associated his name 
with several of the most famous successes which the annals of the 
law anywhere i-ecord. The deceased gentleman has also filled with 
credit to his country and his own fame several positions of honor 
and of trust, among them that of Attorney-General of the United 
States under President Taylor, and Minister to Naples during the 
administration of General Jackson. 

The corner-stone of the Memorial Church, corner of Bolton and 
Townsend streets, in memory of the llev. Henry V. D. Johns, 
late Eeetor of Emanuel Church, was laid on Tuesday afternoon, 
July 3d, with appropriate ceremonies. Appropriate addresses were 
delivered b}' Eevs. Messrs. Schenck and Ciimmings. 

The Chicago Zouaves, under the command of Col. E. E. Ells- 
worth, anived in this city on Wednesday, August 1st, and were 
received by the Independent Greys and Maryland Guards. The 
Zouaves gave an exhibition drill in the evening at the Maryland 
Institute, which was largely attended by the military and citizens. 
On the 2d they also gave an exhibition drill at the terminus of 
the Madison avenue line of city passenger cars. 

The steamer Great Eastern arrived in Annapolis Eoads on 
Sunday, August 5th, and during the week every means of convey- 
ance to her was crowded by persons anxious to get a view of the 
greatest of steamers. She left for New York on the 10th of 
August. 

. On the 2d of February the reform bills passed the House of 
Delegates, and became the law of the State. Immediately upon 
recci[)t of the news of the passage of the bills. Mayor Swann dis- 
patched a message to the (.'ouncil, asking leave to test their legality, 
and volunteering his own oi)inion that they were " without the 
authority of law, and cannot be recognized by the courts." The 



576 CHEONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

Commissioners of Police, Charles Howard, Wm. II. Gatcbell, 
Charles D. Hinks, John W. Davis, designated in the new bill, on 
the 6th of February, appeared in the clerk's office of the Superior 
Court and subscribed to the oath of office, and on the 9th made a 
formal demand through their counsel, Messrs. Revcrdy Johnson, 
S. Teackle Wallis, J. Mason Campbell, and Wm, H. Norris, Esqs., 
upon the Mayor and City Council for the use of the station-houses, 
police equipments, &c. On the 10th they received from Mayor 
Bwann notice of his refusal to comply. Application was iraniedi- 
ately made to the Superior Court, Judge Martin, for a mandamus to 
compel compliance, &c., &c. On the ISth of March Judge Martin 
delivered his opinion upon the constitutionality of the Act creating 
a permanent police force for the city of Baltimore. The Mayor 
and City Council took an appeal to the Court of Appeals, and 
their decision was rendered in favor of the Board of Police on 
Tuesday, April 17th. On the 12th of March the Governor, T. H. 
Hicks, signed the bill passed by two-thirds of the members of each 
House to remove from the office of Judge of the Criminal Court 
of Baltimore the Hon. Henry Stump, then Judge of said court. 

On the 7th of May the members of the old police force under 
Marshal Herring and Deputy Marshal Manl}-, were disbanded at 
the Marshal's office, old City Hall, Mayor Swann and the Marshals 
bidding them adieu. 

The Constitutional Union Convention, composed almost wholly 
of the old Whig party and the waning organization known as the 
"American " or " Know-Nothing " party, assembled in the old 
Presbyterian church on the corner of Fayette and North streets, 
which had been specially fitted up for the occasion. John J. Crit- 
tenden, of Kentucky, called the convention to order, and Washing- 
ton Hunt, of New Yoi*k, was chosen its president, and after a har- 
monious session of two days, concluded its labors on the 10th of 
May, with nominating its candidates ibr the Presidency and Vice- 
Presidency. For the former position it selected the Hon. John 
Bell of Tennessee, and the Hon. Edward Everett of Massachusetts 
was named for the latter. Ten of the States were not represented 
at all in this body, viz : California, Florida, Iowa, Louisiana, 
Michigan, New Hampshire, Khode Island, Oregon, South Carolina, 
and Wisconsin. 

On Friday morning, May 11th, at about half-past two o'clock, it 
commenced raining in tori'ents, and continued at intervals up to half- 
past eleven o'clock. The quantity of rain which fell during that time 
was immense, and all the streams in and around the city were so 
swollen that the water rushed over the banks and entered the 
streets. Jones Falls presented a grand appearance; the usually 
quiet stream became a raging river, and the water hurried along 
its bed with the rapidity of a cataract. About half-past nine it 
flowed over the wall at Fish Market Space, and about the same 
time it overflowed at diff'erent points between Fayette and Bath 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 577 

streets. It continued to increase in volume until Harrison street, 
Centre Market Spac,\ Uolliday street from the old City Hall to 
Bath street, and Saratoga and Bath streets up to Davis street, 
and Lombard, Second and Pratt streets up to Frederick street, 
and Gay street from Frederick street to the bridi^e, were inun- 
dated. Around the Centre iind Fish markets, and in Uolliday and 
Harrison streets, the depth of water was from three to six feet. 
All the cellars and first floors of the houses alon^r the streets^ 
named were flooded. In some cases aloniij Harrison street the 
water stood five feet deep in the rooms, and the occupants were 
compelled to seek safety by leaving the premises in boats. 

Mr. Frederick W. Brune, of the widely-known firm of Von 
KapfF & Brune, died in this year, aged 84, universally respected. 
Mr. Von. Kapff* died in 1828. These gentlemen were successfully 
and most honorably engaged in a varied commerce with all parts 
of the world. 

Friday the 8th of June had been looked for with more than or- 
dinary interest by our citizens, as the day upon which the Japanese 
Ambassadors, the guests of the Government of the United States, 
were to pay Baltimore a visit, before showing themselves in Phila- 
delphia or New York. In anticipation of the event, great prepa- 
rations had been made by the City Council to make their stay here, 
although short, of the most pleasant and interesting character. 
At an early hour the streets were alive with people of every class, 
moving to and fro, some to take part in the pageant about to 
follow, and others anxious to gain accessible points to view a spec- 
tacle unknown hitherto to the city or the country. The streets 
along the route of procession were gaily decorated with the Amer- 
ican and Japanese flags, and other appropriate devices. Along all 
the thoroughfares the crowd was immense, greater perhaps than 
on any previuus occasion in the history of the city. Baltimore 
street being most central, was densely' packed on either side with 
people. The windows of the store-houses, dwellings and public 
offices were crowded with ladies, and where the storekeepers could 
not accommodate them inside, platforms built of packing-boxes and 
counters were erected on the sidewalks, so as to aff'ord all an op- 
portunity to gratify their curiosity. About ten o'clock the 
strangers arrived at Camden Station, whei-e a scene of wild excite- 
ment ensued ; men, women and children, white and black, sent up 
loud huzzas and screams, and ran towards the train as if thuy 
might be anxious to throw themselves under the wheels of the 
cars. They were greeted in a cordial manner by Mayor Swann, 
and with ixnnarkable |)r(nnptitude the guests were seated in the 
conveyances assigned them, and in al)Out twenty minutes the pro- 
cession moved. The Paid I'^ire Department of the city a]>peared 
in public procession for the Hrst time siiiee its organization, and 
seemed to be the most attractive feature in the whole ])n)cessi(»n. 
The procession, which was preceded by a large Ixxly of police under 
37 



578 CHEONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

the immediate direction of Marshal Kane and Deputy Marshal 
G'fford, moved up Eutaw to Baltimore street, and down Baltimore 
street to the hall of the Maryland Institute, where a halt was 
made and the formal reception of the strangers took place. After 
speeches were made, the Embassy and their attaches and the 
oflScers of the United States army and aavy proceeded out of the 
hall and resumed their seats in the carriages. When the procession 
reached Monument Square the members of the Embassy were 
conducted to the Gilmor House, where apartments were prepared 
for them. In the evening they were entertained with an exhi- 
bition of the Fire Department and a brilliant display of fireworks. 
The visitors left next morning for Philadelphia. 

On the 12th of June, Mayor Swann sent a communication to 
the City Council nominating John H. B. Latrobe, Robert Leslie, 
Wm. E. Hooper and Columbus O'Donnell, to act as commissioners 
for the purchase of a site for a park or parks. In the middle of 
July they determined to purchase the present Druid Hill Park for 
the sum of $500,000 from Mr. Lloyd ]N. Rogers. The deeds were 
signed on the 27th of September. 

The National Democratic Convention, in accordance with the 
order of adjournment adopted at Charleston, re-assembled in this 
cit}'- on Monday, June 18th. The Front street theatre, selected for 
the holding of the convention, had been arranged so as to take 
advantage of its fullest capacity for the accommodation of the del- 
egates and of the public anxious to attend the proceedings of the 
convention. The whole stage and parquette, the latter being 
floored over, were appropriated to the use of the members of the 
convention, its officers, and the representatives of the press. The 
rostrum for the president and otficers, an elevated double semi- 
circular platform, occupied the extreme rear of the stage, and 
afforded a commanding view of the whole interior of the house. 
In front of the platform were placed a double row of desks and 
chairs for the reporters of the jiress, of whom nearly two hundred 
were in attendance. The delegates occupied seats to the right and 
left of the chair, and extended over both stage and parquette. 

At ten o'clock the attendance of delegates was not full, a largo 
number having supposed that the convention would not be called 
to order until twelve o'clock. The president, Hon. Caleb Gushing, 
appeared on the platform, but did not take the chair. At eleven 
o'clock he directed the secretary to call the roll of States in order 
to ascertain if the delegates were present. On the calling of the 
roll the following States were found to be fully represented : Maine, 
New Htimpshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New 
York, New Jersey, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, Missouri, 
Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin, Iowa, Minnesota, Cal- 
ifornia, Oregon. Subsequently on a call of the States, Connecticut 
and Kentucky were found to be fully represented. Pennsylvania 
was represented with but two exceptions. Two delegates were 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE, 579 

present from Delaware. "When the State of South Carolina was 
called, the chair directed that only those States be called which 
were present at the adjournment of the convention at Charleston; 
consequently South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Louisiana, 
Mississipj)i, Arkansas and Texas, were not called. After a fervent 
prayer by Kev. John McCron, the convention proceeded to busi- 
ness. The delicate and difficult question concerning the admission 
to seats in the convention of representatives of States whose del- 
egates had Avithdrawn from that body, was the first to present itself, 
and Mr. Cushing in the chair refused to make any decision, and 
referred the whole matter to the convention. It was claimed that 
the seceding delegates had a right to re-enter the convention if they 
chose to do so. This ri<jht was denied, and the lan^cua^ie of the 
resolution respecting the adjournment at Charleston, by which the 
States represented by the seceders were called upon to " fill va^ 
cancies," was referred to as an expression of the convention, if 
fairly interpreted, against the right of the seceders to i-eturn. It 
was proposed, also, that no delegate should be admitted to a seat 
unless he would pledge himself to abide by the action of a majority 
of the convention and support its nominations. Debate speedily 
ensued. It was hot and acrimonious during at least six hours on 
the first da}' of the session ; and in the evening there were two 
mass meetings of the Democracy in the streets of Baltimore, at 
which vehement speeches were heard for hours by tens of thou- 
sands of people, citizens and strangers. 

On the following morning, the subject of contesting delegations 
was referred to the committee on credentials. They could not 
agree ; and on the 21st of June, the fourth day of the session, two 
reports were submitted, the majority report recommending the ad- 
mission of Douglas delegates (in place of seceders) from Louisiana 
and Alabama, and parts of the delegations from other States. The 
minority report was against the admission of the new delegates. 
These reports were discussed with great warmth, which sometimes 
reached the point of fierce personal quarrels. The pro-slavery m3ti 
gave free scope to the expression of their opinions and feelings. 
Mr. Moffatt of Virginia, said: "I am an out-and-out pro-slavery 
man. I believe in the institution all the time. I believe it is right 
morall}', socially and politically. I have fought in my State fur 
theextensionof pro-slavery views." Mr. Gaulden, a mi.'rcan tile dealer 
in slaves from Georgia, said : " I am' an advocate tor maintaining the 
integrity of the JSational Democratic party. I belong to the ex- 
treme South. I am a pro-slavery man in every sense of the word, 
a}', and an African slave-trade man. (Applause and laughter). 
This institution of slavery, as I have said elsewhere, has done more 
to advance the prosperity and intelligence of the white race, and 
of the human race, than all else together. I believe it to be Ibunded 
upon the law of nature and upon the law of God. I believe it to 
be a blessing to all races. 1 glory in being a slave-breeder, and 



580 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

though you may say now that I am wrong, yet I think I shall live 
to see the day when the doctrines which I advocate to-night will 
be the doctrines of Massachusetts and of the North. I say I go 
for non-intervention in the broadest sense of the term. I say that 
this whole thing should be taken out of the hands of the Genei-al 
Government. I say it is all wrong to be spending two or three 
millions of dollars annually from our pockets, and sacrificing thou- 
sands of lives upon the coast of Africa, in that terrible clime, to 
prevent our going there to get a few negroes," Finally, on Friday, 
the 22d, the majority report was adopted — New York throwing 
her controlling thirty-five votes against reconsideration ; and the 
die was cast, filling the places of the seceders with Douglas men. 
The second act of the secession drama — or tragedy — com- 
menced. Virginia, with twentj^-five of her thirty delegates, an- 
nounced that she could no longer remain in the convention. North 
Carolina, California, and Oregon followed Virginia; Kentucky and 
Tennessee retired for consultation ; Georgia refused to re-enter the 
convention ; Missouri and Maryland were preparing to carry out 
a moiety of their delegations. The scene was an impressive and 
interesting one. Mr. Smith, of California, before withdrawing 
with his delegation, said amid great confusion : " This convention 
has properly been held in a theatre, and upon that stage a play 
has been enacted this evening that will prove a tragedy, of which 
the Democratic party will be the victim." The night of the 22d 
was a gloomy one for those who earnestly desired the unity of the 
Democratic party. On the following morning their hopes were 
utterly blasted, when Caleb Cashing, the president of the conven- 
tion, and a majority of the Massachusetts delegation, also with- 
drew. " We put our witlidrawal before j'ou," said the Hon. 
Benjamin F. Butler, of that delegation, "upon the simple ground, 
among others, that there has been a withdrawal, in part, of a ma- 
jority of the States; and further (and that perhaps more personal 
to myself), upon the ground that I will not sit in a convention 
where the African slave-trade — which is piracy by the laws of my 
country — is approvingly advocated." These remarks created a 
great sensation. On the retirement of Mr. Gushing, Governor 
David Todd, of Ohio, one of the vice-presidents, took the chair, 
and the convention proceeded to ballot for a Presidential candi- 
date. A considerable number of Southern delegates who were 
satisfied with the Cincinnati platform, remained in the convention, 
and as their respective States were called, some of them made 
brief speeches. One of these was Mr. Flournoy, of Arkansas, the 
temporary chairman of the convention at Charleston. "lam a 
Southern man," he said, " born and reared amid the institution of 
slavery. I first learned to whirl the top and bounce the ball with 
the young African. Everything I own on earth is the result of 
slave labor. The bread that feeds my wife and little ones is pro- 
duced by the labor of slaves. The}- live on my plantation with 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 581 

every feeling of kindness as between master and slave. Sir, if I 
could see that there is anyLhinj^ intended in our platform un- 
friendly to the institution of shivery — if I eould see that we did 
not get every constitutional right vvc are entitled to — I would be 
the last on earth to submit in this Union; I would myself apply 
the torch to the magazine and blow it into atoms before I would 
submit to wrong. But I feel that in the doctrine of non-interven- 
tion and popular sovereignty are enough to protect the interests 
of the South." 

The original convention, when freed from the withdrawing dele- 
gates, nominated Mr. Stephen A. Douglas for the Presidency. Of 
the one hundred and ninety-four and a half votes cast on the second 
ballot, he received one hundred and eighty-one and a half. When 
the vote was called on the resolution of Mr. Koge of Virginia to make 
Mr. Douglas unanimously the " regular nominee of the Democratic 
party of the United States for the office of President of the United 
States," an overwhelming unanimous " ay " was given, and the 
whole convention rose, the members cheering, waving their hats 
and yelling frantically. The galleries responded with the most en- 
thusiastic acclamations, in the midst of which the banner of the 
" Kej'stone Club" of Philadelphia was displayed from the upper 
gallery and the band struck up "Hail to the Chief" For five 
minutes the enthusiastic demonstration continued. The cheering 
would die away and be renewed, the convention and spectators all 
being on their feet and apparently wild with excitement. At the 
evening session a unanimous nomination was made of Senator 
Fitzpatrick of Alabama for the Vice-Presidency, which partook of 
the same characteristics of enthusiasm and concord. Two days 
afterwards Fitzpatrick declined the nomination, Avhen the National 
Committee substituted Herschel V. Johnson of Georgia. On the 
evening of Saturday, the 23d, the convention made a final adjourn- 
ment. 

On the 21st, just at the moment when the most intense anxiety 
prevailed in the theatre as to the presentation of the report of the 
Committee on Credentials, and when Mr. Krum of Missouri was 
expected to rise, a loud crash proceeded from the centre of the 
floor, and about one hundred and fifty of the delegates, including 
the New York delegation, were observed, in the ti'ue theatrical 
manner, to be going down through the stage. F'or a moment a scene 
of the wildest excitement ensued, which was communicated to all 
parts of the house. The calmness of the president and the members 
of the press soon allayed all apppehensions of danger. The flooi*- 
ing being cleared it was ascertained that the front of the stage and 
the portion covering the orchestra had given way, and suddenly 
sunk about three feet in the centre, throwing the settees and those 
who were on them, within a circle of about forty feet, into one 
wedged mass, from which they extricated themselves as rapidly 
as possible, and fled in all directions to distant parts of the house. 



582 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

Fortunately no one was injured. The convention soon after ad- 
journed to repair damages. 

The delegates Avho had withdrawn from the convention at the 
Front Street Theatre, together with the delegations from Louis- 
iana and Alabama refused admission, met at the Maryland Institute 
at noon on Saturday the 23d of June. The following States were 
represented by partial or full delegations: Kew York, Vermont, 
Virginia, North Carolina, Maryland, Georgia, California, Oregon, 
Florida, Alabama, Louisiana, Missouri, Texas, Mississippi, Massa- 
chusetts, Tennessee, Kentucky, Arkansas, Delaware, and Pennsyl- 
vania. At 5 o'clock the convention was permanently organized 
by the appointment of Hon. Caleb Cushing as president. That 
gentleman was greeted when he ascended the platform with the 
most vociferous applause, and other demonstrations of satisfaction. 
On taking the chair, he declared that the body then assembled 
formed the true National Democratic Convention, composed as it 
was of delegates duly accredited thereto from more than twenty 
States. The convention then proceeded to business with the 
greatest harmony. They resolved that the delegates to the Rich- 
mond Convention should be requested to unite with their brethren 
of the National Democratic Convention, then assembled, on the same 
platform of principles with themselves, if they felt authorized to 
do so. They took seats accordingly. Mr. Avery of North Caro- 
lina offered the majority report, which he had submitted in con- 
Tention at Charleston, and it was adopted without dissent as the 
platform of principles of the sitting convention, and of the party 
it represented. After some further business, the convention j)ro- 
ceeded to the nomination of candidates for the Presidency and 
Vice-Presidency, when George B. Loring of Massachusetts arose 
and said: "We have seen the statesmen of Mississippi coming into 
our own borders and fearlessly defending their principles, ay, 
and bringing the sectionalism of the North at their feet by their 
gallantry. We have admiration for this courage, and I trust to 
five by it and be governed by it. Among all these men to whom 
we have been led to listen, and whom we admire and respect, there 
is one standing pre-eminently before this eountr}^ — a young and 
gallant son of the South." He then named John C. Breckenridge, 
of Kentucky, as a nominee for the Presidency. Vehement applause 
then followed. A vote by States was taken, and Breckenridge 
received eighty-one ballots against twentj^-four for Daniel S. 
Dickinson, of New York. The latter candidate was withdrawn 
and the nomination of Breckenridge was declared unanimous. 
Joseph Lane of Oregon was nominated for the Vice-Presidency. 
The closing speech of the Breckenridge Convention was made by 
Hon. William L. Yancey, of Alabama, and it was without doubt 
the most powerful address to the Democracy of the campaign. 

On Monday, December 17th, the cars of the City Passenger 
Railway Company commenced running day and night for the 



OHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE, 583 

better accommodation of the public — the cars passing the corner of 
Calvert and Baltimore streets every half hour after twelve o'clock, 
the fare being after that hour ten cents. The running of all night 
cars continued for one week only, when they ceased. 

On the 2-tth of February an act was passed by the General 
Assembly of Maryland incorporating the Baltimore, Catonsville 
and EUicott's Mills Passenger Railway Company. 

On the 10th of October the election to fill the offices of Mayor 
and City Council was held, and the result was as follows: For 
Ma^'or — Brown, Reform. 17,625; Ilindes, Know-Nothin<r, 9,684; 
Brown's majority, 7,991. A reform Mayor and a City Council 
wholly of Reformers were lifted into power by majorities so enor- 
mous, and amid the shouts of a triumph so overwhelming as to 
beggar the most enthusiastic expectations. Every hope and desire 
of the gieat conservative movement with which the good citizens 
acted was realized, and the community stood once more where it 
was before the departing dynasty dragged it down and degraded it 
— a self-governing peojjle, knowing its rights and peacefully main- 
taining them. 

The formal cei'cmony of opening the magnificent Druid Hill 
estate to the uses of a public park took place at noon on Friday, 
the 19th of October, in the presence of an immense concourse of 
men, women and children, and with a military display of an unu- 
sually imposing character. The narrow lane running from 
Boundary avenue to the entrance of the Park was literally 
])acked with people and vehicles — a continuous string of car- 
riages, buggies, hacks, wagons, and, in fact, every class of 
vehicle. Between three and four thousand children of the public 
schools, under the charge of their respective teachers, marched in 
file from the cars to the Park. Lieut. Col. William H. Ilayward, 
soon after the Mayor and Park Commissioners had taken position 
on the stand near the mansion, stepped forward and announced 
that the ceremonies would be commenced by prayer, whicli was 
offered by Rev. Dr. Cummins in the most fervent and eloquent 
manner. Volandt's band then played a beautiful air, after which 
Mayor Swann was introduced and delivered the oration, at the 
close of which the Blues' band played the -'Star Spangled Banner," 
which was received with cheers. The school children then sung 
an ode, composed for the occasion by John II. B. Latrobe, Esq., 
one of the Board of Park Commissioners. The Mayor and other 
dignitaries then left the stand and retired to their cariMagos. 
They then by invitation proceeded to the residence of Mr. Orem, 
a<ljoining the P.iirk, where they were handsomely entertairiod. 
The artillery cadets from St. Timothy's Hall, after the conolusidn 
of the address of Mayor Svvann, fired a gun for each Slate and 
Teri-itory in the Union, anfj a salvo for the Park. Tlu' immense 
crowil f»f people ami the numlierh'ss vehicles all hurried homeward, 
and thus ended the celebration of opening Di-uid Hill Park, 



684 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMOEE. 

On the morning of the Slst of October the old and well-known 
banking-house of Josiah Lee & Co. suspended paj'ment ; also on 
the 23d of I^ovember the banking-house of Samuel Harris & Son. 

In November, just after the Presidential election, the following 
letter was written by Governor Hicks, and notwithstanding its 
treasonable and murderous import, the writer became conspicu- 
ousl}" loyal before spring, and lived to reap splendid rewards and 
high honors under the auspices of the Federal Government, as the 
most patriotic and devoted Union man in Maryland. The person 
to whom the letter was addressed was equally fortunate, and in- 
stead of drawing out bis comrades in the field to "kill Lincoln and 
his men," he was sent to Congress by power exerted Irom Wash- 
ington at a time when the administration selected the representa- 
tives of Maryland, and performed all his duties right loyally and 
acceptably. 

■" State of Maryland, Executive Chamber, 
" Annapolis, Nov. 9th, 1860. 
" Hon. E. H. Webster : 

"Jt/i/ Bear Sir : — I have pleasure in acknowledging receipt of 
your lavor introducing a very clever gentleman to my acquaint- 
ance (though a Demo.). I regret to say that we have at this time 
no arms on hand to distribute, but assure you at the earliest pos- 
sible moment your company shall have arms; they have complied 
with all required of them on their part. We have some delay in 
consequence of contracts with Georgia and Alabama, ahead of us, 
and we expect at an early day an additional supply, and of the 
first received your people shall be furnished. Will they be 
good men to send out to kill Lincoln and his men ? If not, sup- 
pose the arms would be better sent South. How does late 
election sit with you ? 'Tis too bad. Harford nothing to reproach 
herself for. Your obedient servant, Thomas H. Hicks." 

The first evidence of the co-operation of any portion of our 
citizens in the secession movement was manifested November 26th, 
by unfurling to the breeze two Palmetto or South Carolina flags. 
The first was displayed at the old Liberty engine-house, on Liberty 
street, near Faj'ctte (since torn down), by a number of men be- 
longing to a branch of an association of Southern volunteers. 

In pursuance of a call published in the daily papers, a meeting 
was held on Saturday night, December 22d, in the Universalist 
Church building, North Calvert street, to "take some action in re- 
gard to the convening of the Legislatui-e by the Governor." The 
Hon. John C. Legrand, Chief Justice of the Court of Appeals, 
was made president. Addresses were then made by William H. 
Ryan, Coleman Yellott and William H. Norris. 

186L In answer to a call published in the newspapers for some 
days, the citizens of Baltimore, favorable to the perpetuation of the 
union of the States, met in mass-meeting at the hall of the Mary- 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 585 

land Institute on the evening of the lOtli of January. The meeting 
was called for seven o'clock, but long before that hour every avail- 
able ppot on the lower floor and gaUeries was occupied by the 
immense throng, who pressed and wedged themselves together, 
until it was almost impossible for another creature to gain access 
to the building. The stage was occupied by the oificers of the 
meeting, and distinguished invited guests from this and other 
States. The meeting M-as called to order by Wm. McKini, Esq., 
who announced the officers who had been nominated at a previous 
meeting. President, Archibald Stirling, Sr., and a number of vice- 
presidents and secretaries. The meeting adopted a set of resolu- 
tions, and were addressed by Wm. II. Collins, Esq., Augustus W. 
Bradford, Reverdy Johnson, B. Deford, Wm. E. Hooper, Joseph 
Gushing, Jr., and Hon. J. A. Pearre. 

In response to a call, published in the papers, for "the citizens 
of Baltimore who are in favor of restoi'ing the Constitutional 
Union of the States, and who desire the position of Maryland in 
the existing crisis to be ascertained by a convention of the people," 
a number of ])eople assembled on the night of the 1st of Fcbruar}-, 
at the ^laryland Institute hall. The hall was well filled, and 
about half-past seven o'clock Hon. Joshua Vansant called the 
meeting to order by nominating Dr. A. C. Robinson as president. 
The meeting was addressed by Dr. A. C. Robinson, Wm. Henry 
Norris, Hon. R. M. McLane, S. Teackle Wallis, ex-Governor Lowe, 
and Mr. Kilgour. After Mr. Kilgour's remarks, a set of resolutions 
were unanimously adopted with loud cheering. 

During the night of Fi-idaj', February 22d, Mr. A. Lincoln, 
President of the United States, passed through this city on his 
way to the Capital, from Harrisburg, Pa., by a circuitous route 
through Philadelphia. 

Died, on the 19th of March, Mrs. Thomas Winans, the wife of 
one of our most enterprising and estimtible citizens. She was a 
Russian by birth, and was distinguished for her extensive charities. 

The Universalist Church edifice erected on Baltimore street, 
near Aisquith, was dedicated on Sunday, March 24th, the religious 
ceremonies being performed by Rev. B. M. Tillotson, Rev. .1. R. 
Johnson, Rev. Moses Ballon, and Rev. A. Jiosserman. The Home 
of the Friendless was dedicated Tuesday, April 2d. Messrs. C. 
Sidney Norris and his Honor Mayor Geo. W. Brown delivered 
appropriate addresses on the occasion. 

Never before, perhai)s, in the histor}' of the old Monumental 
City did the citizens, one and all, labor under such a perfect furore 
of excitement as prevailed from Friday, April 12th, 1801, to the 
end of the month. At a lati- h(Mir on the evening of the 12(h, a 
dispatch was received from Charleston, announcing the startling 
intelligence that the war had Ijeen inaugurated. This dispatch 
was no sooner received than it bi-came generally known through- 
out the entire city, and the immediate result was that a crowu of 



586 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

several hundred persons assembled around the bulletin boards, and 
the excitement became intense. "Extras" were issued by the 
various newspapers, and were caught up with anxious hands by 
the multitude, who hardly seemed to realize the alarming state of 
affairs as stated in the dispatches. Additional dispatches, detail- 
ing briefly the particulars of the battle, were received during the 
night, and at early morning the newspaper offices were besieged 
by hundreds of excited people. The expressions of feeling at the 
reception of the dispatches were varied, many expressing their 
heartfelt regret at the idea of the sheding of fatricidal blood, others 
expressing strong Union sentiments, and many giving expression 
to their feelings ii» favor of the South. As the crowd increased in 
numbers the excitement became more intense, but, although many 
were violent in their argument and gesticulations, no difficulty of 
any kind took place until about eleven o'clock, when a young man 
made his appearance in the neighborhood of South street wearing 
upon his hat a Southern cockade. He was saluted with hisses and 
groans b}'' the Union men, who raised a shout of "take it off," 
"hurrah for the Union," &c. Extras were again issued during 
the morning, and toward noon many of those assembled dispersed, 
and the excitement partially subsided until about three o'clock in 
the afternoon, when it became known that additional news had 
been received announcing that Fort Sumter was on fire. As this 
report became circulated, the Union men assembled about the 
news offices in great numbers, and divers threats were made 
against an}' one sympathizing with the South. In spite of these 
threats, however, the Southern men gathered in their strength, 
and for some time serious difficulties were apprehended. Through 
the exertions of the efficient police department, however, quiet 
was partially restored. About four o'clock, however, the crowd 
again became excited by the appearance of another " cockade " 
upon Baltimore street. Many of those assembled made a rush 
toward the i)arty wearing it, who proved to be a gentleman from 
North Carolina who was stopping at Barnum's hotel, and cries of 
"Go in. Union men," " Eally, minute men," and other riotous 
shouts were heard. The crowd pressed rapidly around the 
stranger, and although ho was immediately surrounded by a num- 
ber of sympathizing friends, he was forced up Baltimore sti'cet until 
opposite the clothing establishment of Messrs. Noah Walker & Co., 
when a decided stand was made, and with the assistance of Sergeant 
McComas, of the police department, the gentleman was enabled to 
return to. the hotel. Extras were also issued on Sunday, April 14th, 
containing further details of the surrender of Major Anderson. 

Died on the 15th of April, "Old Moses." Moses Small, the 
venerable old newspaper carrier, died at his residence in the court, 
in the rear of Charles street church. He was about 80 years of 
age, and until about four years before was quite active, when he 
was prostrated by sickness. Perhap'* there was no person better 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 587 

known in Baltimore than Moses Small ; he was universally re- 
spocted and esteemed. From 1813 to 1838 he carried the Federal 
Gazette, and when that paper was merged into the Baltimore 
Patriot, he continued in the same capacity upon the latter until 
1857 ; and in all that long period of nearly half a century he never 
missed a single day. Such a long instance of uninterrupted ser- 
vice is as rare as it is remarkable. 

On Sunda}'', the 14th of Ajiril, a secession flag was displayed 
from the mizzen topmast of the barque Fanny Crenshaw, lying at 
Chase's wharf, at the foot of Tliames and Caroline sti'cets, Avliich 
was not at first perceived ; but on being particularly noticed several 
hours afterward, the captains of other vessels in the neighborhood, 
the Agnes, the Mondamin, the Washington, the Chase, and the 
Seaman, immediately ran up the National flag. Ere long a crowd 
of persons, belonging mostly to East Baltimore, assembled at tho 
whai'f, expressing very emphatic disapproval of the secession flag, 
and then going on boai'd the Crenshaw, ordered it to be lowered. 
No one was on the vessel at the time excepting a boy left in charge ; 
and he, by the orders of the visiting party, hauled down the flag. 
In the course of an hour or two it was run up again and kept 
flj-ing, this time being ])rotected by a police force. It was under- 
stood the flag was displayed by the express orders of the owners 
of the barque, Messrs. D. and J. Crenshaw, of Eichmond, Va. Tho 
18th of April was a day of much excitement; strong parties of 
Union men and vSeccssionists {tppcaring on the streets and giving 
vent to their political sentiments. Col. George P. Kane, Marshal 
of the police, actively exerted his authority in presei-ving order. 
An attcm])t was made to display a Secession flag on Federal Hill, 
and fire one hundred guns in honor of South Carolina, or perhaps 
more immediately of the secession of Virginia the day before. On 
the third round, however, the cannon was seized, and with the 
powder thrown into the Basin, while the gun-carriage was broken 
up and the flag torn into shreds. No other disturbance occurred 
there, although upwards of two thousand persons had gathered at 
the scene. Another large Confederate flag was hoisted about 4 P. M. 
at the intersection of Greenmount avenue and Charles streets, and 
saluted with one hundred guns. 

The announcement by a special dispatch from Ilarrisburg, Pa., 
that the Northern Central Railroad had been requested to furnish 
accommodations for tho transportation of a number of troops 
through Baltimore, caused on tho 18th of April tho greatest excite- 
ment which had prevailed in this city since tho nevvs of the attack 
on Fort Sumter. Large crowds assembled, and curses and impre- 
cations were freely uttered. An earnest and wide-spread deter- 
mination was manifested to resist this threatened "invasion of the 
soil of Maryland." About 9 o'clock an iiMpromj)tu meetiiig of tho 
National V^oluntcers was held, and T. I'arkin Scott, Esfj., was called 
CD to preside. Upon taking the chair ho made a brief address, 



588 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMOEE. 

followed by W. C. N. Carr, William Byrne and others. Through- 
out their addresses these gentlemen were very earnestly applauded. 
About 2 o'clock P. M., two trains, containing twenty-one cars, 
which left Ilarrisburg at ten minutes past eight o'clock, arrived 
at the Bolton depot, Northern Central road. There were six 
companies of troops : two companies of United States artillery 
from St. Paul, under command of Major Pemberton, two companies 
from Pottsville, Pa., one from Reading, and one from Lewistown, 
Pa., called the Logan Guai'ds, in all numbering a fraction over 
Fix hundred men. Several hundred persons had congregated at 
the depot to await their arrival, and amused themselves in the 
interim by singing " Dixie's Land," and cheering for the Southern 
Confederacy. Upon the troops disembarking, they, were jostled 
and pushed about considerably by the crowd. The lino of march 
was finally taken up for Mount Clare Station, where fifteen freight 
cars, with seats placed in them, had been prepared for their trans- 
portation. From the commencement of the march to the close of 
it, they were greeted with groans, hisses, cheers for Jeff'erson 
Davis, South Carolina, the Southern Confederacy and Virginia. 
Opposite the Howard House the hissing was remarkably strong. 
Upon arriving at Mount Clare the troops were subjected to nu- 
merous indignities, such as being spit upon, having their coat tails 
pulled, and references made to their beggarly appearance, cries of 
" let the police go and we'll lick you," " wait till you see Jeff 
Davis,'' " we'll sec you before long," " you'll never go back to 
Pennsylvania," and many similar expressions. But for the effi- 
cient police arrangements there would undoubtedly have been a 
collision between the populace and the military. About the time 
of the departure of the train bearing them, a stone was thrown 
into one of the cars. In the latter part of the afternoon the crowd 
assembled in front of the headquarters of the Minute men, where 
there was a fight. Several parties were slightly damaged about 
the face. In this row, although there were perhaps 2000 partici- 
pants, no weapons were drawn. This was likewise quelled by the 
police, who rushed in and carried off several parties. The excite- 
ment then subsided until about 7 o'clock in the evening, when an im- 
mense concourse of the Southern sj^mpatbizers collected at Tajdor's 
Building, on F&yette sti-eet, to attend the States Rights Convention 
held there. Being excluded, the proceedings of the convention 
being secret, they formed in a body, numbei'ing about 800 persons, 
and proceeded to parade the streets. 

About the hour of eleven o'clock on Friday, the 19th of April, 
a train of thirty-five cars arrived in the city via the Philadelphia, Wil- 
mington and Baltimore Railroad, containing about 1200 troops from 
Lowell, Boston, and Acton, Massachusetts, under the command of 
Col. Jones, of that State, together with about 1000 volunteers from 
Philadelphia, Pa., under General John Small. No sooner had the 
announcement been made than the entire community was perfectly 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 589 

wild with excitement; and in less than fifteen minutes, hundreds 
of people were rushing in crowds towards the railroad tracU on 
Pratt street, leading from the JMiiludelphia to the Baltimore and 
Ohio Railroad, with the intention of preventing the passage of the 
troops. Having assembled on Pratt street, from Light street as 
far down as the bridge, some time was spent in giving vent to 
sheer indignation by groans for Hicks, Lincoln, and the Federal 
Government, and cheers for Jefferson Davis and the Southern Con- 
federacy. About half-past eleven o'clock, a car drawn by horses 
was seen approaching from the bridge over Jones Falls, and a gen- 
eral shout was sent up by the crowd in Aivor of Jefferson Davis 
and the South. This car, together with eight others, was allowed 
to pass unmolested, except that the multitude groaned and hissed 
at them as they passed. As the tenth car arrived opposite Com- 
merce street, the brake upon the car became disarranged by some 
means, and the car was consequently stopped, when a man stand- 
ing upon the sidewalk threw a stone into one of the windows. 
This was a signal to all assembled, and in an instant the stones 
were flying thick and fast. The driver of the car becoming fright- 
ened, attached his team to the opposite end and drove rapidly to- 
ward the Philadelphia depot, the car being stoned until it disap- 
peared from view. After the lapse of a few moments spent in 
cheers and groans, the crowd, which had by this time increased to 
the number of about 800, proceeded to tear up the street for the 
purpose of blockliding the track, to prevent the passage of any 
more of the cai's. Picks and shovels were soon procured, and in a 
short time the entire street, for a distance of about fifty yards, was 
entirely torn up, the bridges over the gutters were taken up, and 
the paving-stones thrown in large piles in the centre of the track. 
About this time someone among the party discovered several large 
anchors lying upon the wharf near by, and a rush was immediately 
made to gain possession of them. A number of negroes employed 
a» sailors upon schooners hailing from the South came ashore from 
their vessels and rendered every assistance in their powei\ hauling 
the immense anchors to the centre of the railroad track, with 
cheers for the " Souf," and " Massa Jeff. Davis." By their assist- 
ance, some eight of the anchors were piled upon the track. A car 
loaded with sand happened at the time to be passing, and it was also 
seized upon, and being backed up, the contents were spilled on the 
centre of the track. 

A messenger here arrived from the Philadelphia depot, an- 
nouncing that the troops were about to form and march to the 
Camden Station, being unable to proceed thither by rail. This 
announcement led to a yell of disappointment Irom those assembled, 
when a cry of "to the depot" was heard, and the greatest portion 
of them moved off at a rapid rate down President street. As the 
crowd arrived in the neighborhood of the depot, hundreds of citi- 
zens joined in to discover the cause of the excitement, and the 



590 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

mass soon swelled to over 2,000 persons. Passing rapidly down 
President street, as fai' as the depot, they assembled beside the 
train containing the remainder of the military, and immediately 
sent up a shout for the Southern Confederacy, accompanied by the 
most unearthly groans for the troops and the Federal Government. 
No movement was made by the troops for about fifteen minutes to 
alight from the train. During this delay among those in command 
the crowd became furious with excitement, and were about to force 
an entrance into the cars, when a large detachment of police under 
charge of one of the captains made their appearance, and rushing 
forward at the risk of their lives, succeeded in preventing the 
attack upon the cars. The order being given by the captains of 
the various companies of the troops, six car-loads of them pro- 
ceeded to alight from the train. As they descended single file into 
the crowd, they were hustled quite violently, and were hooted at 
and hissed by all assembled, but finally succeeded in pushing their 
way, with the assistance of the officers, to the footway alongside 
the depot, where the^^ formed in double file, awaiting further 
orders. At this instant, a commotion was perceptible on President 
street, and a man appeared, accompanied by about one hundred 
friends, bearing in his hands a pole having upon it a flag of the 
Southern Confederacy. As it became perceptible, a loud shout of 
enthusiasm was sent up by the multitude, and for several moments 
the air was rent with cheer upon cheer for the Southern flag. 
Some one here stole silently into the crowd, and* grasping at the 
flag-staff", tore it partially in half, when he was seized by the throat 
by the man who bore the flag, and would have been killed upon 
the spot had the police not saved him from their vengeance. The 
shreds of the flag were immediately caught up by the crowd, and 
being tied upon the staff", was again saluted with cheers. The 
most bitter taunts were thrown at the troops by those surrounding 
the flag, many of whom declared that they should march behind 
it, which they were compelled to do, as will be showni by the 
sequel. • 

The arrangement having been perfected for a march, the order 
was given, and the whole body made a movement towards Presi- 
dent street, when those surrounding the Secession flag made a bold 
and determined stand, and refused to give an inch to allow them 
to pass. Finding it impossible to proceed, they wheeled around 
and started in an opposite direction, when cries of " head them off"" 
were re-echoed through the vast assemblage, and a rush was made 
to the southern end of the depot. At this point they were com- 
pletely surrounded, and for several minutes it Avas found to be im- 
possible for them to move in any direction. Finally', however, the 
body of military were formed into platoons four abreast, when 
three or four of those in the rear were attacked and separated from 
their comrades. Here again the police, who were untiring in their 
efforts to preserve the peace, rushed in and protected the men, 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 591 

enabled them to regain tbcir places in the ranks, when the body 
again made a move, and by their broad front, aided by the police, 
they Ibrcod a passage through the crowd. As the body niovotl off 
the Confederate flag was borne to tlie head of the ranks, and 
saluted with cheers. Groans were given for the troops, and the 
flag was immediately surrounded by about 200 persons, who 
marched in front of the troops, protecting the flag and compelling 
the volunteers of Massachusetts to march for a distance of two 
squares behind the Confederate banner. When about one hundred 
yards Irom the depot, a second attempt was made by several Union 
men to seize the flag; and, upon being attacked by the citizens, 
they endeavored to escape by retreating behind the ranks of the 
military. This action exasperated the entire mass of citizens to 
Buoh an extent that an attack was immediately made upon the 
troops with, stones and such missiles as could be found. A^ the 
attack began one of the soldiers, a man named William "Patch, 
from ilassachusetts, was seen to fall about midway of the ranks, 
having been struck in the back with a large paving stone. As he 
fell upon his side into the gutter, his musket was seized by a portion 
of the crowd, apparently in a great state of exasperation, who set 
upon him, and before the police could prevent them, beat the un- 
fortunate soldier most unmercifully. The gun was borne rai)idly 
off to some distance, but was finally given up to an offii-er. As the 
man Patch was seen to fall, the commanding officer of the troops 
gave a hurried order to the troops to " run," and dipping their 
heads, they were soon running at a rapid rate, followed by the 
crowd, who continued to throw stones into their midst as they re- 
treated. When at the corner of President and Stiles streets the 
crowd i)ressed closely upon them, and rallying around them, knocked 
down two of the soldiers and seized their muskets, which were very 
promptly delivered into the hands of the police, who checked them 
in the attack. One of the soldiers who was knocked down 
managed to regain his feet and make his escape, but the second 
one was quickly picked up by an officer, and carried to the Middle 
station-house, where he was protected froni the crowd. 

The body of troops continued to run with great rapidity across 
Pratt street bridge, and as far as Commerce street, the point where 
the street had been torn up, where an immense concourse of people 
had assembled, completely blockading the entire street from one 
side to the other. As the troops advanced towards them a tre- 
mendous shout of indignation resounded among them, and deter- 
mined resistance was depicted upon every countenance. Almost 
every man of them provided himself with a huge paving-stone, 
and as the troops advanced a sliower of the stones was poured into 
them. This liad the effect of checking the speed of the troops 
completely, and for a few minutes the citizens were decidedly victori- 
ous. Finding thcmf>elvert hemmed in, the commanding officer of 
the troops ordered them to "fire," and the order was no sooner 



592 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

given than several of the men foremost in the ranks took deliberate 
aim, and at the first fire a young man named Francis X. Ward, a 
member of the City Guard Battalion, fell to the earth, pierced by 
a minie-ball in the left side of the groin. The remainder of the 
troops fired in rapid succession upon the crowd in front, shooting 
several persons, hereafter named, some of whom were instantly 
killed. " A resident of this city was forced by the rush of the 
crowd in close proximity to one of the soldiers. He raised his gun, 
and taking deliberate aim, pulled the trigger. The cap exploded, 
but the gun failed to go off. The citizen rushed forward, and 
seizing the musket, plunged the bayonet almost entirely through 
hia body." 

As those who were shot down by the soldiers continued to 
fall, the citizens, who were entirely unarmed, wavered somewhat, 
and giving way before the fixed bayonets of the tfoops, they 
opened a passage and the troops were again in motion, running 
rapidly up Pratt street towards Camden Station. When at the 
intersection of Pratt and Charles streets, one of the soldiers, a 
man named Andrew Eobbins, from Stoneham, Massachusetts, was 
shot in the neck by one of the citizens, and being picked up, was 
carried into the drug store of Mr. Jesse S. Hunt, where he was 
attended by Dr. Dunbar. Upon the arrival of the nine cars at 
Camden Station they were greeted with hisses, groans, and insult- 
ing threats of every description. The troops appeared to be some- 
what crest-fallen, and looked upon the crowds who sun-ounded the 
cars upon the outside with rather suspicious glances. While they 
were waiting for their comrades at the President street depot, the 
crowd gradually diminished, and a great many persons left the 
place under the impression that the excitement \vas subsiding, but 
in reality the greater part of them had gone off to the conflict on 
Pratt street, while others had rejjaired to the outskirts of the city 
for the purpose of tearing up the track and making preparations 
to attack the train as it moved off from the depot. A few minutes 
past twelve o'clock the appearance of Marshal Kane again drew 
the people together at the Camden Station, when the state of 
affairs in the lower section of the city became more generally 
known. At once a rush was made for the scene of disturbance. 
In a few minutes the crowd came swelling up Pratt street, hoot- 
ing at the militar}^, but kept somewhat at bay by the strong police 
force present, until arriving near Howard street, when a volley 
was fired by the troops, in which one or two persons were wounded. 
Immediately after firing they started in a run, which was kept up 
until near Camden street, when about a dozen shots were fired by 
them, but no one was injured at this time. The run was then re- 
sumed and kept up until they reached the cars, into which they 
very unceremoniously jumped. Thirteen cars were then drawn 
out, which were entirely occupied by troops, and being attached 
to a locomotive, about a quarter before one o'clock moved out of 



CHRONICLE'S OF BALTIMORE, 593 

the depot amid tlie hisses and <;roans of the miilLitudc. At every 
point within the city they were stoned, and this was kept up until 
ihey were a considerable distance beyond the city limits. 

A deep j^loom was cast over the conimunity by the \vanton and 
brutal murder of Mr. Robert W. Davis, of the firm of Paynter, 
Davis & Co., dry-goods dealers on Baltimore street. It appears 
that Mr. Davis had gone out along the line of the Baltimore and 
Ohio Hailroad earl}' in the morning, for the purpose of looking at 
some land which he contemplated purchasing, lie was accom- 
panied by Thos. W. Hall, Jr., and other gentlemen, and at the time 
of his murder he was standing at a point near the foot of Eutaw 
street, known as McPherson's. The train carrying the troops at 
about this point was greeted by some boys witb cheers for the 
Southern Confederacy, when Mr. Davis laughingly shook his fist 
at tiie train as it passed, all unconscious of any difficulty having 
occui-red in the city. One of the soldiers ran his gun out of the 
window, and taking deliberate aim at Mr. Davis, shot him. Upon 
the shot being fired, Mr. Hall asked him if he was hurt. His onl}"- 
reply was, "1 am killed." 

About half-past two o'clock the populace, who about this time 
filled the sti'eets, proceeded in a boijy, to the number of about eight 
or ten thousand, to the Pi-esident street depot, a rumor having 
been spread abroad to the effect that the renowned 7th Regiment 
would arrive at 3 o'clock. On arriviiiij at the depot the}' assembled 
around the train containing the Philaaeli)hia vohuiteers, and began 
an attack upon those who were in the passenger cars, by throwing 
stones through the windows of the cars, all of which were soon 
smashed to atoms. Marshal Kane here appeared in company with 
General Egerton, and it was announced that the train would soon 
leave for Philadcli>ina. With this understanding the crowd with- 
drew for a short time, but becoming impatient, a second attack was 
made, dui'ing which about twenty of the volunteers, who were un- 
armed, were badly injured, being struck with stones about the body 
and head. Those in the passenger cars were removed to freigiit 
cars for safety, when a large body of them, numl)ering 110, includ- 
ing many members of the band accompanying the troops, became 
separated and were taken into the eastern station-house by the 
officers for protection. After the lapse of a few moments, about 
2i o'clock, an engine was attached to the train consisting of some 
twenty cai's, and it passed slowly out of the city, an order having 
been issued by the railroad coinjiany for their return to Pliiladel- 
phia. 

The following is a complete list of killed and wounded in the 
riot: Citizens killed — liobcrt W. Davis, Pliilip S. Miles, John Mc- 
(>ann, John McMahon, William R. Clark. .lames Carr, Francis 
Maloney, Sebastian (Jill, William* Malotu-y, William Reed, Michael 

Murphy, Patrick (iriftiili. Citizens wounded — F. X. Ward, 

Coney, James Myers, boy name unknown. Soldiers killed — Ad- 
38 



594 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

dison O. AVhitney, a young mechanic of Lowell, Mass.; Luther 
C. Ladd, another young mechanic from Lowell ; Charles A. Taylor, 
a decorative painter of Boston ; and Sumner H. Needham, a plas- 
terer by trade. And many soldiers wounded. 

The excitement continuing with unabated fury throughout the 
town, the citizens during the day broke into the stores of Patterson 
& AVoolford, and John C. J. Meyer, and seized a large number of 
firearms, &c. During the afternoon an order was issued by Gov- 
ernor Hicks calling out the military throughout the city, and in a 
short time every company responded to the call, and reported 
themselves on Holliday street by five o'clock P. M. Detachments 
consisting of portions of each company were out upon guard during 
the night, to assist the police department in suppressing any riotous 
demonstrations. In the afternoon the following letter was tele- 
graphed to Washington : 

" To His Excellency the President of the United States : 

^^ Sir : — A collision between the citizens and the Northern troops 
has taken place in Baltimore, and the excitement is feai-ful. Send 
no troops here. We will endeavor to prevent all bloodshed. A 
public meeting of citizens has been called, and the troops of the 
State have been called out to preserve the peace. They will be 
enough. Kespectfully, 

" (Signed) Thomas H. Hicks. 

Geo. Wm. Brown, Mayor.'' 

After the departure of the troops, information was dispatched 
to the police department, to the effect that a freight car was 
standing at the Philadelphia depot containing a lai'ge quantity of 
arms and ammunition belonging to the Massachusetts troops. 
Gen. James Anderson was immediately dispatched to the spot to 
take possession of the car, which he did, leaving a large force of 
police officers to guard it until the contents could be removed. 
The baggage was conveyed to the Middle Station-house; the arms 
Avere subsequently seized upon and appropriated by the city. 
About 3 o'clock A. M. Saturday, an order was issued for the de- 
struction of all bridges on the line of the Northern Central and 
Philadelphia railroads within the State of Maryland, so as to pre- 
vent the passage of more troops. In pursuance of this order the 
police and military and a number of armed citizens performed the 
duty. 

On the 19th of April a committee of citizens, consisting of Hon. 
H. Lennox Bond and John C. Brune and George W. Dobbin, 
proceeded to Washington in order if possible to effect some 
settlement of the difficulties caused by the transportation of large 
bodies of troops through the city to Washington. They bore a 
letter from Ma^or Brown and Governor Hicks, to the President, 
of which the following is a copy : 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 595 

"Mayor's Office, Baltimore, April 19th, 18G1. 

"Sir: — This will be presented to 3'ou by the Hon. H. Lennox 
Bond, and Geo. W. Dobbin and John C. Brune, Esqs., who will 
proceed to Washino;ton by an express train, at my request, in 
order to explain t'ull^' the tearful condition of affairs in this city. 
The people are exasperated to the highest degree bj* the passage 
of troops, and the citizens are universally decided in the opinion 
that no more should be ordered to come. The authorities of the 
city did their best to-day to protect both strangers and citizens, 
and to prevent a collision, but in vain ; and but for their great 
efforts a fearful slaughter wouUl have occurred. Under these cir- 
cumstances it is my solemn dut}' to inform you that it is not pos- 
sible for more soldiers to pass through Baltimore unless they tight 
their way at every step. I therefore hope and trust, and most 
earnestly request, that no more troops be permitted or ordered by 
the Government to pass through the cit}'. If they should attempt 
it, the responsibility for the bloodshed will not rest upon me. 

" With great respect, your obedient servant, 

" Geo. Wm. Buown, Mayor. 

" To His Excel'y Abraham Lincoln, President United States." 

" I have been in Baltimore city since Tuesday evening last, 
and co-operated with Ma3-or G. W. Brown in his untiring efforts 
to allay and prevent the excitement, and suppress the fearful out- 
break as indicated above, and I fully concur in all that is said by 
him in the above communication. Very respectfully 3'our obe- 
dient servant, Thomas H. IIicks, Governor of Maryland. 

" To His Excel'y Abraham Lincoln, President U. S." 

The affair of the 19th of April naturally produced intense ex- 
citement in the community, and though the feeling against the 
Administration and the North was ver}' general, almost all citizens 
regretted the collision that had taken place. But the feeling of 
the people of Ballimoi'c was changed from one of mere excitement 
to one of stern determination when the}' heard, on the night of the 
19th and on the following morning, that other Northern regi- 
ments, then on their way to Baltimore, were loud in their threats 
of vengeance against the people of the city. These troops were 
approaching Baltimore from the north and east, and thousands of 
thern were within twenty-five or thirty miles of it. Information 
was alKo received by telegi'aph that the most vindictive feeling 
against the whole population of Baltimore had been aroused in the 
Northern cities, and that numerous bodies of men were organizing 
for the avowed pui*])ose of mardiing on their own responsibility to 
inflict punishment upon our people. The Northern papers, too, 
were filled with the mcjst savage denunciations and l)riital tlirrats. 
All were united in the resolution not to accept at the hands of 



596 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

Northern regiments the punisliment with which they indiscrimi- 
nately threatened Baltimore. It is not necessary here to enter 
upon a narrative of the events of the succceditig days. A few 
fticts will suffice to show that almost the whole population of the 
State and city was united upon that occasion. On the afternoon 
of the 19th of April, at four o'clock, a town meeting was held in 
Monument Square, at which the Governor, the Mayor, Dr. A. C. 
Eobinson, Geo. M. Gill, Wm. P. Preston, S. Teackle Wallis, Marcus 
Duvall, John Wethered, Charles Marshall, and Robert M. McLane 
addressed the people, advising moderation, &c. Governor Hicks, 
in the course of his remarks, said, that " he had three conferences 
with the Mayor, and they had always agreed upon every point 
jiresented. He was a Marylander, and would sooner have his 
right arm cut off than raise it against a sister Southern State." 
On the same evening the foUowirtg editorial article appeared in 
the American newspaper: 

"Let us Unite. — The results of this morning must determine 
the position of all men. We must agree first to secure the re-es- 
tablishment of harmony among ourselves, and all then join in 
whatever measures may be determined upon. Whatever differ- 
ences may have, or do yet exist, the blood of our citizens shed in 
our streets is an irresistible appeal to us all to unite as Mary- 
landers, to. meet firmly and together the responsibilities clustering 
thickly about us. There can be no difficulty now in the Governor, 
the Mayor and the police authorities from together concerting 
those measures which are necessary to the public safety. Let us 
first seek unity among ourselves, and then act. In such a crisis as 
this all other considerations must give way to our duty towards 
one another, and to the State and city." 

On that night the Mayor ajid Police Commissioners deter- 
mined, Governor Hicks consenting, to burn the bridges on the 
Philadelphia and Wilmington and the Northern Central railroads. 
The citizens also turned out en masse with arms in their hands, 
and began to enrol themselves in companies, and the Police Com- 
missioners thought it the wisest, as indeed it was their only course, 
to assume command of these volunteer organizations. The action 
of the Police Board was subsequently explained by them in their 
report to the Legislature, from which the following is an extract: 

"The absolute necessity of the measures thus determined upon 
by the Governor, Ma3'or and Police Board, is fully illustrated by 
the fact that early on Sunday morning, reliable information reached 
the city of the presence of a large body of Pennsylvania troops, 
amounting to about twent^'-four hundred men, who had reached 
Ashland near Cockeysville, by the way of the Northern Central 
Railroad, and were stopped in their progress towards Baltimore 
by the partial destruction of the Ashland bi-idge. Every intelli- 
gent citizen at all acquainted with the state of feeling then exist- 
ing must be satisfied, that if these troops had attempted to mai'ch 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 597 

through the city, an immense loss of life would have ensued, in 
the conflict which would necessarily have taken place. The bitter 
feelings already engendered would have been intensely increased 
by such a conflict; all attempts at conciliation would have been 
vain, and terrible destruction would hav(; been the consequence, if, 
as is certain, other bodies of troops had insisted upon forcing their 
way through the city. The tone of the whole of the Northern 
press, and of the mass of the poi)ulation, was violent in the extreme. 
Incursions upon our city were daily threatened, not only by troops 
in the service of the Federal Government, but by the vilest and 
most reckless desperadoes, acting independently, and as they 
threatened, in despite of the Government, backed by well-known 
influential citizens, and sworn to the commission of all kinds of 
excesses. In short, every possible effort was made to alarm this 
community. In this condition of things, the Board felt it to be 
their solemn duty to continue the organization which had already 
been commenced, for the purpose of assuring the people of Balti- 
more that no effort would be spared to protect all within its 
borders to the full extent of their ability. All the means employed 
were devoted to this end, and with no view of ])rocuring a collision 
with the General Government, which the Board were particularly 
anxious to avoid; and an arrangement was happily effected by the 
Mayor with the General Government that no troops should be 
passed through the city." 

The proceedings of the State and municipal authorities were 
heartily sustained by the community. On the afternoon of the 
20th, the American put forth another appeal to the people, as fol- 
lows: — "Preparation and Organization. — It is no longer a time 
to discuss, but to act so as to direct them. We have through our 
constituted authorities declared that the Northern troops shall not 
be passed through our cit}^ and that declaration must now be sup- 
ported with determination, energy and unanimity. There must 
be preparation, organization, and good counsel. To prevent the 
passage of these troops they should be met beyond the limits of 
the city by such an organized force as will make the prohibition 
eflfectual. We must keep the war away from our homes if pos- 
sible. The facts stated elsewhere show what measures have already 
been taken to secure these ends." In the same article is referretl 
to the specific measures which had been taken to place the city in 
a state of defence, all of which it evidently approved. It said : 
"The bridges on the Philadelphia and Nortbern Central railroatls 
have been destroyed by order of the Mayor. This will prevent 
the attempt to suddenly precipitate any large bodies of troops 
upon us, and give time for preparation." 

The Balthaore Coxiniy American, which then was, and after- 
wards again became, a violent Union paper, published an " lilxtra" 
on the afternoon of the 20th, in which it said: "Civil war is in 
our midst. A riot has occurred between soldiers from the North 



598 CHEONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

and the citizens of Baltimore, and unarmed men have fallen be- 
neath the musket-shots of soldiers from another State. We have 
stood long by the Union flag — we have contended thus far be- 
neath its folds ; but now we must coincide with Governor Hicks 
and Mayor Brown, as well as with the sentiment of the people of 
the entire State, in saying that Northern troops shall not pass un- 
harmed through the State of Maryland for the purpose of sul)ju- 
gating the South. Northern troops are now, it is said, marching 
to Washington, intending to force themselves through Maryland ; 
and we can but say to our people, respond to the call issued by the 
Governor, and defend j'our State." 

At this time a few gentlemen, acting simply upon their own 
responsibility, undertook to obtain subscriptions among the mer- 
chants in their immediate neighborhood, to be devoted to " the 
purchase of arms to be placed in the hands of the police commis- 
sioners for distribution," or placing the city in a defensible posi- 
tion. Among the firms that subscribed and paid one hundred dol- 
lars each, were Messrs. Benner, Dennison & Co.; Wyman, Byrd & 
Co.; John S. Berry; Austin, Dall & Co.; Hodges Bros.; Isaac Coale, 
Jr., & Bro.; H. Tiffany & Co.; Eaton Brothers & Co.; Tnrnbull, 
Slade & Co.; Duvall, Keighler & Boyd; Eice, Chase & Co.; Heni-y 
Keiman & Son ; Mills, MayhcAV & Co.; Lanier Brothers & Co.; Mil- 
ler, Cloud & Miller; Whiteley, Stone & Co.; Hambleton Bros. & Co.; 
Magruder, Taylor & Eoberts ; Wiesenfeld & Co.; Paynter, Davis & 
Co.; John W. Bruff & Co.; Kobert Mowet & Bro.; Hamilton Easter 
& Co.; Thos. J. Carson ; Boyd Brothers & Co.; A. J. Albert; B. 
Walter & Bro.; Sam'l Bevan & Co.; Meredith Spencer; Devries, 
Stephens & Thomas; C. D. Slingluff & Son; Orendorf & Beam; 
McDowell, Bobinson & Co.; Gushing & Bailey; John Turnbull, Jr.; 
Orem, Hopkins & Co.; Hurst & Co.; F. B. Loney & Co.; F. Fickey 
& Sons, and others. When it is remembered that the gentlemen 
composing the committee from the banks, and many of those be- 
longing to the above-named firms, and the editors of the news- 
papers referred to, were recognized shortly afterwards as the most 
violent partizans of Mr. Lincoln, it is not reasonable to suppose 
that there was much division of sentiment in Baltimore on and 
imniediutely after the 19th of April. It is equally capable of proof 
that, though the people were thus united, no violence was, with a 
solitary exception, done to the few whose opinions differed radi- 
cally from those of the mass of the community. Men who were 
known always to have been strenuous supporters of Mr. Lincoln, 
and to have sympathized warmly with the most extreme politi- 
cians of the North, walked the streets unmolested. The people of 
Baltimore, though bent upon vindicating their own rights, did not 
then or afterwards desire or attempt to compel any citizen to 
forego his political opinions. 

About ten o'clock on Saturday, the 20th of April, the following 
telegram was received by the Mayor : 



CHROJJICLES OF BALTIMORE. 599 

Washington, Ajyril 20th, 18G1. 

To Mayor Brown, Baltimore. — AVe have seen the President and 
General Scott. We have from the former a letter to the Mayor 
and Governor, declaring that no troops shall be broui^ht throii^-h 
Baltimore, if, in a military point of view, and without intcrru[)tion 
from opposition, they can bo marched around Baltimore. 

II. L. Bond, 
J. C. Brune. 
G. "\V. Dobbin. 

There was considerable dissatisfaction expressed on the streets 
at the unsatisfactory tone of the Pi-esident's reply, many bein<T of 
the opinion that "these Northern troops nhould not be allowed to 
jiollute the soil of the State of ^Maryland by their march to the 
rendezvous." Throughout the entire day the matter was discussed, 
and preparations were matle for the defi-nce of the city in any 
emergency. During Saturday morning Mayor Brown issued the 
followijig proclamation: 

"Mayor's Office, Baltimore, April 20th, 1861. 

"All citizens having arms suitable for the defence of the city, 
and which they are willing to contribute for the purpose, are re- 
quested to deposit them at. the ofliice of the Marshal of Police. 

"George Wm. Brown, Mayor." 

An immediate and hearty response was given to this call by 
citizens of every class and age. The membei's of the City Council 
met in their respective chambers at nine o'clock on Saturday, and 
after a brief session appropriated half a million of dollars for the 
defence of Baltimore against any danger that might arise from the 
then condition of affairs. Messrs. Nicholas, Jilanchard, and Drake- 
ley, were the committee on the part of the First Branch, and Messrs. 
Miller, Ilicks and Iliggins, the committee on the part of the Second 
Branch, to carry out tlie terms of the ordinance. 

The directors of the various banks in Baltimore held a consul- 
tation at one o'clock on Saturday, and proffered the city the lo:ui 
of half a million dollars, through M(;ssrs. (Jolumbus O'Donnell, 
Joims Hopkins and John Clarke, a committee on the part of the 
baidvs. At the dawn of day on Saturday morning, the fiag of the 
Confederate Stales was unfurled at Ta3lor's l»uilding, Calvert street, 
the headquarters of the Natioinil volunteers, and the multitude as- 
sembled at that early hour greeted it with vociferous cheers. In 
addition to the committee of citizens sent by the Mayor, Hon. 
Anthony Kennedy and Iff)!!. .1. .Morrison Harris visiter! Washington 
and lia<l an interview with the President. They sent the following 
iK'>patch to the Mayor: " Wasiiinijton, April 20th — We have seen 
the President, Seci-etaries of Static, Treasury, and War, also (Ji'iieral 
Scott, The residt is the transmission of orders that will slop tho 
pasi^age of ti'oops through or around the city." 



600 CHEOKICLES OF BALTIMOEE. 

About six o'clock, a company of men numbering about seventy, 
under command of Bradlc}- T. JobnBon, arrived from Frederick, 
Md. About four o'clock, considerable excitement was occasioned 
by tbe appearance of a company of mounted men, styled tbe 
Patapsco iJragoons, Capt. E. J. Hinkle, from tbe fiflb district of 
Anne Arundel county. At nine o'clock tbe Towson Mounted 
Guard, commanded by Capt. Cbai'les Eidgely, rode into Monument 
Square. And on Sundu}* evening tbe steamer Pzo/jffr arrived from 
Easton witb two companies of troops. On tbe same evening tbe 
Howard Dragoons, Capt. Geo. E. Gaitber, Jr., arrived in tbe city, 
and reported ibcmselves ibr duty. A party of military, by authority 
of tbose in command, on Satui'day took possession of live cannon 
belonging to tbe Catonsville Military Institute, and brougbt tbem 
to tbe city. Tbe}- bad been previously spiked, as was supposed by 
Eev. Mr. Van Bokkelen, tbe principal of the scbool. Quite a 
number of persons were kept upon tbe streets on Saturday nigbt 
until a late bour, in consequence of a rumor tbat Fort McHenry 
would be attacked. A military force from tbe city was sent out in 
order to prevent siicb an attempt. 

About 22 o'clock on Saturday afternoon, tbe Turner Hall on 
Priitt street, near Howard, was entered by a band of about thirty 
persons, who, after breaking down the doors, sacked tbe entire 
building from top to bottom, destroying tbe furniture, liquors, fix- 
tures, &c., and damaging the building to the amount of several 
hundred dollars. This act was committed, it is alleged, by a num- 
ber of indignant Southern men who obtained information to the 
effect tbat the German Turners, who were accustomed to occupy 
tbe place, bad departed for AVashington to tender their services to 
the Government. During the day large numbers of arms of every 
description Avere taken possession of by tbe city, and in a few hours 
several thousand stand of arms Avere packed away at the otfice of 
the marshal of the police, to be distributed to those who enrolled 
themselves as volunteers. 

At an early bour on Saturday morning Major Hay ward, together 
with sevei'al other military gentlemen, opened a reci'uiting office at 
the old City Hall, when tbe building was immediately besieged by 
bundi-eds who enrolled themselves. During tbe day a large body 
were enlisted, and being formed into companies of forty each, they 
selected their own captains, and joined different regiments, head- 
quarters being provided for them by tbe authorities in various 
b)calities. The fife and drum were to be beard in almost every di- 
rection, parties having secured them for tbe purpose of drumming 
up tbe recruits, and in a short time large bodies of tbe volunteers 
wei'e in tbe streets organizing, drilling and concluding all arrange- 
nients for instant duty when called upon. About 6 o'clock all 
taverns were ordered to be closed, whicb was carried into effect 
ffortbwitb. 

iPuring the afternoon of Saturday, a large crowd of persons 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 601 

procecdod to the office of the Weclicr, a German abolition paper, 
on Fredei'ick street near Gay, and under threats of death com- 
pelled the proprietor to hani;;out a secession flag. The excitement 
was most intense, ami those assembled gave free expression to 
their contempt for the editor. During the night the office was 
again attacked, and the windows completel}' riddled. The occu- 
pants were compelled to flee for their lives and take refuge in tho 
houses of their neighbors. 

Sunday was a clear and lovely da}', and nature appeared as if 
smiling upon us with every assurance that our troubles were at an 
end. About 9 o'clock a rumor was spread abroad to the effect 
that 700 Virginia troops had arrived on board the steamer Louis- 
iana. An immense crowd soon collected, and in a short time the 
streets leading to the wharves were literally black with people 
who ran shouting and cheering towards the steamer, but were 
mistaken in their expectations. All excitement bad genei-ally sub- 
sided until about ten o'clock, when a man mounted on a horse came 
dashing through the sti-eets and rode to the office of the Marshal 
of Police, bringing intelligence that about 5000 Northern troops 
were at Cockeysville and were marching direct for this city. This 
news gave the finishing touch to the smothering flame which bad 
been burning for the past week. The startling announcement was 
vevy soon spread abroad by the newspaper offices, and in a few 
moments the whole town was on fire with excitement. The church 
bells were ringing for morning service, when the quick roll of the 
drums at the various armories was instantly heard calling the 
forces to arms, and the effect was instantaneous. The men rushed 
from the churches as if crazy, to the ai-mories ; the females ran 
shrieking through the streets, supposing that the enemy were 
alread}- in our midst. Some of the churches were deserted; most 
of the ministers read only a portion of the morning service, and 
then dismissed their congregations, and in less than fifteen minutes 
after the first alarm the streets were filled with ]icople flying to 
arms to meet the " invaders." The old " Town Clock " bell soon 
rung an alarm, and by eleven o'clock, Ilolliday street from Balti- 
more to the old city hall was packed with a dense mass of citizens 
and soldiers. They were rapidly enrolled in companies of forty, 
and electing their captains, were fui-nisbed with a gun. They were 
then marched to tlie headquarters assigned them to await further 
orders. Hundreds of persons made their api)earance at tho 
Marshal's office, armed with small bird and heavy duck guns, 
bowie knives, pistols and every descri])tion of weapon. After some 
five hours spent in hasty preparation tl>e forces were all collected 
and ready for a move, when at 2 o'clock several cannon were 
taken as far as Eager street, near fireenmount avenue, where they 
awaited the arrival of the remainder of the force stationed on 
Ilolliday street. Nothing definite however was known until 
about 5 o'clock, when it was announced that the President had 



602 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

ordered the troops back to Ilarrisburg. Col. 1. R. Trimble was 
appointed to the command of the ununiformed volunteers, with 
Messrs. William H. Norris, R. M. McLaiie, B. C. Presstman, E. 
Louis Lowe, Charles Wethered, Frederick Harrison and Grafton 
D. Spurrier as aides. 

The following correspondence took place by telegraph between 
John W. Garrett, President of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, 
and Mayor Brown : 

Baltimore, April 21st, 186L 

Hon. Geo. Wm. Brown, Mayor of Baltimore at Washington : 

Three thousand Northern troops are reported to be at Cock- 
eysville. Intense excitement prevails. Churches have been dis- 
missed, and the people are arming in mass. To prevent territic 
bloodshed, the result of your interview and arrangement is 
awaited. (Signed) John W. Garrett, President. 

Washington, April 2Ut, 1861, 1:25 P. M. 

John W. Garrett, President. 

Your telegram received on our return from an interview with 
the President, Cabinet, and Gen. Scott. Be calm, and do nothing 
until 3'ou hear from me again. I return to see the President at 
once, and will telegraph again. Wallis, Brune, and Dobbin are 
with me. Geo. W. Brown, Mayor. 

Washington, April 21st, 1861, 3:15 P. M. 

John W. Garrett, President. 

We have again seen the President, Gen. Scott, Secretary of 
War, and other meml)ers of the Cabinet, and the troops are ordered 
to return forthwith to Ilarrisburg. A messenger goes loith us from Gen. 
Scott. We return immediatel3\ 

(Signed), Geo. Wm. Brown, Mayor. 

Upon the announcement of the news contained in the dispatches, 
the military and volunteers quickly dispersed and a perfect calm 
ensued, the streets being almost deserted in a short time. On 
Monday by eight o'clock in the morning, the volunteers were out 
in great numbers, and were soon collected at various points through- 
out the city engaged in drill practice. At about 9 o'clock an order 
was issued by Major Isaac I). Trimble, the commanding otficer of 
the ununiformed volunteers, commanding the various companies to 
assemble and report themselves at the Calvert station of the North- 
ern Central railway. The order was quickly complied with, and 
after a brief delay companies were to be seen approaching the 
de|)otin every direction. They underwent an examination by their 
commanding officer, and were thoroughly organized for immediate 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 603 

action wherever their services miu;ht be required. They were en- 
camped in the vicinity for several hours. Sentinels were stationed 
around the lines, and every rule of camp life was kept up for some 
time. Early in the niorninui; the Mar^-land guard battalion, con- 
sisting of six companies, under Captains Loney, Carroll, ]\[ui'ray, 
Conway, Woodville, and Pennington, took possession of the hall of 
the Maryland Institute i'or their headquarters. 

Nearly all the pastoi-s and ministers of the Gospel in the city 
met at the New Assembly Kooms on Hanover street, on Monday 
morning at 10 o'clock, " in compliance to the public call to consider 
and adopt such measures as by God's blessing might promote the 
pulilic peace." On motion of Eev. Dr. N. II. Schenck, of the Ejtis- 
copal Church, Eev. Dr. Thomas Sargeant, of the M. E. Church, 
was unanimously appointed chairman, and led the meeting in 
prayer. On motion of the Rev. Dr. Morris, of the Lutheran 
Church, Eev. Dr. Dickson, of the Presbyterian Church, was ap- 
pointed secretar}'. After a free and friendly conference the follow- 
ing resolution was offered by the Pev. F. AVilson, of the Ea])tist 
Church, and unanimously adopted : " Besolved, That we will re- 
quest the i-espectivc churches under our pastoral care, and all other 
churches in this city, to meet in their respective places of worship 
on Wednesday morning at 11 o'clock, and spend that day as a day 
of humiliation, fasting and prayer to Almighty God to avert the 
civil war which is now impending over our country." The meeting 
then a<ijourned with prayer by the Eev. Dr. Backus, of the Pres- 
byterian Chund). 

On Monday morning between 200 and 300 of our most re- 
spectable colored residents made a tender of their services to tho 
city authorities. The Ma^'or thanked them for the otfer. and in- 
formed them that their services would be called for if they could 
be made in any way available. 

We extract the following from the proceedings of the Board of 
Police, which met at 1 o'clock A. M., at the office of the ^larshal, 
on Saturday morning, the 20th of April : 

"Present, C. H. Howard, president, W. II. Gatchell, .1. W. 
Davis, and Hon. Geo. Win. Ei-own. The Mayor informed the 
Ecnird of the nature of a dis])atch roeeived b}' the Master of Trans- 
portation of the Baltimore and Ohio Eailroad Company, in refer- 
ence to the further i^assage of tr(Joj)S i'vom the North through tho 
city. He further stated that bis Excellency the (lovernor fully 
concurred with him in liii^ ojjinion that the only security' against 
the arrival of trooj)s within not many hours, which they were ]ier- 
fectly assured would necessarily pi-oduce in the cit}' a widu-sprt-ad 
scene of slaughter and devastation in our streets, would be the im- 
me<iiate destruction of some of the bridges on the Philadelphia, 
Wilmington and lialtimoi-e Eailroad and the Northei-n (Central 
Eailroad. The Eoard of Police being fully convinced of the sound- 
ness of the above views, authorized Marshal Kane to proceed with 



604 CHEONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

a party to accomplish the object in view, on the Northern Central 
Railroad, and Isaac R. Trimble, Esq., to do the same on the Phila- 
delphia, Wilmington and Baltimore Railroad. Adjourned at half- 
past two o'clock A. M." 

The following letter was written and complied with by Mr. 
Charles lloward. President of the Board of Police Commissioners, 
to Capt. Robinson, commanding at Fort McHenry: 

" Office Board of Policb, 
"Baltimore, April 20th, 1861 (8 o'clock P. M.) 
*' Capt. Robinson, U. S. A., Commanding at Fort McHenry : 

"Dear Sir: — From rumors that have reached us, the Board are 
apprehensive that you may be annoyed by lawless and disorderly 
characters approaching the walls of the fort to-night. We pro- 
pose to send a guard of perhaps 200 men to station themselves on 
Whetstone Point, of course entirely beyond the outer limits of the 
fort, and within those of the city. Their orders will be to arrest 
and hand over to the civil authorities any evil-disposed or disor- 
derly persons who may approach the fort. We should have con- 
fided this duty to our regular police force, but their services are so 
imperatively required elsewhere that it is impossible to detail a 
sufficient number of men to your vicinity to ensure the accom- 
plishment of our object. This duty has therefore been entrusted 
to a detachment of the regularly organized^ militia of the State, 
now called out pursuant to law, and actually in the service of the 
State of Maryland. The commanding officer of the detachment 
will be instructed to communicate with you. Permit me here to 
repeat the assurance I verbally gave you this morning, that no 
disturbance at or near your post shall be made Avith the sanction 
of any of the constituted authorities of the city of Baltimore, but 
that on the contrary all their powers shall be exerted to prevent 
anything of the kind by any parties. I have the honor to be very 
respcctfuU}'" your obedient servant, 

" Charles Howard, President. 

" P. S. There may probably be a ti^oop of volunteer cavalry 
with the detachment; these will of course be under the orders of 
the officer in command. Yours, &c., 

"V. H., President." 

No attack or even threatened movement was ever made against 
Fort McHenry, which in a short time afterward was fully gar- 
risoned and powerfully armed. 

We deem it necessary to give here other details with extracts 
from official documents, in illustrating the history of this stirring 
period. Maryland being a border State, in which the institution 
of slavery still existed, it was natural that the sympathies of her 
people should be divided on the outbreak of the late civil war ; but 
the feelings of the majority both in the State and in the city of 



CHROIS'ICLES OF BALTIMORE. 605 

Baltiiuoro, were stroiiL;;ly oiilisteil on the side of the South. When, 
therefore, the President of the United States hy his prochmiatioii 
issued on the 15th of April, 1861, culled out a volunteer force of 
seventy-five thousand men, who were to assemble in Washini^ton, 
a violent feeling of indignation was aroused, because it was re- 
garded as an attempt to overrun and subjugate the vSouth. The 
passage of some of these troops through the city was the exciting 
cause of the memorable riot which occurred on the 19th of Ai)ril, 
1861, and as the events of that day and of the da^'s which followed 
iiave furnished occasion for much misrepresentation of the motives 
and conduct of the chief executive authorities of the city, consisting 
of the Mayor and Board of Police Commissioners, a brief account 
of them will here be given. The following account of the riot and 
the subsequent events is extracted from the message of the ^fayor 
communicated to the City Council on the 12th of July, 1861: 

•'On. the 19th of April last, an attack was made by a mol) in 
the streets of Baltimore on several companies of a regiment of 
Massachusetts troops, who were on their way to the city of Wash- 
ington, in pursuance of a call for 75,000 men made by the Presi- 
dent of the United States. On the day previous troops had been 
sal'ely passed through the city, under the escort of the police. In 
the afternoon of the same day (18thj, the regiments from Massa- 
chusetts were expected, and provision was made by the police for 
their reception ; but they did not arrive, and the board of police 
could not ascertain when they would come, although two of the 
members of the board went in person to the station of the Phila- 
delphia railroad company to obtain the necessary iniormation. 
On the morning of the 19th, about ten o'clock, I was at my hiw- 
ofltice engaged in the performance of my professional business, 
when three members of the City Council came to me with a 
message from Marshal Kane, to the etiect that he liad just learned 
that the troops were about to arrive, and that he apprehended 
some disturbance. 1 immediately hastened to the ollice of the 
board of police and gave notice. Geo. M. Gill, P^sq., counsellor 
of the city, and myself got into a carriage and drove rapidly 
to the Camden Station, and the police commissioners ibllowed 
without delay. On reaching Camden Station we found Marshal 
Kane in attendance, and the police coming in squads to the sj)ot. 
The jilan of the agents of the railroad companies was that tlie 
troojjs which were to arrive in the cars at the President street 
station, should in the same way l>e conveyed through the city, and 
be translerred to the cars for Washington at the Camden station. 
Accoi'dingly, the police wei"o i*equested by the agent olthe road to 
be in attendance at the latter station. After considerable delay 
the troops began to arrive, and wei'o transfei'red, under the 
direction of the police, to the Washington cars as raj)idly as po.s- 
sible. Tliere was a goo<l deal of excitement, and a large and angry 
crowd assemblefJ, but the ti'unsfer was safely efiected. No one 



606 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

could tell whether more troops were expected or not. At this 
time an alarm was given that a mob was about to tear up the rails 
in advance of the train on the Washington road, and Marshal 
Kane ordered some of his men to go out the road as far as the 
ilelay House, if necessary, to protect the track. Soon afterwards, 
and when I was about to leave the station, supposing all danger to 
be over, news was brought to Commissioner Davis and mj^self, 
who were standing together, that other ti'oops were left at the 
President street station, and that the mob was tearing up the track 
on Pratt street. Mr. Davis immediately ran to summon a body of 
police to be sent to Pratt street, while I hastened alone down Pratt 
street towards President street station. On arriving at the head 
of Smith's wharf I found that anchors had been piled on the track 
so as to obstruct it, and Sergeant McComas, and a few policemen 
who were with him, were not allowed by the mob to remove the 
obstruction. I at once ordered the anchors to be removed, and my 
authority was not resisted. On approaching Pratt street bridge 
I saw several companies of Massachusetts troops who had left the 
cars, moving in column rapidly towards me. An attack on them 
had begun, and the noise and excitement were great. I ran at once 
to the head of the column — some persons in the crowd shouting as 
I approached, ' Here comes the Mayor.' I shook hands with the 
officer in command, saying as I did so, ' I am the Mayor of Balti- 
more.' I then placed myself by his side and marched with him 
as far as the head of Light street wharf, doing what I could by my 
presence and personal eftbrts to allay the tumult. The mob grew 
bolder, and the attack became more violent. Various pei'sons were 
killed and wounded on both sides. The troops had some time pre- 
viously begun to fire in self-defence; and the firing as the attack 
increased in violence became more general. At last, when I found 
that my presence was of no use, either in preventing the contest 
or saving life, I left the head of the column; but immediately 
after I did so Marshal Kane, with about fifty policemen from the 
direction of the Camden station, rushed to the rear of the troops, 
forming a line across the street, and with drawn revolvers checking 
and keeping oft' the mob. The movement, which I saw myself, was 
perfectly successful, and gallantly performed. 

"It is doing bare justice to say, that the Board of Police, the 
Marshal of Police, and the men under his command, exerted them- 
selves bravely, efficiently, skilfully, and in good faith to preserve 
the peace and protect life. If proper notice had been given of the 
arrival of the troops and the number expected, the outbreak might 
have been prevented entirely, and but for the timely arrival of 
Marshal Kane with his force, as I have described, the bloodshed 
would have been great. The wounded among the troops received 
the best care and medical attention at the expense of the city, and 
the bodies of the killed were carefully and respectfully returned 
to their friends. The facts which I have witnessed myself, and all 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 607 

that I have since heard, satisfy me that tlie attack was the result 
of a sudden impulse, and not of a premeditated scheme. But the 
effect on our citizens was for a time uncontrollable. In the in- 
tense excitement, which lasted for many days, and which was 
shared by men of all parties, and by our volunteer soldiers as well 
as citizens, it would have been impossible to convey more troops 
from the North through the city without a severe fight and blood- 
shed. Such an occurrence would have been fatal to the city, and 
accordingl}', to prevent it, the bridges on the Northern Central 
Ivailroad and on the Philadelphia, Wilmington and Baltimore Rail- 
I'oad were, with the consent of the Governor, and by my order, 
with the co-operation of the Board of Police (except Mr. Chas. D. 
Ilinks, who was absent from the city), partially disabled and burnt, 
so as to prevent the immediate approach of troops to the city, but 
with no purpose of hostility to the Fe(k>ral Government. This 
act, with the motive which prompted it, has been reported by the 
Board of Police to the Legislature of the State, and approved by 
that body, and Avas also immediately communicated by me in 
person to the President of the United States and his Cabinet. 

" On the evening of the 19th of April a portion of the military of 
the city were called out. On the 20th of April your honoi-able body, 
by a unanimous vote, placed at my disposal the sum of $500,000 for 
the defence of the city, and the banks with great patriotism and 
unanimity voluntarily offered to advance the money, through a com- 
mittee of their presidents, consisting of >Messrs. Columbus O'Don- 
nell, Johns Hopkins, and John Clark, who notified me in person of 
the fact on the morning of the 20th of April at the Mayor's office. 
A number of citizens in all the wards, volunteered for the purpose 
of defence, were enrolled under the direction of the Board of 
Police, and for their use arms were partially provided. The 
Commander-in-Chief of the forces of the United States, with the 
approbation of the President, in view of the condition of affairs 
then existing in the city, on the earnest application of the Gov- 
ernor of the State, of prominent citizens, and myself, ordered that 
thereafter the troops should not be brought through Jialtimore, 
and they were accordingly ti'ansported to Washington by way of 
Annapolis. But great danger existed to Baltimore from large bodies 
of unauthorized men at the North, who threatened to cut their 
way through the city, and to visit upon it teri'ible vengeance for 
the acts of the 19th of April. 

"As soon as this danger had passed away, and the excitement 
among our own citizens had sufficiently subsidefl, the military 
were dismissed, aixl the citizens who enrolled were disbanded by 
order of the Board of Police. The j)eace of the city had been pre- 
served, and its safety, and the perscjns and property' of men of all 
parties protected under circumstances of great pei-il and the most 
intense excitement, and it was hoped that affairs would bo 
allowed to return as nearly as possible to their previous condition. 



608 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 



To this ond my cffoi-ts and those of the board were devoted. 
Large bodies of ti'oops from the North have ever since passed 
through the city without molestation, and every proper precaution 
to accomplish that object was taken by the Board of Police and 
carried out by the force. But civil war had begun on the imme- 
diate border of our State. A great division of opinion in regard 
to it existed among the people, and the events which had occurred 
in the city and their consequences seemed to have made an in- 
delible impression on the minds of the authorities in Washington, 
that the police force of the city of Baltimore was prepared to en- 
gage in hostility against the General Government whenever an 
opportunity should occur. The result has been very unfortunate. 
On the ground of military necessity, of the existence of which, 
and of the measures required by it, the Federal officers claim to be 
the sole judges, our city has been occupied by large bodies of 
troops in its central points; picket-guards have been stationed 
along many of our streets; the arms provided by the city for its 
defence, and those left by private individuals with the authorities 
for safe-keeping, the station-houses and other property of the city, 
have been seized ; operators in the police and fire-alarm telegraph 
olfice have been displaced and others substituted in their stead ; 
the Marshal of Police and Board of Police, with the exception of 
myself, have been arrested, and are now imprisoned in Fort 
Mcllenry — one only, who is in bad health, has been released on 
his parole ; the writ of habeas corpus has been suspended ; the 
police force, established under a law of the State, has been set 
aside by superceding the only power which could lawfully control 
it; a new police, without authority of law, has been established, 
under the control of a marshal aj>pointed by the commanding 
general; and all power to hold electiojis in the city has been for 
the present set aside, by suspending the functions of the board 
under which alone elections can lawfully be held. 

" Indeed, my experience of the fidelity of the board to its legal 
obligations dui'ing my whole official connection with it, and the 
common understanding between myself and my colleagues as to 
our course of duty since the present ti'oubles began, justify' me in 
saying that if any organizations in this city for resistance to the 
laws could have been discovered by proper vigilance, they would 
have been found out and suppressed to the extent of the powers 
conferred on the board by law. 1 mention these facts with pro- 
found sorrow, and with no ))urpose whatever of increasing the 
difficulties unfortunately existing in this city, but because it is 
your right to be acquainted with the true condition of alfairs, and 
because I cannot help entertaining the hope that redress will yet 
be afforded by the authorities of the United States upon a proper 
representation made by you. I am entirely satisfied that the sus- 
picion entertained of any meditated hostility on the part of the 
city authorities against the General Government is wholly un- 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 609 

founded, and with the best means of knowledge, express the confi- 
dent belief and conviction that there is no organization of any- 
kind among the people for such a purpose. I have no doubt that the 
officers of the United States have acted on information which they 
deemed reliable, obtained from our own citizens, some of whom 
may be deluded by their fears, while others are actuated by baser 
motives ; but suspicions thus derived can, in my judgment, form no 
Butticiont justification tor what 1 deem to be grave and alarming 
violations of the rights of individual citizens of the city of Balti- 
moi*e and of the State of Maryland." 

This message of Mayor Brown is a calm and frank statement 
of the occurrences of the 19th of April, and of the action of the 
police commissioners at and subsequent to that time, and it 
thoroughly vindicates the authorities from the false and malignant 
aspersions of the unscrupulous partisans who have so persistently 
libelled them. Mr. Brown shows that the Police Board, and the 
officers and men under its control at the time, did impartially and 
manfully discharge the duties assigned them ; and that whatever 
might have been their individual sympathies and opinions, they 
did in the trying circumstances in which they vvere placed stren- 
uously and successfully exert themselves to preserve the peace of 
the city and to enforce the laws of the State. The assault was 
an unpremeditated one, and the authorities did all in their power 
to preserve the peace. The police commissioners had not only 
been unable to obtain any information in regard to the precis© 
time at which the troops were expected to reach Baltimore, but 
there is every reason to believe that such information was de- 
Bigr)edly withheld. But they were not the less energetic in their 
ettorts to protect the troops. The police had been on duty in force 
the previous day and evening awaiting the arrival of these very- 
troops. When the latter reached Baltimore at an unexpected 
Lour, the police were sent to the Camden street depot, where 
most of the soldiers were assembled. It was not known to Marshal 
Kane that another detachment was on its march through the city, 
until he received information that it was then being attacked about 
a half a mile from where he was stationed, lie instantly marched 
a police Ibrcc to the place, and as he nict the retreating soldiers, 
he formed liis men, with their revolvers in hand, across the street 
between the trooj)s and their assailants. The police of Baltimore 
that day saved the soMiers from extermination. No one doubted 
the good laith and eHiciency of the authorities. The evidence on 
this point is conclusive. Mr. Lincoln at an interview between him 
and the Mayor and other gentlemen of Baltimore, on the 22d of 
April, '' reco<jnizcd the good faith of the Cifi/ and State aHthoritie.s." 
Tlie following is an extract from the editorial columns of the 
Baltimore CV//>y>er of April 2Uih, 1861, a leading Union journal of the 
city : 

" We cannot too highly commend the conduct of Mayor Brown 
39 



610 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

throughout the troubles of yesterda3\ He acted honestly, firmly 
and bravely. Placing himself at the head of a detachment of the 
Massachusetts volunteers passing through Baltimore, he did all in 
his power to stay the violence of the assembled mob, and willingly 
exposed his person in the defence of the soldiers who were thus 
wantonly assailed. From the beginning of our troubles until now, 
he has shown himself a chivalrous gentleman, and a brave, honor- 
able and right-meaning citizen and upright officer. It gives us 
pleasure to bear testimony to his right bearing. Notwithstanding 
all that has been said and feared of the police, we are assured that 
their efforts to preserve the public peace yesterday, where they 
Lad reason to apprehend difficulties, were strenuous and well di- 
rected. They had a difficult duty to perform, and although they 
failed to prevent a riot, they were not wanting in effort to do so. 
The result only shows the impossibility of a simple police force to 
suppress such a riot as was seen among our people yesterday." 

The iollowing letter was written by Col. Edward F. Jones, of 
the Sixth Massachusetts regiment, to Marshal Kane, in reference 
to the remains of the unfortunate soldiers who fell in the riot of 
the 19th of April : 

" Headquarters Sixth Regiment, M. V. M. 
" Washington, D. C, April 28th, 1861. 

"Marshal Kane, Baltimore, Maryland. 

"Please deliver the bodies of the deceased soldiers belonging to 
my regiment to Murrill S. Wright, Esq., who is authorized to re- 
ceive them and take charge of tbein through to Boston, and there- 
by add one more to the many favors for which, in connection with this 
matter, I am, with my command, much indebted to you. Many, many 
thanks for the Christian conduct of the authorities of Baltimore in this 
truly unfortunate affair. I am with much respect, your obedient 
servant, Edward F. Jones, 

''Colonel Sixth Regiment, M. V. M." 

On the 25th of April, Gov. Hicks had occasion to send a mes- 
eage to the Legislature at the opening of the special session, in 
which he said : "On Friday last a detachment of troops from Mas- 
sachusetts reached Baltimore, and was attacked by an irresponsible 
mob, and several persons on both sides were killed. The Mayor and 
Police Board gave to the Massachusetts troops all the protection they 
could afford, acting with the utmost promptness and bravery. But they 
■were powerless to restrain the mob. Being in Baltimore at the 
time, 1 co-o])erated with the Mayor to the full extent of my power 
iu his efforts." 

Now let us see what one of the parties most interested and 
most likely to know, thought of the conduct of our " treasonable " 
authorities on the occasion. The following is the card of Captain 
Dike on the subject, taken from the Boston Courier: 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 611 

" Baltimore, April 25th, 18G1. 
" It is but an act of justice that induces me to say to my friends 
■who maj' feel any interest, and to the community- generally, that 
in the affair whicli occurred in this city on Friday, the 19th inst., 
the Mayor and city authorities should be exonerated from blame or 
censure, as they did. all in their power, as far as my knowledge extends, 
to quell the riot, and Mayor Brown attested the sincerity of his desire to 
preserve the peace, and pass our regiment safdy through the city, by 
marching at the head of its column, and remaining there at the risk of 
his life. Candor could not permit me to say less, and a desire to 
place the conduct of the authorities here on the occasion in a right 
position, as well as to allay feeling, urges mo to this act of sheer 
justice. John 11. Dike, 

"Captain Co. C, 7th Reg. attached to 6th Beg., Mass. V. M." 

In such a period of intense excitement, many foolish and un- 
necessary acts were undoubtedly done by persons in the employ- 
ment of the city as well as by private individuals, but it is undoubt- 
edly true that the Mayor and board of police commissioners were 
inflexibly determined to resist all attempts to force the city into 
secession or into acts of hostility to the Federal Government, and 
that the}' successful!}' accomplished their purpose. If they had 
been otherwise disposed they could easily have effected their 
object. 

The election to represent this city in the extra session of the 
State Legislature, which met on the 2tlth of April, 1861, at Fred- 
erick, Md., took place on the 24th of April. There was but one 
ticket nominated, the "States Kights candidates," who were John 
C. Brune, Henry M. Warfield, T. Parkin Scott, S. Teackle Wallis, 
"Wm. G. Han-ison, Eoss Winans, J. Hanson Thomas, II. M. Mortitt, 
Chas. II. Pitts, and Laurence Sangston. The aggregate number 
of votes cast exceeded nine thousand two hundi'ed. 

Late on the evening of the 11th of May 1861, Mayor Brown re- 
ceived the following urgent application for assistance from Edward 
G. Parker, aide-de-camp of Gen. Benjamin F. Butler: 

" Camp at Relay, Saturday, P. M. 
" To Mayor Brown : 

" Sir : — I represent Gen. Butler at this camp during his absence 
at Annapolis. I have received intimations fiom many sources 
that an attack on us by the Baltimore roughs is intended to- 
night. About 4 P. M. to-day these rumors were confirmed by a 
gentleman from Baltimore, who gave his name and residence in 
Monument St. He said that he heard positively that on Saturday 
night the attack would take place by more than a thousan<l men, 
every one ' sworn to kill a man ' before lie returned ; a portion wito 
Knights of the tiolden ('irele, &c. I wish you to guard every 
avenue from your city, and prevent these men from leaving town. 



612 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

They are coming in wagons, on horses and on foot, we are in- 
formed. We are also told that a considerable force is approaching 
from the West, probably Point of Eocks, to attack on that side 
and co-operate with the Baltimore mob, with whom they have 
constant communication. Mr. Clark, whom I have already sent to 
you, will tell something about it. It may be all a sham, but the 
evidence is very cumulative, and from several sources. 

"Edward G. Parker, Aide-de-Camp" 

The Mayor, although he well knew that the alarm of Colonel 
Parker was wholly unfounded, immediately referred the applica- 
tion to Col. Kane, M'ho promptly" sent detachments of the police to 
guard all the roads leading from the city so as to prevent the 
dreaded attack on Gen. Butler's camp by the roughs of the city. 

On the 13th of May Gen. Butler, with a force under his com- 
mand composed of a portion of the Boston light artillery, Major 
Cook, a strong detachment of the 6th Massachusetts regiment, 
Col. Jones, and about 500 of the 8th New York regiment, Lieut.- 
Col. Waltenburg, marched by night to the city and took posses- 
sion of Federal Hill, no one offering the slightest resistance. He 
remained here in command until removed for acting without 
orders, by an order of Gen. Scott, and for this exploit, which was 
the most successful of his military achievements, was made a 
Major-General. 

On the 14th of May Col. Hare, with 28 of the New York volan- 
teers, marched to the warehouse on the southeast corner of Gay and 
Second streets, where were stored a large number of muskets and 
pikes, similar to those captured at Harper's Ferry during the John 
Brown raid. Over sixty wagon-loads of the arms were removed, 
and it was not until after dusk that all had been taken to Fort 
McHenry. The arms consisted of about 2900 mnsket.9, of which 
about 2000 were of the old flintlock pattern, and 3500 pikes manu- 
factured in this city for the authorities. The arms were the prop- 
erty of the city. 

On the same day JRoss Winans, Esq., was arrested at the Relay 
House as he was returning to the city from Frederick, where be 
was in attendance as one of the members of the Legislatnre, and 
conveyed under guard to Fort McHenry. 

Mr. John Merryman having been arrested by the government 
troops on the charge of treason, a yjetition was filed May 25th in 
the United States Circuit Court by him, through his coHn.sel, 
Messrs. George M. Gill and G. M. Williams, praying the issuing 
of a writ of habeas corpus, which was granted by Chief Jus- 
tice Taney, of the Supreme Court, and refused by General Cad- 
wallader. Subsequently the Chief Justice issued an attachment 
for contempt of Court. It was thought best, however, by the 
Marshal to leave the matter to the President. 

At three o'clock on the morning of the 27th of June, a detach- 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 613 

ment of military proceeded to the residence of George P, Kane, 
Marshal of Police, which they surrounded, and upon the door-bell 
bein<; rung the Marshal made his appearance at the window, and 
was immediately informed that he was wanted. He then came 
down to the front door, and was informed that they came to arrest 
him. A hack was in waiting in which the Marshal was placed, 
and he was driven to Fort McIIenry. The policemen on the route 
were taken into custody to prevent any unnecessary alarm, but 
were liberated on the arrival of the troops with their prisoner at 
the fort, where he was confined. On the same day, by order of 
Gen. Banks, Col. John P. Kenly suspended the board of police, 
and assumed command of the police force of the city. As usual 
when an3'thing exciting occurred, crowds of people collected on 
the street corners, and of course indulged freely in conversation 
that grew more angry as it progressed, and in some instances led 
to blows, though no one was seriously hurt. 

On Friday evening, June 28th, the St. Nicholas, a steamer 
running between Baltimore and various landings on the Potomac 
river, left the city at her usual time, having on board about fifty 
passengers. Nothing in their appearance indicated that anything 
unusual was about to happen, and all passed off very quietl}' until 
after the boat had touched Point Lookout, about 10 o'clock P. M. 
Here several of the passengers landed, and a gentleman came on 
board, who afterwards proved to be Captain Ilollins, late of the 
Federal Xav}', who had resigned and joined the Confederate 
service. He took his station on the deck in the rear of the ladies' 
saloon. Among those passengers who had embarked at Baltimore, 
was a very respectable-looking " French lady," heavily veiled, who 
had appeared much concerned about the arrival of the boat at 
Washington, but on reaching the Point she retired to her stateroom, 
reappearing shortly after the boat had resumed its course as a 
stalwart man in a Zouave uniform, climbing over the railing of the 
deck, who whispered to Captain Ilollins, when both rushed below 
and in a moment or two more the boat stopped. A party of some 
twenty-five men who had gone on board at Baltimore, disguised as 
mechanics, &c., now proved to be fully in the secret, and under the 
directions of Captain Ilollins and the "French lady," who was 
Col. Zarvona Thomas of the Confederate Army, but formerly of 
iSt. Mary's county, overpowered the officers and crew of the boat. 
She was then headed for the Virginia shore; Captain Kirwin, the 
commander of the boat, being informed by Thomas that she was 
now to be engaged in a privateering e.\|»edition. At Cone Point, 
on the Virginia shore, most of the passengers were landed, atul 
one hundred and twenty-five ofiieers atid num of Virginia and 
Tennessee troops were taken on l)oard, Captain Kirwiri and fourteen 
of his crew being held as prisoners. The steamer was tluui run 
down as far as the mouth of the Rappahannock river, where three 
large brigs were hailed, lying off the shore. These vessels were at 



614 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

once boarded and taken as prizes, laden with ice, coal and coffee, 
into Fredericksburg, where the steamer with her captain and crew 
were delivered into the hands of the Virginians, who shortly after 
released them. About ten daj'S after this bold exploit the " French 
lady" was captured on her return to Baltimore, and shut up in 
Fort McHenry. Marshal Ivenly had dispatched Lieutenant Cai*- 
michael and Mr. John Horner to Fair Haven to arrest Neal Green, 
a barber doing business on Pratt street near Frederick, charged 
with being a participant in the assault on the Sixth Massachusetts 
regiment on the 19th of April, and other offences. They arrested 
Green on July 8th, and were returning with him and his wife on 
the steamer Mary Washington, and on conversing with some of 
the passengers, Lieutenant Carmichael learned that Captain 
Kirwin, with the engineer and another officer of the captured St. 
Nicholas, were on board the Mary Washington returning to Balti- 
more, as was also Col. Thomas, who had seized him, with seven or 
eight others of the captors. As soon as these facts were ascer- 
tained, and each one of the party recognized beyond doubt, Lieu- 
tenant Carmichael directed Captain M. L. Weems, the commander 
of the Mary Washington, to \)YOCQed on reaching Baltimore harbor 
to land the passengers at Fort McHenry, the direction being given 
while the steamer was off Annapolis. Soon afterwards Carmichael 
and Horner, who were in the ladies' cabin, were approached by 
Thomas, who demanded to know by what authority the steamer _ 
had been ordered to land at Fort McHenry. . Carmichael informed 
him through authority vested in him by Provost-Marshal Kenly. 
On hearing this, Thomas drew a pistol and called his men around 
him, while Carmichael and Horner, provided with revolvers, dis- 
played them, and the other passengers supporting them, matters 
thus stood until the steamer stopped at Fort McHenry, when Car- 
michael at once informed General Banks of his caj)ture. The 
General instantly ordered out a company of infantry, Avho marched 
to the steamer and secured all the accused excepting Thomas, who 
could not be found for an hour and a half. At length he was dis- 
covered secreted in a bureau-drawer in the ladies' cabin. He and 
the other prisoners were then marched into the fort and placed in 
confinement, while the witnesses, some ten or twelve in number, 
were also detained over night. 

A new sensation was created on the fii'st day of July by the 
arrest of the Police Commissioners, with the exception of the 
Mayor. These arrests took place between three and five o'clock 
in the morning by Col. Morehead's Philadelphia regiment, who 
first proceeded to the residence of John W. Davis, arrested him, 
and sent him under guard to the fort. They next visited the resi- 
dences and arrested Charles D. Hinks, Charles Howard, and Wil- 
liam H. Gatchell. All four of the Commissioners were conveyed 
to Fort McHenry, and were afterwards imprisoned for more than 
a year ia Fort Warren, Boston harbor. William McKewen, the 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE, 615 

clerk of the police, was an-ested, and discharged by Marshal Kenly, 
there bciiiir no charge against him. A force of the military was 
marched into the city at an early hour, and posted in the dilFerent 
quarters. A portion of Col. CooU's Boston light artillery were 
stationed in Exchange Place, while three companies of Col. Pratt's 
20th ^ew York were marched into the Exchange building as a 
guard over the custom-house and ])OSt-office. Another portion of 
the Boston artilkny and some infantry occupied Monument Square. 
Detachments were also stationed in Broadway, opposite St. 
Patrick's Church, and were on guard about the steamlioat wharfs 
and other places. The 13th New York regiment broke camp at 
'• Bi'llevue Garden," and marched out to the hill known as 
MeKim's, overlooking the jail and Jones Falls, on the York Road, 
and encamped there, the officers taking possession of the mansion. 
The Eastern police-station was taken possession of, and also the 
public school on the corner of Broadway and Bank street. 

On the llth of July Col. Konly wai relieved of the offioo of 
Provost-Marshal at his urgent request. George R. Dodge was ap- 
pointed in his place, and the troojis which had been quartered in 
the heart of the city were withdrawn and marched back to their 
several camps. 

The United States Government being resolved on permanently 
holding Baltimore during the continuance of the war, extensive 
additions were made to the fortifications from time to time, and in 
August Federal Hill, fii'st occupied by Gen. Butler, was crowned 
with a strong work, mounting upwards of fifty heavy guns, and 
effectually commanding the city, as well as Fort Mcllenr}-, being 
eome thirty feet higher than that post. Colonel Brewerton, of the 
United States Topographical Engineei'S, designed the plans of the 
work, which were carried out in construction by a New York 
Zouave regiment. It enclosed the entire crown of the hill. The 
angles of the bastions were so ari-anged that the guns mounted on 
tliL-m would rake by an enfilading fire all the streets by which tho 
hill could be approached. As completed the work was a very 
strong one, its huge cannons in close proximity to South Balti- 
more, and effectually overlooking tho city across the basin and tho 
bhi|iping below. A number of other forts were afterwards con- 
structed, that of Fort Mai'shall being the chief, a very strong work 
to the east of Patterson Park ; and Fort Worthington, northeast of 
the Maryland Ilospiitil. These were fully mounted and garri- 
soned, Fort Worthington towards the middle of tho w^ar, after ono 
or two of the threatened Confederate raids had convinced the 
military authorities that tho key of Haltimoro lay in the heights 
to the northeast of the city, an invading column beinir sure to 
attack l»y way of the Bclair road and others in its vicinity. Be- 
sides these regular works a numlx'r of others were at <lifTeront 
times erected, ami completely defended the city. These were 
numbered, beginning at the head of Baltimore street, on the estate 



616 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

of General George H. Stetiart. His property there was confis- 
cated, and his mansion and extensive grounds devoted to the use 
of a hospital, known as the Jervis Hospital. Adjoining, on a 
ridge overlooking a wide extent of country, an extensive fortifica- 
tion was reared, the lines of which may still be traced. This waa 
Fort 'No. 1, and these earthworks, regularly numbered, encircled 
Baltimore. Many of them were never used at all, and a number 
of the smaller ones within the inhabited parts of the city have now 
disappeared. Fort ^o. 4 stood at the intersection of Gilmor street 
with the Liberty road, and No. 5 is now distinguished as the little 
eminence just within the gate of Druid Hill Park. These two 
posts were garrisoned after the raid of 1864. No guns were ever 
mounted in No. 5, although several pieces of heavy ordnance were 
sent out there, the company of the Veteran Reserve Corps occupying 
it only a few weeks. Fort No. 7 was the extensive work near Mount 
Eoyal Ee.«!ervoir, and was garrisoned for a few days also in July, 1864, 
by the Union Club Company. Two heavy pieces of cannon were 
Bent out there, but not mounted, and shot and shell provided. In 
addition to these strong lines of defence there were numerous 
great hospitals in different sections of the city, as well as camps 
and barracks. Jervis Hospital, already mentioned, was \ery ex- 
tensive, and considered one of the finest in the country. The 
National Hotel, in Camden street, near the Baltimore and Ohio 
Eailroad, was converted into another. That of " West's Buildings," 
on the Union dock, was also very extensive, as well as that in 
Pattei'son Park. But now in this beautiful city, since 

" Grim-visaged war hath SDioothed his wrinkled front," 

it is almost impossible in manj'^ cases to reproduce the scenes of 
the past. Patterson's Park and Lafayette Square, the favorite plea- 
sure grounds of Baltimore, presented far dift'erent aspects: one 
the site of an immense hospital, its long rows of wards and bur- 
racks filled with soldiers ; and the other the camp of various com- 
panies, armed sentries pacing where happy children now disport. 
So late as 1865 Lafayette Square was filled with ugly wooden 
sheds, swarming with rough troops, while not one of the elegant 
mansions now surroundiiig it had been reared. 

On September 5th the United States authorities promulgated 
an order forbidding the display and sale of all secession badges, 
flags, pictures, songs, photographs, music, neckties, infants' 
socks, &c. 

On Saturday night, September 14tb, Mr. W. W. Glenn, one of 
the proprietors and editors of the Exchange, was arrested by the 
police and taken to Fort McHenry '"for treasonable expressions 
published in the Exchange," which was a few days after suppressed. 
Mr. John L. Crise was also arrested charged with treason. 

On the 18th of Jul}^ the following resolutions of thanks were 
introduced in the First Branch of the City Council by Mr. Crout, 
and unanimously passed : 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 617 

'^Resolved by the Mayor and City Council of Bnltimore, That the 
thanks of the corporation are eminently due, and are hereby ten- 
dered, to Mrs, George Brown and Thomas Winans, Esq., for the 
great ami muniRcent liberality displa^'ed hy them in establishing, 
and keeping dail}' in operation, extensive soup-houses for tho 
benetit and relief of the suffering thousands in our city. And he 
it further resolved, That the Mayor be requested to transmit to Mrs. 
Brown and Mr. Winans a cop\- of the foregoing preamble and 
resolution, with the seal of the city of Baltimore attached thereto." 

The following order was issued on the 12th of September by 
Major-General I)ix, then commanding in Baltimore, with his head- 
quarters at Fort Mcilenry, for the arrest of the parties therein 
named. 

Fort McIIenry, 12th September, 1861. 
George R. Dodge, Esq., Provost Marshal : 

Arrest without an hour's delay George Wm. Brown, Coleman 
Yellott, Stephen P. Dennis, Charles IE, Pitts, Andrew A. Lynch, 
Lawrence Sangston, II. M. Morfitt, Ross Winans, J. Hanson 
Thomas, Wm. G. Harrison, John C. Brune, Robert M. Dennison, 
Leonard D. Quinlan, and Thos W. Renshaw. 

John A. Dix, Major-General Commanding. 

And in pursuance thereof the most important arrests of the 
times occurred between eleven o'clock on Thursday night and 11 
o'clock Friday morning, September 12th and 13th. The arrests 
transpired as follows: Hacks containing two police officers halted 
in front of the dwellings of those arrested. The door-bell was 
rung, and the sought-for party was informed that his presence 
was required at Fort McHenry. When the news of the arrest of 
the parties became known in the city, it created great excitement, 
and many declared that a most flagrant outrage had been com- 
mitted. The fallowing were the arresti-d parties: Geo. Wm. 
lirown, Mayor of liallimorc ; S. Teackle Wallis, Fraticis Key 
Howard, Lawrence Sangston, T. Parkin Scott, Chas. H. Pitts, T. 
C, Morfitt, John C. Brune, Thomas W. Hall, Dr. Lynch, L. G. 
Quinlan, Dr. J. Hanson Thomas, Wm.'^^r. Harrison, Robert Dcnison, 
Benjamin C. Howard, Ross Winans, Henr}- M. Warfield, and Henry 
May, member of Congress from the fourth district. They were 
all committed to Fort McHenry. Mr. Thomas W. Hall, Jr., was 
proprietor of the South, and Mr. Frank Key Howard was editor 
of the Exchange, newspa|)ers which were sujipressed. It was tho 
intention of the authorities then in power to send these gentle- 
men, with the police commissioners arrested on the 1st of .July, to 
the " Dry Tortugas," as the following telegraphic dispatches sent 
at the time show : 

"United States Military Ti'li'gi'aj)li. received August 28th, 1861 : 
" From Fort McHcni-y, to Major-Gen. N. P. Banks. 



618 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

'• There is but one sea-c^oing steamer here ; sailing vessels can 
be obtained, but I suppose there would be too much hazard in send- 
ing one. John A. Dix." 

"United States Military Telegraph, received August 28th, 1861: 

" From Fort McIIenrj^ to Major-Gen. Banks. 

" Do you still want the vessel to go to Tortiigas? There is but 
one here suitable for the service. Three hundred ($300) dollars per 
day. She must be chartered at once or cannot be had. 

" John A. Dix." 

Mr. Henry E. Johnson, of the banking firm of Johnson Bros. & 
Co., was arrested and convej'^ed under guard to Fort McIIenry, 
September 24th ; and on the 15th of October, Wm. McKewen, late 
secretary to the board of public commissioners ; and on the 16th 
of October, Mr. Eobert Ren wick. 

The venerable Thomas Wildey, familiarly known as the " Father 
of Odd-Fellowship in the United States," died at his residence in 
this city, on the corner of Front and Gay streets, early on Satur- 
day morning, October 19th, at the advanced age of eighty years. 
It is in connection with the order of Odd-Fellowship that Mr. 
Wildey is best known, and his efforts in that behalf have been time 
and again acknowledged throughout the whole country. He was 
born in the city of London on the 15th day of January, 1783, dur- 
ing the reign of George III., and at the close of the Revolutionary 
War. He was initiated into Lodge No. 17, of the Order of Odd- 
Fellows in the city of London, in which he served in eveiy capacity, 
from the humblest to the highest office, and was so distinguished 
for his zeal and diligence as an officer and member as to secure at 
the early age of twenty-three the substantial approbation of his 
brethren. On the 30th day of Jul}-, 1817, he bade adieu to his na- 
tive land and embarked for America ; he reached Baltimore on the 
2d of September following, and without delay sought and obtained 
employment. In the following year, having formed the acquaint- 
ance of Mr. John Welch, a fellow-countr^-man, who had also been 
an Odd-Fellow in England, the subject of introducing the order in 
this country was discussed. ,3Ir. Welch cordially entered into Mr. 
Wilde^-'s suggestion for the formation of a lodge, and after vari- 
ous unsuccessful efforts to increase their immber, they adopted the 
expedient of advertising through the public press; accordiugly the 
advertisement was so made in the Baltimore American, in the fol- 
lowing words : 

"Notice to all Odd-Fellows. — A few members of the society of 
Od4-Fellows will be glad to meet their brethren for consultation 
upon the subject of forming a Lodge. The meeting will be held 
on Friday evening, the 2d of March, 1819." 

This advertisement was continued for one month and failed to 
assemble a sufl3.cient number to form a lodge. But two persons ap- 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 619 

peared, Avho acquiesced in the purpose; one other was required to 
make up the number necessaiy, and the advertisement was re-in- 
serted in the same paper on the 27th of March, 1819, wlueh pro- 
duced the desired eftect. On the 13lh of A])ril, 1819, Messrs. John 
Welch, John Dunean, John Choatham, and Kichard J^usiiworth as- 
sembled at tlie dwelling of Mr. Thomas Wildey, and arranged with 
him tlie preliminaries for the formation of a lodge of Odd-Fellows, 
and on the 2Gth day of the same month pursuant to ]ircvious ac- 
cord, they assembled in an upper i-oora of a tavern on Fell's Point, 
and organized the first Odd-Fellows' lodge on this continent. This 
lodge the}' called, as an earnest of their respect for their adopted 
country — being all foreigners — Washington Lodge No. 1. AVithin 
ten years from the 2Gth of April, 1819, Thomas Wildey instituted 
four lodges in Maryland, organized the Gi'and Lodge of Maryland 
and of the United States, and originated the Patriarchal Order: 
he had extended the institution to Massachusetts, New York, Penn- 
sylvania and the District of Columbia, in each of which States 
Cirand Lodges had been formed, and out of these Grand Lodges 
the present Grand Lodge of the United States. In the year 1826, 
at his own cost, Thomas Wildey made a pilgrimage across the 
ocean to ^Manchester, England, the then Mecca of Odd-Fc llowship, 
and arrived in Liverpool on the 17th of June, 182G. The order 
"which he had instituted, although self-created, or organized in- 
dependentl}' of England, nevertheless obtained the approval of 
the authorities of the Order in that country, and Wat;hington 
Lodge No. 1 of Maryland accepted a charter from the i)uke 
of York's Lodge at Preston, Lancaster, bearing date the 1st day of 
February', 1820. From this lodge the order in America originated ; 
yet in the progress of Odd-Fellowship the English charter had been 
ignored, and a wholly independent foi-m of government had been 
substituted. After being greeted with a perfect ovation by the 
order in England, on the day fixed for his return to his adopted 
country, Thomas Wildey was surpi-ised by a visit of the gi-and 
officers of the order, and after a foi-mal address to him, pi'onounced 
by a distinguished brothei-, he was made the bearer of several me- 
moi'ials of fraternity, which were presented to the Grand Loilge of 
the United States as a testimony of the interest awakened in that 
country by the success of Odd-Fellowship in America. Among 
these memorials was a charter, engrossed upon parchment, from 
the Grand Master and officers of the order in England, i-ecogniz- 
ing the Grand Lodge of the United States, and surrendering all 
claim to jurisdiction in Od<l- Fellowship in America. This was the 
great pui'pose of Thomas Wildey's ambition, and although it hatl 
been the Kubject of much conversation and deliberation between 
him and the brethren in England, this was the fii'st intimation of 
their pur[)ose to com])ly with his request, and was therefore the 
more gi'atifying. On the 2r»th of April, 1831, the members ol" Odd- 
Fellowship now numbering six hundred in lialtimore, dedicated 



620 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE, 

their new hall with the first public procession of the kind in the 
United States. Prom this period the order pi'ogressed with un- 
paralleled rapidity. 

On the 22d of October Mr. Wildey was buried in Greenmount 
Cemetery, with one of the most imposing funeral pageants that 
was ever gathered in our city. 

There assembled on the morning of the 5th of December, at the 
House of Refuge, upwards of two hundred ladies and gentlemen, 
to witness the opening of that portion of the institution intended 
for females. 

The following resolution was passed by the Legislature of Mary- 
land, whilst in session at Frederick, June 22d, "requesting the 
representatives and senators of the State of Maryland, in the 
Congress of the United States, to urge and vote for an immediate 
recognition of the independence of the Confederate States." 

Died, on the 1st of September, at Yonkers, near New York city, 
Philip E. Thomas, Esq., of this city, aged nearly 85 years. He 
was a merchant and a philanthropist, and was always respected. 
Hon. John C. Legrand, late Chief Justice of the Maryland Court 
of Appeals, died at his residence in this city, eai'ly on Saturday 
morning, in the 47th year of his age. 

In October a wagon train of nearly one hundred wagons was 
established between Baltimore and Washington city. This was 
rendered necessary by the closing of the Potomac by the Con- 
federate batteries at Evansport, Virginia, and the great amount of 
freight thus thrown upon the railroad. 

On the 3d of October, a United States gunboat, the Pinola, was 
launched from the ship-yard of Abrahams & Ashcraft. This was 
the first government vessel built in Baltimore since the opening of 
the war. The contract for building her was made on the 8th day 
of Jul}', and she was ready for water in seventy days, including 
Sunda3'8. The Pinola was 540 tons burthen, and was pierced for 
thirteen guns, and had accommodations for one hundred men. 

On the 20th of November Miller's Hotel, Messrs. Joseph H. 
McGee «& Bro., proprietors, was taken possession of by the police, 
who, placing guards at the avenues of entrance and exit, proceeded 
to search for articles contraband of war, taking the keys of the 
safe and desk for that purpose. Several persons connected with 
the house were arrested, to answer the charge of treason in holding 
communication with the Confederate States. A number of letters 
and papers were also seized to await examination at the station- 
house. A man by the name of Webster, passing under the name 
of Hart, was seized and ordei'ed to Fort Mc Henry, and while on 
his way thither at night in the charge of several police officers, he 
sud'denly, when near the fort, sprung from the wagon and made 
good his escape in the darkness. 

1862. The Fourth Presbyterian Church, situated on the corner 
of Carey and Fayette streets, was dedicated on Sunday, February 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 621 

16th, in the presence of a larj^^e congregation. The services were 
conducted by Kev. Jacob A. Lefevre, Rev. Dr. Backus, Rev. J. T. 
Smith, and Kev. Dr. DicUson. 

On Monday ni«^ht, February 17th, several jioliconien specially 
employed by the pi-ovost-nianshal, arrested Colonel .Samuel S. Miil.s 
and Mr. Thomas S. Piggott, one a proprietor and the other the 
principal editor of the "South" newspjij^er. They were placed in 
close confinement at Fort McIIenry ; and a few days aftei'ward the 
police also arrested John ^lills, the jiublisher of The South. 

On Friday, March 7th, private Joseph JI. Kuhns, of the Second 
Maryland regiment, was hung within the works of Fort McIIenry 
by order of General McCielhin, for the wilful murder of Lieutenant 
David E. AVhitson, on the 10th of December previous. 

On the 27th of March, the Maryland brigade U. S. A. was de- 
signated the First Brigade, First Division, Kighth Army Corps. 

On Thursday night, August 14th, Deputy-Marshal Lyons, with 
Sergeant Pryor and a posse of policemen, entered the establish- 
ment of the Maryland Nexcs Sheet, and after a parley of a half 
hour arrested Wm. H. Carpenter, Esq., one of the editors, and 
sent him to Fort McIIenry. The paper was suppressed and the 
office taken charge of by the police authorities, in pursuance of 
orders from Major-General Wool. 

An act was passed by the General Assembly on the 13th of 
February, "That Henry Tyson, John W, Walker, William Chesnut, 
John W. Pandol|)b, Conrad S. Grove, Jonathan Brock, and Albert 
W. Markley, and others their associates, assignees of all the rights, 
powers and privileges granted to W'illiam II, Travers, William S. 
Browning, William D. Goey, Robert Cathcart, and Joshua B, 
Sumwalt, and their associates and assignees, by an ordinance of 
the Mayor and City Council of Baltimore, approved on or about 
the twenty-eighth of March, eighteen bundled and fifty-nine, bt>, 
and they are hei-eby, incorporated by the name and style of the 
Baltimore City Passenger Railway Company." 

On the 6th of March the General AsMembly passed an act " re- 
lating to crimes and punishments, by defining treason, and pro- 
viding for the punishment of treason and othei* kindi-ed ottences ;" 
and on the 5th of .March -an act was passed appro])iiating the suni 
of seven thousand dollars, for the relief of the iamilics of those 
belonging to the Si.xth Regiment of Massachusetts volunteers who 
were killed or disabled by wounds received in the riot of tlie 19th 
of April in Baltimore, 1861, The committee to whom was referred 
the distribution of the monc}- given by the State for the relief of 
the families of those who were killed or wounded in the riot, made 
the following award : 

No. 1 — Samurl II. Nicdlinm, of Compnny I, killf.fl, eiplit liundn-d 
dollars, lo l>e placid in tlir iiiiint!* of W. li. I'. Wrijilit 
atiil G«;orf,'»^ I*. VVilBon, of Liiwrencc, in trust for llie 
support ol llie dvceauvd $800 00 



622 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE, 

No, 2 — AdtUson 0. Wliitney, of Company D, killed, six hundred 
dollars, to be paid to his father, John F. Whitney, of 

Waldo, Maine 600 00 

" 3— Luther C. Ladd, killed, three hundred dollars, to he paid to 
the father of the deceased, John Ladd, of Alexandria, 

New Hampshire 300 00 

" 4— John E. Anu'S, wounded severely 1,200 00 

" 5— Edward Cohiiru, Company D, wounded severely 750 00 

" 6— DMuiei B Tyler, Company D, wounded 750 00 

" 7— Captain John H Dike, Company L, wounded 500 00 

" 8— Cliarles L Gill, Company L, wounded 450 00 

" 9 — James Keenan, Company L, wounded 350 00 

" 10— William H. Lawson, Company D. wounded 300 00 

" 11— Charles H. Cliandler, Company D, wounded 400 00 

" 12— Michael Green, Company F, to" be paid to his mother 100 00 

" 13 -Victor Gingrass, Company I , . 100 00 

" 14— Alonzo Joy, Company 1 100 00 

" 15 — George W. Lovering, Company D 50 00 

" 16 — Daniel C. Stevens, Company G 50 00 

" 17— Gorham Reid, Company A 50 00 

" 18— John F. Sweet, Company A .' 50 00 

" 19— Cliarles B. Slinpon, Company G 50 00 

" 20— Andrew Robbins, Company L. 50 00 

Total $7,000 00 

Messrs. Hindes & Wood, who were appointed by the Legislature, 
■with the Mayor, the new board of police commissioners, were 
sworn into otfice before Mr. Geo. E. Sangston, the clerk of the 
Superior Court, on the 7th of March, and entered upon the dis- 
charge of the duties on Monday the 10th. 

On Sunda}^, the 25th of May, when the news of Gen. Banks' 
retreat, and the rumor of Col. Kenlj-'s death at Front Roj-al, Vir- 
ginia, reached Baltimore, crowds of excited people were permitted 
by the police to assemble about the news-offices and to obstruct 
the streets. Among these crowds were persons of all descriptions 
and of every shade of opinion — unionists and secessionists, loyal 
and disloyal, those who deplored and those who exulted over the 
slaughter of our gallant Maryland "First." In a number of in- 
stances secessionists expressed their satisfaction at Col. Kenly's 
supposed death ; they were knocked down. But personal violence 
was not confined to cases like these. Persons who said nothing, 
but who were supposed, and in many eases most unjustly supposed, 
to be disloyal, were assailed and beaten. One gentleman who was 
driving a carriage up Baltimore street was said to be a secessionist ; 
he was taken out of the vehicle, and would have been severely 
beaten but for the exertions of the police, who pi-otected him. Mr. 
Bolivar D. Danels was attacked and dealt several blows about the 
head; he was rescued from the mob by the police, and taken to 
the office of the police commissioners, followed by a crowd of five 
cr six hundred men, who cried out "hang him I hang him!" and 
two in the crowd drew out ropes from their pockets intent upon 
the execution, but the strong detachment of police succeeded, with 



CHEONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 623 

great difficulty, in his protection. For three or four liours after . 
nine o'clock the crowd continued to increase until Baltimore street 
"was filled with excited men. Occasional!}' a secessionist would be 
seen, wiieri he would either be chased away, or beaten if caught. 
The Independent Methodist Episcopal Church South, who lield 
their meetings at the Assembly Kooms, were advised to suspend 
their services and retire, as the members were threatened by an 
attack upon them when they should leave the building. The sug- 
gestion was accepted, and they retired as privately as possible ; 
the usual afternoon and evening services were dispensed with. 
Among those who Avere injured during the da}'' we find Messrs. 
Jiobert Morrow, Thomas J. Warrington, Mr. Passano, James Knox, 
Thomas \V. Gorman, and others. kShortly after 5 o'clock Samuel 
liindes, one of the police commissioners, mounted a bo.x near the 
corner of Calvert and Baltimore streets, and made a spirited ad- 
dress to the crowd, urging those composing it to pay respect to 
the law by quietly dispersing to their h'imcs, which had the de- 
sired effect. During the day General Dix sent for Marshal Van 
Nostrand, and asked if his force was sufficient to preserve the 
peace of the city, and received an answer in the affirmative. He 
assured the Marshal that such proceedings should not be tolerated 
in bis department, and that if necessary be would call out the 
military. On Monday and Tuesday thei-e were other outbreaks 
and disturbances. Houses supposed, or said, to be occupied by 
the disloyal were broken into and entered, and plundered by 
persons claiming to be unionists. On Mondaj' afternoon an att.ack 
was made on five of the shops and buildings of the Baltimore and 
Ohio railroad corporation, near the Mount Clare depot, by a large 
party of disorderl}' persons, who claimed to be Union men, among 
whom were seveial custom-house officers, who beat and wounded 
seven unotf'onding workmen, whom they accused — in most cases, 
if not all, most untruly — of being secessionists. On Tuesday the 
Pame gang renewed their attack and wounded two otbei* workmen. 
The p<ilice took no notice of these outrages, but Gen. Dix, as soon 
as they were made known to him, arrested the ringleaders, which 
act created a vast amount of excitement amongst the passionate 
•class of Union men. On Monday the crowd which had gathei-ed 
on Baltimore street, near the American office, constituted them- 
selves into a committee on flag displays, and proceeded to the 
office of the Maryland iWu's Sheet, with a demand for the display 
of the stars and stripes from that building. There was no person 
found in the office but a bo}-, who exjjressed his willingness to dis- 
play the flag, l>ut stated that none of the pi-oprietors were in at 
the time, and that he could not find a flag. They then proceedcfl 
to the Marylaiul Institute with a view of compelling those in the 
building to <iis|»lay t Ik; flag. They then proceeded to the estal>lish- 
ment of Mr. John II. Weaver, and to the Ilolliday street tiieatre, 
where a flag was soon stretched across the street. The march 



624 OHRONICLEB OF BALTIMORE. 

was then past the room of the police commissioners, who appeared 
on the front steps of the building and counselled the leaders of 
the crowd to disperse, and not to commit any breaches of the 
peace. The crowd without stopping continued on to the establish- 
ments of Messrs. Egerton & Keys, Magraw & Koons, and the 
Maryland Club House, where similar demands were made, but no 
persons could be found on the premises. The crowd then went to 
the Sun office with a similar demand, the policemen following, 
and, as at the J^.ews Sheet office, preventing any damage being 
done; the demand was promptly complied with. The crowd 
then proceeded to the Republican office, where, in compliance with 
their demand, a small national flag was displayed from the third 
story window. The office of the German Correspondent was then 
visited, but the proprietors stated that they were about to display 
their flag, when the crowd proceeded to Messrs. Weisenfield «fe Co's, 
corner of Centre Market Space, where a small flag was displayed 
from the awning post. On returning, the crowd went again to 
the Correspondent office, where a portion of a flag, showing the 
stripes, was hanging from an upper window, but this was not sat- 
isfactory to the crowd, who required that the entire flag, with the 
stars, should be exposed to view. This being accomplished, they 
made another bolt at the News Sheet office, but the police succeeded 
in preventing them from entering, the estitblishment being entirely 
closed up. They then returned to the Republican office and made the 
proprietors there run out a pole with a larger flag. Among those 
who were unjustifiably maltreated by small crowds of men, were 
Mr. Frick, Geneial C. C. Egerton, Messrs. VVm. L. Montague, John 

E. Morgan, James Hammond, John H. Ing, Thomas Bean, 

Thompson, Bennett, Lewis Wagner, Mr. and Mrs. Frederick 

Upton, and others. 

On the first of June, General John A. Dix was transferred from 
his command of the Middle Department in Baltimore, to Fortress 
Monroe, and was succeeded by General John E. Wool, who arrived 
in Baltimore on the 18th. 

On the 30th of June, Mr. C. C. Fulton, one of the proprietors 
and editors of the Baltimore American, and Agent of the Associated 
Press, was arrested by order of the Secretary of War and com- 
mitted to Fort McHenry, for transmitting the following dispatch 
to the Associated Press in New York : 

Baltimore American Office, 
Baltimore, Sunday, June 29th [9 P. M.] 
I am writing for the American a detailed account of events at 
White House, before Richmond, and on the Peninsula, during the 
last four days, including facts obtained from Washington, having 
been sent for by special train to communicate with the President. 
If you desire it I will send it to you. It will make four or five 
thousand words. We have the grandest military triumph over the 
enemy, and Richmond must fall. C. C. Fulton. 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 625 

Previous to leaving the city for the fort, Mr. Fulton addressed 
the following dispatch to President Lincoln : 

To THE President op the United States : 

Sir: — I tind myself under arrest and on my way to Fort 
Mellenry. 1 appeal to you for a hearing and prompt release, in 
behalf of my family', who will be in great distress at the execution 
of this inexplicable order. The Secretary of War authorized me 
to publish my statement. Respectfully, C. C. Fulton. 

To this the following reply was received. 

"Washington, June 30th, 1862. 
To C. C. Fulton, Fort McHenry : 

I am authorized to say to you that your arrest was not made 
for publishing the statement, but upon 3-our statement that you 
were preparing a detailed account, including facts obtained from 
AVashington, having been sent by special train to comniunicato 
with the President, This is regarded by the President and the 
War Department as a flagrant and outrageous violation of the 
contidence with which you were treated. The publication of facts 
obtained from Washington under such circumstances is a high 
military crime. KespectfuUy, 

E. S. Sanford, Military Superintendent. 

To the dispatch from Colonel Sanford Mr. Fulton replied as 
follows : 

" Col. Sanford — Sir : — The dispatch I sent to New York was a" 
private one, addressed to Mr. Craig, tor his information as to 
whether he desired to receive the report 1 was jireparing for the 
press. It was not intended for publication, and would not have 
been published if my report had been permitted to go through by 
telegraph. I never dreamed of its being published. To find 
myself in Fort McIIenry, the depot for traitors, is a mortification 
I cannot express. Having riskea both life and property in de- 
fending the Union cause when our city was in the possession of 
traitors, and rendered services as editor and proprietor of the Bal- 
timore American to the Government in sustaining the laws which 
no one has excelled,! ask, in common justice, that 1 should at least 
be released on my parole. iles})ectfully yours, 

Ciias. C. Fulton. 

By an order from the authorities at Wa.shington^ Mr. Fulton, 
on Tuesday night, July 1st, was unconditionally i-eleased. 

At a late iiour of night, .June 2!Uli, the utmost consternadon 

was caused by the ringing of abirm brlls generally throughout the 

city. The impression readily jirevailed that the Confederate troops 

were indeed marching upon the city, and the streets were soon 

40 



626 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

thronged with anxious inquirers after the cause of alarm. It seems 
that the authorities received information of the approach of the 
" Rebels," supposed to be in large force, from the direction of West- 
minster, and it was currently reported and believed that fighting 
had taken place at so near a point to the city as Reisterstown. 
Under these exciting circumstances it was thought a measure of 
safety to sound an alarm and call the Union Leagues and loyal cit- 
izens together, so that arms could be placed in their hands to meet 
the invaders. The streets were lively with processions of armed 
men, and the work of barricading the approaches to the cit}' was 
pushed with great vigor. One of the features of the excitement 
was the rapid retreat down Baltimore street of several city pas- 
senger railroad cars cf the various lines, supposed to have been 
caused by a desire to remove to some place of safety should an at- 
tack actually take place. At the request of Gen. Scbenck, Com- 
modore Dornin placed in position two gun-boats at the foot of 
Broadway, and one at the Long Bridge, over the Ferry Bar road. 
Major-General Schenck the day following issued a ])roclamation 
declaring martial law in Baltimore and the western shore counties 
of Maryland. 

The community was startled and pained on the morning of the 
8th of July, by the sad intelligence of the sudden death of Arch- 
bishop Francis Patrick Kenrick, of the Catholic Church. His 
council had assembled in the Cathedral at the usual hour (6 o'clock) 
for the purpose of solemnizing mass, and the bishop not making 
his appearance at the regular time, fears were entertained that he 
might be ill. Upon pi-oceeding to his bed chambei", he was found 
in his bed, clasped in the cold embrace of death. Dr. Donovan and 
two other physicians were immediately summoned, who gave as 
their opinion that his death was caused by apoplexy. The bishop 
was a man of remarkable literary abilities, he having translated 
the Bible and written manj'' religious works of sterling mei'it. He 
was one of the most profoundly learned men in America. 

At a large public meeting, held on Monday the 28th of July, in 
Monument square, and at whio^i Governor Bradford presided, a 
resolution was adopted requesting the President to "instruct the 
General in command of this Military Department to require all 
male citizens above the ajjre of eiy;hteen to come forward " and take 
an oath to " maintain the national sovereignty paramount to that 
of all State, county, or corporate powers," and to " discourage, 
discountenance, and forever oppose secession, rebellion, and the 
disintegration of the Federal tjnion." Those who should refuse 
to take the oath which it was thus proposed to tender them, and 
which was to bind every man to " foi-ever " oppose what was 
already an accomplished fact, were, if the President bad endorsed 
the resolution, to be banished from their homes. The proposition 
brought forth no public remonstrance from any portion of the 
"Union" party. On the contrary, the First Branch of the City 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 627 

Council adopted a resolution, a few days afterwards, requesting 
General Wool " to administer such an oath to all the citizens of 
the City of Baltimore at the earliest possible period." General 
Wool rejected this advice, " for the reason," as he said, that it would, 
at a ci-itic-al moment, " send twenty thousand men to swell the army 
of Jett'erson Davis." 

On the 25th of July the following members of the Second 
Branch City Council resigned their positions in that body, accord- 
ing to the suggestion of Major-General John E. Wool : Charles J. 
Bukor, President, 13th and "Uth wards; Decatur II. Miller, 11th 
and 12lh wards; William Dean, 1st and 2d wards; Jcf-se Marden, 
3d and 4th wards; Asa lliggins, 19th and 20th wards; William 
Swindell, 17th and 18th wards; Joseph Robb, 15th and 16th 
wards; Francis AV. Alricks, 9th and 10th wards; John W. Wilson, 
7th and 8th wards. This action was caused by the majority of the 
members of the Second Branch of the City Council in refusing to 
concur in an ordinance passed by the First Branch, appropriating 
8300,000 to encourage enlistments of volunteers. On the 231 of 
July, when the bounty bill was taken up, the crowd in the lobby 
evinced great interest, and the announcement of its rejection wa3 
received with marked disapprobation. Cries of "Put them out!" 
"Hang the traitors!" and similar expressions were indulged in; 
but onlur was finally restored by the interposition of Marshal Van 
Nostrand, who had been requested by the president to preserve 
order. The Branch soon afterwards adjourned, and the crowd 
proceeded to the pavement below to await the egress of the mem- 
bers. Mr. Charles J. Baker drove off in his buggy-wagon, fol- 
lowed by groans from the crowd. The other members remained 
in the Council chamber until a police force was procured, and each,, 
under an escort of six policemen, left the hall. As Captain Asa. 
lliggins was descending the stairs he was assaulted by the crowd, 
but the police protected him from severe injury. At the corner of 
Ilolliday and Saratoga streets the crowd made a rush for Mr. De- 
catur li. ^filler, who was in charge of a squad of policemen, and. 
he was struck several times before he could be rescued. 

Tiiere was considerable excitement in Baltimore on the 7th of 
September, pi-incipally in the neighborhood of the newspaper 
offices, where large crowds liad assembled to hear the news from 
Western Maryla>id, in reference to Lee's invasion of Frederick. 
In view of the excitement in the streets it was deemed advisable 
by the Ma}or and police authorities to appoint four hundred 
special policemen. Gov. Bradford aj)pointed Gen. John Ti. Kenly 
to the command of a brigade of troops to be used in the llefence of 
the city. 

On the 19th of December Major-General Hobert C. Schenek, 
having been appointed to succeed Major-General Wool, arrived in 
this city. 

Shortly after the battle of Gettysburg, the body of Capt. Wm. 



628 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMOEE. 

D. Brown, of the Chesapeake artillery (Confederate), Avho was slain 
in that engagement, was brought to this city and embalmed, and 
placed in the mausoleum at Greenmount Cemetery, where it re- 
mained until Friday, July 31st, when it was removed to the ceme- 
tery chapel, where the funeral rites of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church, to which the father of the deceased officer belonged, were 
observed ; Eevs. Dr. Sheer, Sargent, and Owens being the officiat- 
ing ministers. A company of friends were present to witness the 
funeral services, and were just returning from the lot where the re- 
mains had been interred, when a detachment of soldiers appeared 
by order fi'om headquarters, and took into military custody all the 
male attendants, save the officiating ministers, who escaped the at- 
tention of the soldiers. They were conducted to the headquarters 
of Brig. Gen. Tyler at the Gilmor House, and after a short deten- 
tion. Col. Chesebrough appeared, and released them to appear the 
next day at headquarters. 

1863. Major-General Schenck on the 11th of September issued 
an order for the suppression of the Baltimore Republican and the 
arrest of the editors, and in accordance with the order, the office was 
visited by the military about two o'clock in the afternoon, and the 
further publication of the paper stopped. Mr. Beale H. liichard- 
son, editor and proprietor of the paper, and his son, Francis A. 
Hichardson, and Mr. Stephen J. Joice, associate editors, were 
taken into custodj' and conducted to the office of Col. Fish, military 
provost-marshal, where an order was shortly received from Major- 
General Schenck directing that they be sent South by way of 
Harper's Ferry, with orders not to return under penalt}' of being 
treated as spies. The ground of arrest was alleged to be the pub- 
lication of a piece of poetry entitled " The Southern Cross," which 
has been attributed to Mrs. Ellen Key Blunt. On the 29th of 
September the Baltimore Daily Gazette was also suppressed by the 
military authorities, and Messrs. E. F. Carter and W. H. Neilson, 
editors and proprietors, were taken into custody. On Tuesday, 
September 29th, Mr. Michael J. Kelly and John B. Piet, of the 
book publishing house of Messrs. Kelly, Hedian & Piet, were 
arrested by Government detectives upon the charge of selling a 
work entitled "Fourteen Months in the Bastiles of America," 
written by Francis Key Howard, Esq., of the Baltimore bar. Col. 
AVm, S. Fish issued an order from headquarters on the 10th 
of November, forbidding the further publication of the Evening 
Transcript, a paper started but a few weeks before, under the pro- 
prietorship of Wm. H. Neilson, formerly of the Gazette. 

On the 30th of November ex-Gov. Pratt, and Col. Nicholson, 
his private secretary, were sent South by the Avay of Fortress 
Monroe, for refusing to take the oath of allegiance. 

On the 17th of October, the heirs of John E. Howard sold at 
private sale, to Messrs, Tliomas G. Scharf, Edward AVheat, and 
George Scott, the " General Wayne Inn " and stables, for the sum 



CHEOl^ICLES OF BALTIMORE. 629 

of 830,000 casli. On tlio 1st of October, 18G4, Mr. Scharf pur- 
chased the interest of Messrs. Wheat and Scott at an advance of 
83.000, iiiaUini; in all $33,000 paid for the entire property. 

The 6ul)scribers or stockholders of the " First National Bank of 
Baltimore," upon the {ilan proj)osed by Secretary Chase, and 
approved l>y Congress, held their first meetiniij in the afternoon of 
the 2d of December, in the anteroom of the Citizens' Bank, corner 
of Pratt and Hanover streetH, and elected directors, &c. 

Mr. IIu<:;h Jenkins, one of the most prominent merchants of 
Baltimore, died on the 1st of December, in the 65th year of his 
age. lie was distinguished for his many virtues, but more especially 
bis noble charities, his devotion to the poor, the orphans, the sick 
and the dj-ing — not alone amongst his own immediate people, but 
especiall}' to his stricken countrymen arriving on our shores in 
distress. 

John Christian Brunc, the first president of the Maryland 
Sugar Refiner}', and a gentleman of high commercial honor, 
winning manners and generous hospitality, died on the 7th of 
December, when upon a voyage in a steamer from Southampton 
to Havana. 

1864. Mr. Charles F. Mayer, a very prominent law^-er of Balti- 
more, died on Sunday, January' 3d. He was a Senator in the 
Legislature under the old constitution, and was highly respected for 
integi'ity of character. For nearly forty j'ears he held a high 
position as a lawyer, the result of a clear and penetrating intellect 
and untiring research. 

The General Assembly at the Januar}'^ session incorporated the 
following companies: The Safe Deposit Company of Baltimore, 
the Baltimore Acadeni}' of Music, the Franklin and Powhatan 
Passenger Railway Coni|)any, and the Baltimore, Hall's Springs 
and Harford Passenger Pail way Comjian}'. 

On Wednesday, Ma}' 18th, Mr. William H. Neilson, proprietor 
of the Eccning Transcript, of this city, received an order from Gen. 
\\'allace, commander of the middle department, directing that 
the puldication of the paper cease at once; which, it is scarcely 
necessary to add, was complied with. 

William Knabe, Esq., a well-known and much esteemed citizen, 
died on Saturda}' evening, ^fay 21st, in the 61st year of his age. 
Mr. Knabe was the princi])al of the house of Wm. Knabe & Co., 
the extensive piano-fbrte manufacturers of this city. 

On the 23d of May, a man named Andrew or Isadore Laypolc, 
(as he bore several aliases), having l>een court-martialed and con- 
demned for being a Confederate spy and guerilla, was hung inside 
of Fort McIIenry. He made a short speech from the gallows 
denying that he was a felon, then prayed fervently and dietl bravely. 

Col. Fish was arrested late in the evening of the 21th of Jan- 
nary by an order from the Hon. Edwin M. Stanton, Secretary of 
War, on the charge of ollicial corruption and fraud, while acting 



630 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

as Provost-Marshal of this city. He was arrested by Col. Olcott, 
and was closely confined in Campbell's jail, near the Camden street 
depot. He was afterwards tried by court-martial, found guilty on 
nearly all the charges preferred against him, and was cashiered. 

The Union National Convention assembled in this city at the 
Pront Street Theatre on the morning of the 7th of June, and on 
the 8th finished its business and adjourned sine die. The nomina- 
tion of Mr. Lincoln for re-election was with but the slightest oppo- 
sition, and made by acclamation amidst the most enthusiastic de- 
monstrations. The nomination for the Vice Presidency was con- 
ferred on Andrew Johnson of Tennessee, who received the largest 
vote on the first ballot, there being several other names placed in 
nomination. 

Early on the morning of the 11th of July the city was filled 
with rumors of the approach of the Confederates, but nothing 
definite could be ascertained, except the destruction of the coun- 
try residence of Governor Bradford. The City Council passed 
an ordinance conscripting and placing in defence of the city 
all able-bodied male citizens from the age of sixteen years and 
upward. The Mayor, after the passage of the resolutions of 
the City Council relative to the defence of the city, waited on 
General Ord, the new commander of the military forces of this 
city and vicinity, to inform him of the proceedings of the local 
authoi-ities. The General deemed it unnecessary to take any 
steps in the direction intimated by the resolutions, for the closing 
of business and calling out the citizens en masse. A large force of 
colored men, however, were actively employed in strengthening 
the fortifications in and around the city. The Governor, through 
John S. Berry, Adjutant-General, called out the city militia for the 
defence of the city. Orders were given to remove a large number 
of locomotives from the Mount Clare depot of the Baltimore and 
Ohio Railroad and the main stem to the track on Pratt street, 
which was done to prevent them from being injured by the Con- 
federates. 

On September 27th George McDonald, alias M. M. Dunning, of 
the Third Maryland Cavalry, was shot to death by musketry in 
Port McHenrj' for desertion and attempt to kill several persons. 

The Right Rev. Martin J.Spaulding, of the Diocese of Louisville, 
was consecrated Archbishop of Baltimore at the Cathedral at 11 
o'clock, Sunday morning, July 31st. The ceremonies which 
marked the consecration of Bishop Spaulding Avere of an imposing 
character, and the sermon by the Bishop was an elegant analysis 
of the Scriptures, and was li.stened to with gi-eat attention. Rev. 
Bishop Wood and Rev. Dr. Harra, of Philadelphia, assisted Bishop 
Spaulding in the Grand Pontifical Mass, assisted by Rev. Father 
Burhindo, Rev. B. F. McManus, Rev. John Dougherty, and Rev. 
Father Leguerra, master of ceremonies. 

The interesting ceremony of laying the corner-stone of the 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 631 

Concordia Opera House by the Concordia Society, was observed 
Monda}', Sejjtember 5tb. Several addresses were made, and at 
night the association partook of a banquet at Western Hall, corner 
of Howard and Lexington streets. 

The Evening Post was suppi-essed Sept. 30th, by order of Gen. 
"Wallace. The offence consisted in the publication of articles 
deemed offensive to the loyal citizens. 

The mercantile community of this city was greatly agitated on 
Monda}' morning, October 17th, in consequence of the wholesale 
arrest of several business firms and their clerks by the military 
authorities, but upon what charge could not be ascertained. A 
communication was received by Colonel Woolley from the War 
Department, directing him to arrest the. firms and all persons em- 
ployed in the following well-known houses: Hamilton Easter & 
Co., dry-goods dealers, Baltimore; Weisenfeld & Co., clothiers, 
corner of Centre Market Space and Baltimore street, also of Han- 
over street; Jordan & Rose, dry goods dealers, corner of Baltimore 
and Hanover streets; Isaac E. Coale & Bro., commission mer- 
chants, 17 and 19 Hanover street; Charles E. Waters & Co., hard- 
ware merchants, \^ South Charles street; A. & L. Freidenrich, 
gentlemen's furnishing articles, corner of Liberty and Baltimore 
streets; Simon Frank & Co., jobbers, corner of German and Han- 
over streets. As the work of eftcctually arresting all parties con- 
nected with the above firms would require a strong Ibrce, the 
Colonel ordered out a sufficient number of men, and with Capt. 
Wiegel, visited the different stores, took possession of the same, 
and placed the firms and their emplo3'ees under arrest. The stores 
were immediately closed, a guard stationed at the doors, and the 
prisoners sent to Washington in a special train. During the day 
several stores in Washington, and in Philadelphia and New York, 
were seized by the military authorities and the same programme 
observed. At the store of Hamilton Easter & Co. the scene was 
exciting in the extreme. The large number of clerks were taken 
by surprise at the summons to "fall in," and in less than five minutes 
a large number of notes were handed to Colonel Woolley, with 
instructions that they might be forwarded to wives, mothers, 
brothers, sisters, boarding-house keepers, &c. Some required a 
change of clothing, some desired a change of linen, others wanted 
supplies of money. One individual was seized with cramp, and a 
large dose of brandy was given him. A large number of ladies 
were in ihe store when the soldiers entered, and when it became 
known that the estahlishment was under the ban of the govern- 
ment, the fair creatures beat a hasty retreat, and neglected to 
finish their shopj)ing. It was estimated that the value of goods 
guarded by orders of" Col. Woolley was upwards of eight millions 
of dollars. 

Died on Wednesday, the 14th of October, in Washington City, 
D. C, in the eighty-eighth year of his age, Roger Brooke Taney, 



632 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

of Maryland, fifth Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the United 
States. A man of spotless and benevolent life, he must, alike in 
the humblest as in the highest sphere, everjAvhere and always, 
have commanded the sympathy, respect, and homage of all good 
men who knew him or felt his influence. To see him and to speak 
with him was enough to give assurance of this. To know him 
intimately was to make this assurance doubly sure. He served 
his native State as a member of the House of Delegates, as 
Senator, and as Attorney-General of Maryland. It was a notable 
tribute to his distinction as a lawyer and his worth as a private 
gentleman, that he was called by President Jackson to the office 
of Attorney-General of the United States at a time of great 
party strife, when a new order of things was about to be inaugu- 
rated, and when he was known to belong to the constitutional 
school, of which Chief-Justice Marshall was the living type, as his 
name remains the enduring monument. Under Jackson he was 
also Secretary of the Treasury. Profoundly learned in the law, 
and naturally gifted with a clear, direct, and logical mind, he 
nevertheless listened for instruction from the humblest advocate 
who appeared before him in any cause. With all the qualities of 
a great Judge, and with the natural consciousness of his superiority 
to ordinar}^ men, he was ever attentive and respectful to those 
whose duty brought them before him to attempt to influence his 
determination as a Judge, and none who knew him could doubt 
that his conclusions were always the result of conscientious and 
enlightened study and reflection. 

On November 1st the Evening Loyalist was suppressed by order 
of General Wallace. 

1865. The gale Avhich passed over our city on Thursday after- 
noon, March 23d, was the most severe that had visited this section 
of the countr}^ in many years. From all quarters chimneys and 
fences were blown down, and trees that had withstood the blasts 
of years were twisted from the earth as if they were reeds. A 
large number of houses in the city were unroofed, and in several 
instances walls were blown down, entailing a heavy loss upon the 
owners of the damaged property. A portion of the hospital 
buildings on Townsend street extended was blown down, killing 
a colored boy named John Nicholson and dangerously wounding 
three workmen. A portion of the boiler-shop of Messrs. Murray 
& Wiegand, on York street, was also blown down, and a number of 
workmen were buried in the ruins ; one of them, Philip Hughes, 
was killed. 

The excitement on Monday, Api'il 3d, consequent upon the 
receipt of the exhilarating news from the victorious army of 
General Grant before Richmond, surpassed anything of the kind 
ever witnessed in this city. In less than one hour after the glad 
tidings had been bulletined at the different newspaper offices, 
thousands of men Avended their steps to the centre of the city, and 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 633 

as the dispatches from the army were posted up, vociferous cheer- 
ing was wafted upon the air. Merchants quitted their ])hices of 
business, hii)orers threw down their instruments of toil, slioppiug 
was nei!;Kx'ted, and the Union citizens rejoiced that the rebellion 
had at last been dealt a fatal blow. Towards noon it was feared 
that a disturbance would occur among the thousands who had 
congregated about the different newspaper offices, and to arrest 
the anticipated difficulty, squads of police officers from the diff'erent 
station houses and a strong force of soldiers were detailed for 
duty at the points named, for the preservation of order. Several 
encounters, however, occurred during the afternoon, but not of a 
serious character. At three P. M., in accoi'dance with an order 
issued by Mayor Chapman, flags were unfurled from the engine 
houses, and the bells rung. At night the Union citizens illumiriated 
their dwellings and places of business, and it was not until mid- 
night that the exuberant feeling began to subside. A large stand 
was erected in front of the American office, where the thousands 
were addressed by several popular speakers. 

On the 6th of April, in pui'suance of a resolution of the Mayor 
and City Council, the city was draped in flags, the bells rung, 
and the cannon roared their congratulations of Union thunder. 
It was indeed the brightest epoch that ever befel our cit)^ for 
those pai'ticipating in the Union cause. Houses streamed with 
banting, guidons and battle-flags. Pennants and revenue colors 
were susjjended in all directions. The city was dressed in red, 
white and blue. Baltimore street Avas decorated from Broadway 
to Care}' street, and the display of bunting was richer and more 
profuse than in any similar demonsti'ation ever witnessed in the 
city. Secessionists who had since .the breaking out of the war 
refused to (lis])lay the stars and stripes, became alarmed, and gave 
to the wind tlie bright colors. The streets were fille<l with count- 
less thousands of people, and at night the cit}' was illuminated in 
all directions, especially the newspaper offices, which were the 
centres of attraction. 

The distinguished naval hero, Admiral Farragut, arrived in this 
city on the morning of the 11th of April, from Norfolk, lie was 
received at the wharf by the Mayor, a committee of both branches 
of the City Council, a large detaciiment of military ordered out 
by Brig, Gen. Morris, U.S. A., and several hundred citizens. Tho 
line of march was taken up, and upon arriving at the Eutaw 
House, the Admiral made a few remarks and received the congi-at- 
ulations of our citizc^is. In the afternoon the distinguished guest 
atd his fririids were entertained at an clcgiint banquet. 

With the advent of dawn on Saturday, Ajn-il 15th, the centre 
of the city l>et«^kene<l tliat our citizens ha<l heard of the awful 
tragedy enacted in Washington on Friday night. (Jroups of per- 
sons could be seen at the news|>apcr offices and the priiieipul 
corners, eagerly seeking after the latest intelligence fron\ Wash- 



634 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

ington, and as usual when exciting news is expected, the city was 
quickly filled with the most extravagant rumors. As the recital 
of the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln was detailed 
by the morning papers, friends and foes of the Union alike mingled 
their tears in one sincere lament for the irreparable loss which the 
countrj' had sustained. The countenances of persons on the street 
wore a troubled expression, and fears were expressed that teri-ible 
deeds of blood would be witnessed in our city; but thanks to Gen. 
Morris and the police commissioners, no outbreak occurred. Dur- 
ing the morning the Mayor issued a proclamation ordering the 
closing of all drinking saloons and places of amusement until 
further orders. At all of the departments of the government 
business was suspended for the day, and bj'- noon there was but 
little business of any character being transacted in the city ; many 
"workshops and stores were closed, and the houses draped with the 
sombre hues of mourning. Between the hours of Hand 12 o'clock 
the fire, church, and other bells of the cit}' tolled forth their solemn 
clang of death, and all business was voluntarily suspended. From 
an access of joy the people were suddenly called upon to bow their 
heads in grief, and tiie bright scenes of a few days before were now 
turned into mourning. Those buildings that had been festooned 
with wreaths, garlands and the ensign of our countiy, were now 
solemnly draped in sable hues. The Sun, American, Clipper, Ga- 
zette, German Correspondent, Wecker, and Sunday Telegram news- 
papers, had their buildings draped in sombre habiliments, while the 
flags trimmed with mourning floated at half-mast from each of the 
offices. In fact, along the entire extent of West Baltimore street there 
were but few buildings which had no emblem of gi'ief Upon the re- 
ceipt of the news of the murder of the President, all the military in 
and about the city were ready at a moment's notice to aid in the sup- 
pression of any outbreak that might be agitated. The entire police 
force was also on duty ready to assist the military; but happily 
the cit3^ assumed a remarkable quietude. The remains of the 
martyred President arrived here at half-past ten o'clock on the 
morning of the 21st of April, and were escorted by a large military 
and civic procession to the rotunda of the Exchange, whei-e the 
coffin was opened, and at least ten thousand persons viewed the re- 
mains during the two hours allotted. In the afternoon the military 
again escorted the body to the depot, and in a few minutes the 
funeral train was wending its way to Ilarrisburg, Pa. 

The ceremonies of laying the corner-stone of the Wildey Monu- 
ment on North Broadway were observed on Wednesday afternoon, 
April 26th. The membei's of the order, without regalia, assembled 
at their hall on Gay street, and marched to the spot where the 
monument was to be erected, reaching the place at half-past three 
o'clock. The ceremonies were commenced by the Rev. Dr. 
McCron, Grand Chaplain, who asked the Divine blessing upon the 
proposed monument. The Grand Master then delivered the ora- 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 635 

tion. closincj with an invitation to the Most "Worshipful Grand Siro 
to officiate in layin<j^ the stone. 

The reception of the Maryland Brigade (Federal) on the 6th 
of June, if not an imposing affair as regards numbers, was an ova- 
tion in spii-it that will not soon be forgotten by those Mho witnessed 
and participated in it. Gov. Bradford welcomed home the soldiers 
in an eloquent speech, in front of the stand at the mansion, Druid 
Hill Park. The Maryland Brigade Avas under command of Brig. 
Gen. A. W. Denison, and consisted of the fourth, seventh, eighth, 
and eleventh regiments. The Fii'st MaryJand regiment (Federal) 
was welcomed home on the 2d of July. Tiiis regiment turned out 
one of ^fai-yland's best brigadier-generals (John II. Kenly) Avho 
was afterwards made major-general of volunteers. The Third 
Mar^dand regiment infantry arrived home on the 2d of August. 
The First Mar3-Iand Cavalry regiment arrived home on the 3d ot 
July. The Filth regiment Marjdand infantry arrived home on the 
3d of September. 



1861. Although our history of Baltimore endeavors in itg 
general plan to set forth facts in strict chronological sequence, we 
are in some instances obliged to deviate from this course, in order 
properly to illustrate certain remarkable scenes and occui-rences. 
Such is the case now, in dealing Avith the unhappy civil war which 
for four long and anxious yeais involved our whole country in 
arms and had its marked effect on our beloved city. In this cha])ter 
therefore we endeavor, in the first place, to give a faithful ])ic- 
ture of those stirring scenes of which Baltimore was the theatre 
during the war; and, in the next place, to record impaJ'tially 
those deeds of valor done in the field, alike by Union and Con- 
federate soldiers, the sons of Mai'yiand. Without partisan bias, 
and only with a sincere desire to do justice to all, we write their 
history. Of the causes, real or pi-esumed, which led to the memor- 
able contest we do not treat ; our province is simply to detail the 
part of j^altimore and her people in the remarkable events of that 
trjMng period. 

In the course of our narrative Ave arc occasionally obliged to 
reitciate facts, in order to present clear and impartial statements 
of events. It is, therefore, here necessary to repeat that on the 12th 
of A]iril Fort Sumter was attackeil b}' the Confedei'ates, and on 
the 15th of that month the first decided step Avas taken toward 
ottensive efforts on the part of the United States (Jovernment 
against the rebellion. On that day the proclamation of the Presi- 
dent calling for 75.000 militia for three months' service to aid in 
suppressing it Avas issued, the quota of the State of Maryland beijig 
fixed at four regiments. In consequence of the unsettled condition 
of the affairs in the State, (Governor Hicks did not comply with the 
provisions of the aforesaid call until the lUh of Mav, Avhen ho 



636 CHKONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

promulgated his proclamation calling "for four regiments of infantry 
or riflemen to serve for a period of three months, within the State 
of Maryland, or for the defence of the capital of the United States, 
and not to serve beyond the limits aforesaid." On the 2d day of 
May the President issued another proclamation calling for 42,034 
volunteers to serve for a period of three years, and in consequence 
thereof the Government declined to accept any more troops for 
three months' service under the call of the 15th of April. Con- 
sequently, the tender of the three months' men from the State of 
Maryland was not accepted, but very many of them immediately 
joined companies which* were then being organized for three years' 
service, in accordance with the President's second proclamation, 
said companies subsequently constituting a part of the First 
regiment. 

On the 6th day of May a recruiting office for three years' 
volunteers was opened at No. 112 W. Baltimore Street, by John C 
McConnell. The response to the call for recruits was met 
with alacrity and enthusiasm by the " loyal Baltimoreans," so 
much so that by the 16th inst. the organization of four companies 
of the First regiment was completed, each company as it was filled 
being sent to the old National Hotel building on Camden street 
for quarters, at which place they were severally mustered into the 
United States service, and designated respectively A, B, C, and D. 
Meanwhile, recruiting for the remaining companies was being 
vigorously pushed forward at other points in the city and State, 
and attended everywhere by the same response, so that by the 27th 
inst. the organization of the regiment was fully completed, and 
on that date companies F, Ct, H, I, and K, were accepted and 
mustered into the United States service at the Relay House, on 
the Baltimore and Ohio railroad, whither all the companies had 
previously been ordered to rendezvous. Company E had been 
pi-eviously mustered in on the 25th inst. 

The first regular encampment was located at the Kelay House, 
on the Baltimore and Ohio railroad, and was named " Camp 
Cooper," in honor of Brigadier-General James Cooper, then 
engaged in the raising of a brigade of Maryland volunteers. He 
was appointed the first brigadier-general from Marjdand, and 
subsequently died on the 28th of Ma}', 1863, at Columbus, Ohio, 
aged about 53 years. The regiment remained at " Camp Cooper" 
for a brief period, and then removed to Baltimore on the 6th of 
June, where it went into camp for instruction and drill, on the 
grounds familiarly known to Baltimoreans as "Camp Carroll." 
At this place Colonel John R. Kenly assumed command of the 
regiment, having been appointed by President Lincoln. On the 
7th of July the regiment took its departure from Baltimore, for 
active service in the field near Downsville, Marjdand, whei-e the}' 
were joined on the 16th of July by Col. John R. Kenly. This 
regiment subsequently bore a gallant part in various battles. In 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 637 

the memorable action of a later period at Ball's Bluff, the First 
Maryland regiment was on the op]>osite pide of tlie river, and Col. 
Kcnly in his report, speaking of the affair, conchides with the 
remark : " I feel it to be a duty to say that the soldiers of the First 
Maryland regiment of infantry saved numbers of our army from 
destruction or capture. 1 am very proud of that night's work." 
The First Maryland Confederate regiment was organized at 
Harper's Ferry in June, with the following regimental officers: 
Colonel Arnold Eizey, Lieut.-Col. George II. Steuart, Major Bradley 
T. Johnson, acting Adjutant Frank X. Ward. The regiment 
numbered over seven hundred men, and in bravery and discipline 
was second to none in the Confederate arm}'. Upon the evacua- 
tion of Harper's Ferr}-, much valuable ])roperty was saved through 
their exertions, which woukl have been otherwise destroyed. For 
their sei'vices upon this occasion, Gen. Joseph E. Johnson issued 
the following complimentary order: 

Headquarters, "Winchester, June 22d, 1861. 

Special Order. The Commanding General thanks Lieut.-Col. 
Steuart and the Maryland regiment for the faithful and exact 
manner in which they carried out his orders of the 19th inst. at 
Harper's Ferr}'. He is glad to learn that, owing to their discipline, 
no private property was injured and no unofTentJing citizen dis- 
turbed. The soldierly qualities of the Maryland regiment will not 
be forgotten in the day of action. 

By order of Gen. Jos. E. Johnson. 

W. M. Whitino, Inspector General. 

On the 21st of July, at the first battle of Manassas, the Maryland 
Regiment had the right of the line under the command of Colonel 
Steuart, Col. Eizey commanding the brigade. The Federals held 
a strong position on a ridge difficult of ascent, and immediately in 
front of a dense pine-thicket. Col. Eizey ordered a "charge." At 
the command, with one wild, deafening yell, the Confederates 
emerged from the woods where they were formed, and, amidst a 
perfect storm of bullets, the gallant soldiers rushed across a wheat 
field, and dashing up tiie acclivity with an impetuosity which 
could not be withstood, drove the enemy ])ell-mell from their strong 
position into the thicket in the rear. With the successful charge 
of Eizey upon their right flank the whole of the Federal army 
had given away, and was rushing terror-stricken in the direction 
of Washington. Whilst pursuing tlie enemy, Ji'fferson I)avis, Gens. 
Johnston and Beauregard rode up to Col. Eizey, amid the jo^'ful 
shouts of the men, and the former, with countenance beaming 
with excitement and enthuriiasm, seizing him by the hand and 
giving it a hearty shake, exclaimed: " General Eizey, you are the 
Blucher of the day." In answer to a letter written to General 



638 CHRONICLES ■ OF BALTIMORE. 

Beauregard for his personal observations of the Marylanders who 
served under his command, he answered as follows : 

New Orleans, November bth, 1873. 

Dear Sir: — Your favor of the 18th ult. was received here 
during my absence. I had no Maryland troops, as well as I can 
now recolk'Ct, in my army of the Potomac; but at the battle of 
the first Manassas, the 1st Maryland llegiment, Elzey's Brigade, 
Kirby Smith's Division Army of the Shenandoah, contributed 
greatly to the success of that battle by checking the flanking 
movement of the Federals, until Early's Brigade could get into 
position to outflank them (see my report of the Battle of Manassas.) 
The officers and men of ihat Maryland regiment behaved with 
much gallantry on that occasion ; and afterwards, while on duty 
in front of Munson's Hill (near Alexandi'ia) and while in winter 
quarters about Centreville, they Avere noted for their discipline 
and good behavior. Generals Elzey and Steuart subsequently at- 
tained high distinction as Confederate officers. 

I remain yours very truly, G. T. Beauregard. 

Mr. J. Thomas Scharf, Baltimore, Md. 

In answer to a letter for the same object, Mr. Jefferson Davis 
wrote as follows : 

" Memphis, August 2Sth, 1873. 

" Col. J. Thomas Scharf, Baltimore, Md.: 

^^Dear Sir: — Yours of the 22d inst. received, and I am glad to 
know that you are about to make a durable record of the services 
of the Baltimorcans in the sreat struffijle for the assertion of State 
rights and the preservation of constitutional government. The 
world will accord to them peculiar credit, as it has always done tO' 
those who leave their hearthstones to fight for principle in the 
land of others. I am glad that your old commander, so distin- 
guished for skill and gallantry, survives to bear testimony to the 
individual merit of the members of his company. Wishing you 
long life, prosperity, and happiness, 

" I remain very respectfully and truly j'ours, 

"Jefferson Davis." 

18G2. Never in his previous or subsequent campaigns did " Stone- 
wall" Jackson's military genius and daring show to greater advan- 
tage than in the spring of 1862, in the Valley of Virginia. In less 
than six weeks he had beaten the army of Milroy, destroj'cd that 
of Banks, baffled that of Fremont, and annihilated that of Shields, 
and all with less than twelve thousand men ; besides capturing 
millions of dollars' worth of stores, &c. From General Ewt-H's of- 
ficial report of the Valley campaign, we take the following highly 
complimentary extract : " The history of the Maryland regiment, 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 639 

gallantly commanded bj Col. Bradley T. Johnson during the cam- 
paign of the Valley, would bo the histoiy of every action from 
Front Koyal to Cross Keys. On the 6th (June), near Harrisonburg, 
the Fift^'-Eighth Virginia Regiment was engaged with the Penn- 
sylvania ' liucUtails,' the fighting being close and bloody. Colonel 
Johnsotj came up with his regiment in the hottest period, and by 
a dashing charge in flank drove the enemy off with a heavy loss, 
capturing Lieut.-Col. Kane commanding. In commemoration of 
thisgalhint conduct 1 ordered one of the captured ' BucktaiLs ' to be 
appended as a trophy to their flag. The action is wortliy of ac- 
knowledgment from a higher source, more particuhirly as they 
avenged the death of the gallant General Ashby, who fell at tho 
same time. Four color-bearers were shot down in succession, but 
each time the colors were caught before reaching the ground, and 
were finally borne by Corpoi'al Daniel Shanks to the close of the 
action. On the 8th instant (June), at Cross Keys, they were op- 
posed to three of the enemy's regiments in succession." General 
Jackson also, in his official report of the Valley campaign, thus 
speaks of the First ^laryland's participation in the battle of 
Harrisonburg: "Apprehending that the Federals would make a 
more sci'ious attack, Ashb}' called for an infantry support. Tho 
brigade of General George H. Steiiart was accordingly ordered for- 
ward. In a short time the Fifty-f]ighth Virginia Regiment became 
engaged with a Pennsylvania regiment called the Bucktails, when 
Colonel Johnson of the First Maryland Regiment coming up in tho 
hottest period of the fire, charged gallantly into its flank, and 
drove the enemy with heavy loss from the field, capturing Lieut.- 
Col. Kane commanding." At Gaines' Mills, in the seven days' 
battles around Richmond, a historian of the war says: "Taking 
advantage of a rise in tlie ground, he (Col. Johnson) halted tho 
men under its shelter, and ordered them (the 1st Maryland Coa- 
fcderate Regiment) to rest preparatory to making the desperate 
assault. Scarcely had the command been given when Captain 
Mcllenry Howard, of General Charles Winder's staff, galloped nj) 
with orders to remain where we were until that General could 
overtake us with the Stonewall Brigade. 'The Genei-al has ob- 
served ^-our movements, sii', and thinks the place too strong for you ; 
we will, therefore, charge together.' In a few moments Jackscm's 
favorite brigade was with us. At the command of General Winder 
we moved forward with irresistible imj)ulse, and scrambling over 
the enemy's breastwork of kna|)sacks, we swept everything be- 




having expired. In the autumn of 18G2, the First Maryland Bat- 
talion of Infantry was organized, and perfect(;d a short time aft<'r- 
wards by the election of the following battalion officers: Lieuten- 



640 CHEONICLES OF BALTIMOEE. 

ant-Colonel, James K. Herbert ; Major, W. W. Goldsborough ; Act- 
ing Adjutant, Lieutenant Georjije Thomas; Quartermaster, Major 
James Hardin; Commissary, John E. Howard; Surgeon, De Wilton 
Snowden. 

Col. John E. Kenly was promoted as brigadier-general of the 
United States Volunteers August 22d, 1862, " for gallant conduct 
at the battle of Front Royal," and on the 6th of September he 
was ordered by Major-General Halleck " to organize and command 
a brigade of new troops." Two days thereafter, the 8th of Sep- 
tember, 1862, General Kenly assumed command of the " Mary- 
land Brigade," in accordance with the following orders : 

" Headquarters Eighth Army Corps, 

" Baltimore, Sept. 8th, 1862. 
''General Orders JVo. 36 : 

** The First, Fourth, Sixth, Seventh, and Eighth regiments of 
Maryland Volunteers, now in process of formation near this city, 
together with Captain Alexander's battery Baltimore light artil- 
lery, are hereby placed under the command of Brigadier-General 
John R. Kenly, United States Volunteers. When the organiza- 
tion of the above-named regiments shall be completed, they will 
constitute a brigade, still to be commanded by Brigadier-General 
Kenly until further orders. 

" By command of Major-General Wool, 

" William D. Whipple, Assistant Adjt.-Gen." 

1863. At the battle of Gettysburg, July 1st "and 4th, the 1st 
Maryland battalion of Confederate infantry fought desperately at 
" Gulp's Hill" ; only two hundred reported after the battle, out of 
five hundred who Avent into the fight. The following account of 
the part taken by the Ist Maryland Confederate artillery in the 
battle of Chancellorsville appeared in the Richmond Dispatch : 
" First Maryland Artillery. — This well-known corps, com- 
manded by Captain AVilliam F. Dement, formerly R. Snowden An- 
drews, defended an important position on the right of Marj-e's 
Hill on Sunday morning [May 3d], and did such service as to 
elicit the especial notice and commendation of Major-General 
Early." Lieutenant-General Richard S. Ewell, in his olficial re- 
port of operations of the Second Ami}' Corps, Army of Northern 
Virginia, in the Confederate States, forwarded late in 1863 to the 
Confederate authorities, thus speaks of the Marylanders Avho 
served in bis command in the summer of 1863 : "At Winchester 
the Maryland battalion was attached to Gen. Stuart's brigade, and 
the Baltimore light artillery to Col. Brown's battalion, with which 
they served with their usual gallantry throughout the campaign." 
Col. Andrews, a gallant officer from Baltimore, Lieutenant-General 
Ewell mentions on several occasions in his report, but in one in- 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 641 

stance as follows : " Lieut. -Col. Andrews of the artillciy, not fully 
recovei-ed from his serious wound at Cedar Ilun, was ayain 
wounded at Winchester, and while suffering from his wounds ap- 
peared on the field at Ilagerstown and reported for duty." At 
Winchester " Lieut. Charles S. Contee's section of Dement's [First 
Maryland] Itattcry was placed in short musket-range of the enemy 
on the 15Lh of June, and maintained its position till thirteen of 
the sixteen men in the two detachments were killed or wounded, 
.when Lieut. John A. Morgan, of the 1st North Carolina regiment, 
and Lieut. R. II. McKim, A. D. C. to Brigadier-General George H. 
Stuart, volunteered and helyed to work the guns till the surrender 
of the enem3\ The following are the names of the gallant men 
belonging to the section : Lieut. C. S. Contee, A. J. Albert. Jr., 
John Kcster, William Hill, B. W. Owens, John Glascock, John 

Harris, William Wooden, C. C. Pease, Frederick Frayer, 

Duvall, William Compton, John Yates, AVilliani Brown, AVilliam 
H. Gorman, Thomas Moore, Robert B. Chew. Colonel Brown, 
chief of artillery, recommends Lieut. Contee for promotion to 
the captaincy of the Chesapeake (Maryhmd) artillery, vice Capt. 
W. D. Brown, a most gallant and valuable officer, killed at Gettys- 
burg." Gen. Ewell, also in his report, expresses his thanks to the 
officers of his staff for their distinguished gallantry and valuable 
services during the campaign, and among whom, in this connection, 
he mentions Lieut. Elliott Johnson, of Baltimore. Major-General 
Early, in his official report of the battles around Winchester, also 
said: "I must also commend the gallantry of Lieut. -Col. Herbert 
and Major Goldsborough, of the Maiyland Line, and their troops." 
1864. At the battle of Reams' Station, on the Weldon railroad, 
on the 19th of August, the second Maryland Confederate infantry 
again proved of what material it was made. A historian of the 
war says: "Disdaining to retreat without the command, when 
all others were seeking safety in flight they stood to their post to 
the last. Again and again were they assaulted, but again and 
again they drove their assailants back with heavy loss. At length 
in overwhelming numbers the enemy came upon them and reached 
the breastworks. But there that little band remained for a time 
as firm as the rock of Gibraltar. But the enemy crossed the 
breastworks, and the struggle was hand to hand. Desperately 
the bayonet was thrust, and the butts of muskets crashed through 
human skulls. But this unequal struggle could not be of long 
duration, and surrounded and overwhelmed, the survivors sought 
to fight their way out. Many succeeded, but one-third of that 
gallant band lay dead and wounded, or were j)risoners in the hands 
of the foe." On the 30th of September, at the battle of Pegi'am's 
farm, the second Maryland Confederate infantry took a conspicu- 
ous part in that desj)erate engagement, but losing ll-arfidly in 
killed and wounded. Out of one hundrt'd and forty-nine men that 
went into the fight, forty-three were killed and wounded. On the 
41 



642 CHEONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

next day, October 1st, they again encountered the. enemy on the 
Squirrel Level road, and repulsed them after a sharp engagement, 
Willi severe loss. For a long while after the battle of Squirrel 
Level road, the Second Maryland remained in the ti*enches, or 
were engaged in picketing along their front. It had been reduced 
to about one hundred men, and still these men were compelled to 
do the duty of a battalion. So numerous were the desertions in 
the brigade to which they belonged that it at last became neces- 
sary to keep the Marylanders almost constantly on picket, for as 
sure as this dut}'' was entrusted to other troops just so sure Avere 
they to find deserted posts in the morning. And still these brave 
men never complained of what was imposed upon them. Through- 
out that dreary fall and the long cold winter, nearly naked and 
hardly half-fed, they silently did their duty, whilst thousands were 
proving recreant to the cause. Elegant and refined gentlemen, 
who at home never knew what it was to want for a single com- 
fort, were in rags and tatters, sleeping in mud and filth ; and when 
the bleak winds of December jiierced man}^ a rent in their wretched 
garments, they only drew their sorry blanket the closer around 
their gaunt and shivering limbs, and cheerfully responded to the 
call ibr any duty. AVas it a wonder, then, that after the battle of 
Cold Harbor General Breckenridge should have exclaimed, " What 
could not be done with a hundred thousand such men ! " General 
Breckenridge, it is well known, had occupied most conspicuous 
positions in the civil service of the country before the war; he 
was an eminent member of the Democratic party, and bad been 
Vice-president of the United States, Having requested Major- 
General John C. Breckenridge to favor us with his views regard- 
ing the services of the 1st Maryland battalion of Confederate in- 
fantry in the battle of " Cold Harbor," he very kindly answered 
as follows: 

" Lexington, Kt., January 6th, 1874, 

"il/y dear Sir: — Since September last I have, until very recently, 
been hindered by sickness Irom attending to my correspondence, 
and I offer this as an apology for the delay in not answering your 
letter of November 30th, 1873. You desire me to tell you some- 
thing of a Maryland regiment that was in my command toward 
the close of the war, with a view to use the information in your 
proposed 'History of Baltimore.' When I crossed over from the 
Shenandoah Valley in May, 1864, and joined Gen. Lee on the North 
Anna, near Hanover Junction, a battalion of Maryland infantry 
was sent to me, and it remained under my command until I re- 
turned to the Valley in the following month. It had seen rough 
service, and I think all the field officers were absent from disabling 
wounds. While with me it was commanded by Capt. Crane. I 
had occasion to observe this battalion along the North Anna, on 
the Sotopotomy, and in a series of other engagements of greater or 
less importance, ending with the battle of Cold Harbor early in 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 643 

June, and I take pleasure in saj'ing that its conduct throughout 
"was not merely creditable, but distinguished. Not being incor- 
porated into any brigade, it came more frequently under my 
eye, and I presently i'ell into the habit of holding it in hand for 
occasions of special need. P'or an instance, at Cold Harbor, where 
a point in my line was very weak, and was actually broken for a 
time bj' Gen. Hancock's troops, the Maryland battalion and Fin- 
negan's Florida brigade (the latter borrowed from Gen, Hoke for 
the occasion) aided decisivelj* to restore the situation, and be- 
haved with the greatest intrepidity. During their brief service 
with me 1 was every way favorably impressed by those Mary- 
landers. Not in courage only, but also in discipline, tone, and all 
Boldierl}- qualities they were quite equal to any troops I saw during 
the war. After my return to the Valley I did not see them any 
more, 3'et I never think of them but with admiration and afl'ec- 
tion. Some Maryland cavalry and artillery under the command 
of Col. (afterwards Brigadier-General) Bradley Johnson reported 
to me for a few days after my arrival at Hanover Junction. They 
seemed to be fine troops and well instructed, but I cannot speak 
of them more particular!}-. 

" With good wishes, I am yours truly, 

"John C. Breckenridge. 
" CoL. J. Thomas Scharf, Baltimore, 3Id." 



The following is what " a Virginian " says, in the Richmond 
Sentinel, of the part taken by the Marylanders in the sanguinary 
battle of Cold Harbor: 

"Near Eichmond, June 6th, 1864. 
"J/;*. Editor : — The public have already been informed, through 
the columns of the public joui-nals, of the great results ot the late 
engagements between the forces of General Lee and Gen. Grant 
But they have not yet learned the particulars, which are always 
most interesting, and in some instances, owing to the confusion 
which generally attends large battles, they have been misinformed 
on some points. It is now known by the public that the enemj- 
were momentarily successful in one of their assaults on the lines 
held by Major-General Breckenridge's division, which might have 
resulted in disaster to our cause. It will be interesting to all to 
know what turned disaster into victory, and converted a trium- 
phant column into a flying rabble. The successful assault of the 
enemy was made under cover of darkness, before the morning 
star had been hid by the light of the sun. Tliey came gallantly 
forward in sj^iteof a severe fire from General Kchols' bi'igade, and 
in spite of the loss of many of their men, who fell like autumn 
leaves, until the ground was almost blue and red with their uni- 
forms and their blood. They rushed in heavy mass over our 
breastworks. Our men, confused by the suddenness of the charge, 



644 CHEONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

and borne down by the rush of the enemy, retreated, and all now 
seemed to be lost. At this juncture the Second Marj-land Infantrj'-, 
of Col. Bradley T. Johnson's command, now in charge of Captain 
J. P. Crane, were roused from their sleep. Springing to their 
arms they formed in a moment, and nishing gallantly forward, 
poured a deadly fire into the enemy and then charged bayonets. 
The enemy were, in turn, surprised at the suddenness and vim of 
this assault. They gave back, they became confused, and General 
Finnegan's forces coming up, they took to flight ; but not until 
nearly a hundred men were stretched on the plain, from the fire 
of the Second Marjdand Infantr}', and many others captured. 
Lieutenant Charles B. AV^ise, of Company B, now took possession 
of the guns, which had been abandoned by our forces, and with 
the assistance of some of his own men and some of Gen Finnegan's 
command, poured a deadly fire into the retreating column of the 
enemy. Thus was the tide of battle turned, and this disaster 
converted into a success. 1 am informed that the whole foi'ce of 
the enemy which came within our lines would have been captured, 
had it not been for the mistake of an officer who took the enemy 
for our own men and thus checked for a few moments the charge 
of the Second Maryland Infantry. 1 take pleasure in narrating 
these deeds of our Maryland bi'ethren, and doubt not jon will join 
in the feeling. A Virginian." 

The consolidation of the Federal army of the Potomac into 
three corps instead of five was ordered on the 23d day of March, 
when the Maryland brigade became the Third Brigade, Second Di- 
vision, Fifth Army Corps. Brigadier-General John C. Eobinson 
was assigned to the command of the division, and Major-General 
G. K. Warren to the corps. The consolidation of the army neces- 
sitated the removal of several valuable general officers to other 
fields of duty, among whom was General Kenly, a soldier and a 
gentleman whose departure was sincerely regretted by the troops 
under his command. General Kenly was assigned to the command 
of a military district in the Middle Department, and on the eve of 
bis departure issued a farewell address, expressing his heartfelt 
regret at the separation and the kind feelings which he entertained 
for all of his command. The following complimentary address was 
signed by all the officers of his command, and presented to General 
Kenly on the day of its date: 

" Culpepper Court-House, Virginia, March 2Uh, 1864. 

" Brigadier-General John E. Kenly : 

"Sir: — The undersigned officers, commanding regiments, and 
others in the first and second brigades, comprising the third divi- 
sion, first army corps, army of the Potomac, cannot part with you, 
our late division commander, without first conveying to you the 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE, 645 

assurance of the friendship, regard, and respect for you as a soldier 
and a Gentleman, in the full comprehension of these terms, enter- 
tained for you hy us, and b}'' the officers and men of our several 
commands. The experiences and intercourse of more than eight 
months of active service in the field, furnishing an iinerring test of 
competence and character, of courage and capacity, unite in im- 
})ressing upon us a feeling of sincere regret at parting with you, 
the desire to retain a place in your memory, and the cordial prayer 
that your life and health may be spared, and your labors in the 
new tield of duty to which you are to be transferred be crowned 
with eminent usefulness and success. With the hope of again re- 
newing with 3^ou, General, an acquaintance to us so agreeable and 
profitable, we bid you a sincere and affectionate adieu." 

At the battle of the Weldon Eailroad on the 18th of August, 
the Maryland brigade U. S. A. suffered severely. " Every member 
of the First Maryland's color-guard, including the color-bearers, 
received severe wounds in the engagement. When th(; first color- 
bearer was struck, a second one seized the flag, but he too quickly 
fell; another and another grasped the standard, until seven had 
been shot down, when Lieutenant William Taylor took the banner 
and carried it until relieved by a newly-ap])ointed bearer." The 
gallant Colonel Wilson, subsequentlj' si)eaking of this affair, said: 
"At no time in my life could I have shed tears more freely than 
when I saw the men fall around my colors as fast as I could count 
one, two, and three." 

At the battle known as "Dabney's ^lill," fought on the Gth of 
February near Hatcher's Run, the Maryland Brigade U. S. A. again 
distinguished itself by that conspicuous gallantry which it had 
displayed on many hard-fought battle-fields. A correspondeitt of 
the Bidtimore American, detailing the part taken by the Marjdand 
brigade, says: "The brigades under command of Col. Bowerman 
advanced in column on the left, and in support of the Third 
Division, Fifth Corps, until some troops on the right became 
engaged with the enemy, when we formed in line and advanced. 
Our advance soon became engaged, when a charge was ordered, 
and executed with a will and loud cheering. The enemy could not 
stand the terrible and galling fire, but commenced a precipitate 
retreat, well followed up by the Maryland brigade. After charging 
for a considerable distance, we came u|)()n his main line, \vhere a 
general engagement ensued which lasted two hours and forty 
minutes, during which time we fired away every round of ammu- 
nition on the persons of the troops. The coolness and daring of 
the officers and men were universal themes of conversation and 
applause. The brigade was comi)limented for the stubborn resist- 
ance it offered when attacked, and its dashing energy when 
charging. Colonel Wilson was killed while gallantly leading his 
regiment. The Itrigade has certaiidy added incorruptible laurels 
to its well-established fame." A few days afterward, Gen. Meado 



646 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. . 

in general orders granted furloughs for twenty-five days to a large 
number of enlisted men which he named, in recognitioti of the 
gallantry and good conduct which they displayed in this action. 
On the 27th of March orders were issued for a grand movement 
of the entire Army of the Potomac, which, at this time, embraced 
every available man within its geographical limits capable of 
bearing arms. The next day was devoted to preparations for the 
great event, which culminated in the capitulation of the whole 
Confederate Army of Northern Virginia, under command of Gren. 
Eobert E. Lee, and virtually ended the war. The Mar3'land 
brigade participated in all the great battles up to the time of this 
great event, and none displayed more gallantry. The following 
letter was written by General Grant for the object mentioned 
therein : 

" Headquarters Armies of the United States, 
" Washington, D. C, July 22d, 1865. 
" To Corporal Jacob E. Tucker, 

" Com'p'y <r.. Fourth Regiment Md. Volunteer Infantry. 

" Sir : — The sum of four hundred and sixty dollars was sent me 
by patriotic citizens of the North, to be given as a reward for 
gallantry to the soldier w^ho should first raise the United States 
flag over Eichmond. As Eichmond was not taken by assault, I 
concluded that the donors' wishes would be best carried out by 
dividing the bum between the three soldiers most conspicuous for 
gallantry in the final and successful assault on Petersburg. Major- 
General Charles Griffin, commanding Filth Army Corps, has 
selected you as entitled to this honor, in behalf of that command, 
and I herewith transmit to you the sum of one hundred and fifty- 
three dollars and thirty-three cents as one-third of the original 
sum. It affords mc great pleasure to receive from your command- 
ing general such unqualified testimony of your gallantry and 
heroism in battle, and to be the medium of transmitting to you 
this recognition of the worth of your services in defence of our 
common country. U. S. Grant, Lieut.-General. 

'•T. S. Bowers, Ass't Adjutant-General.'" 

Extracts from a letter of Major-General G. K. Warren, dated 
April 24th, 1866, to the Adjutant-General United States Army, 
recommending certain officers of the Maryland brigade for bi-eve*-- 
appointments : " The following survivors, not brevetted since the 
close of the war, are, therefore, respectfully recommended as 
w^orthy of that honor: . . . Brevet Brigadier-General A. W. 
Denison, United States Volunteers, commanding Maryland brigade, 
to be Major-General of Volunteei's, by brevet, for gallant conduct 
in the battle of White Oak Eidge, March 31st, 1865, in which he 
was wounded. ... In the foregoing list of recommendations for 
the brevet Major-General of volunteers is included that of General 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 647 

Denison, of the Maryland brii^ado. To this brigade especial honor 
is due, for they were the loyal men of a divided community. They 
had thus to sacrifice old i)ersonal associations and interests, and 
while doin*:; their duty at the front, had repeatedly to endure the 
anxieties of havini^ their homes inva(ied by the enemy. They, now 
that the war is over, have to encounter, socially, sympathizers and 
many active particii)ants of the rebellion, and they should be 
stren<^thened in every proper way by the approval of the Govern- 
ment that they have so faithfully served. It would seem but just 
that the most liberal views attend the consideration of the brevets 
for this brij^ade; but their record is one that speaks for them, and 
in a way they ma}' well be proud of. I will give a brief outline of 
their connection with the Army of the Potomac. They first Joined 
it just after the battle of Gett3'sburg, and were joined to the First 
Corps. On its consolidation with the Fifth Corjis, under me, their 
former commander, General Kenjy, was transferred to another 
arm}-, and Col. A. W. Denison, of the Eighth regiment, was left 
in command. The brigade was composed of the First, Fourth, 
►Seventh, and Eighth regiments of Maryland volunteers, and they 
were j)laced in General Robinson's division. On the 8th of May 
their division commander was wounded ; Colonel Denison, their 
brigade commander, was wounded ; and Colonel C. E. Phelps, of 
the Seventh regiment, next in command, was wounded ; and Col. 
Bowerman, of the Fourth regiment, took the command, which he 
kept till May 19th, when the arrival of Col. Dushane, of the First 
regiment, placed him in command. Col. Dushane retained this 
command till killed in battle, August 21st, on the Weldon raiiroail. 
The next brigade commander was Col. Graham, of the Purnell 
Legion; whose regiment had joined on the 30th of May. On the 
12th of October Col. Denison. having recovered, with the loss of 
an arm, for which he was brevetted brigadier-general, retnrjied, 
and again took command. On the Gth of February, 18G5, Colonel 
Wilson, of the First regiment, was killed in battle. On March 3lst, 
18G5, General Denison was again wounded, and Colonel Bowerman 
again succeeded to the command. On April 1st, at Five; Forks, 
Colonel Bowerman was wounded, and the command fell to Colonel 
Stanton, of the First regiment. This brief mention of the loss in 
higher officers gives a fair representatitm of the proportionate loss 
and siilfei-ing of" the briga'le in battle while with me. T therefore 
recomuK-nd, besides General Denison foi' the brevet rank of Major- 
General of volunteers, the following additional ones: Col. (Miarles 
E. Phelps, Seventh regiment Maryland volunteers, to be bi-evet 
brigadier-general of volunteers, for gallant conduct in battle, May 
8th, 18G4, at Spottsylvania ; Col. I). L. Stanton, First regiment 
Maryland volunteers, to be brevet brigadior-gonerai of volunteers, 
for gallant conduct in battle of Five Forks; Major E. M. .Moblcy, 
who in much of the campaign of 18G4 commamled the Seventh 



648 CHEONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

reginient Maryland volunteers, to be colonel of volunteers, by 
bitvet, for faithful and gallant service. 

" Very reRpectfully, your obedient servant, 
" G. K. Warren, former Maj.-Gen. Vols., comd'g bth Army Corps.'' 

Mr, J. W. Kirkley, requesting General G. K. Warren to favor 
him, lor his history of the 1st Maryland regiment, TJ. S. V., with a 
statement of his views regarding the services of the Maryland 
Bi'igade, received the following complimentary reply : 

" Newport, E. I., October 26th, 1871. 

" To Mr. J. W. Kirkley, Washington, JD. C. : 

^^Dear Sir : — I have received your letter of the 21st instant, re- 
questing me to prepare a statement, such as I ' may know the 
Maryland Brigade to be worth}' of,' to annex to your historical 
record of those troops. Since the war my official duties as an en- 
gineer have so occupied me that I have not been able to complete 
the official report of my command's achievements, as I intend to, 
and am always hoping to get the time to do soon. The events 
through which we passed made a lasting impression on my mind, 
and.it would take a book to tell all I know of the worth of the 
Maryland Brigade. I am very glad to hear that you are makinsc 
one. The frequent loss of commanding officers by that brigade in 
the campaigns of 1864-'65 brought it particularly to my attention, 
and its constancy under all the difficulties and hardships made me 
regard it with aftection as well as esteem. As a part of the combined 
First and Fifth Army Corps it will always share in the common 
reputation ; and this was a corps that never gave ground to the 
enemy, which marched and fought battles in every- month but 
January from'May, 1864, to May, 1865; which made all the exten- 
sions of the line of the Union army around Petersburg by contests 
with the enemy from the place where the mine was sprung in the 
summer of 1864 to the capture of his extreme right on the White 
Oak road, at Five Forks, on April 1, 1865, and which finally 
stretched its unflinching lines across the path of retreat of the 
Army of Virginia at Appomattox. It should hereafter be enough 
glory for any man to say, 'I bore an honorable reputation in the 
Maryland brigade.' Yours respectfully, 

" G. Iv. Warren." 

From a letter to the author of the '• Chronicles," dated the 5th 
of October, 1873, we extract the following: "Those who, like the 
Maryland troops, went to the war and served faithfully to the end, 
need no commendation from me or any one else to set off against 
malicious aspersion. The fact of the service will survive when 
words of praise as well as of detraction shall all have been for- 
gotten." 



CHEONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 649 

On tho 29th of September the Mayor and City Council of Balti- 
more jtresonted "to Brevt. Major-Goneral John II. Kenly, U. S. V., 
a son ol' Mar3-land, for distinguished services in defence of tho 
Union, durinii; the rebellion," a magnificent swoi-d antl belt. Tho 
General Assembly on tho 5th of March, 18G2, resolved "That with- 
out wishing to draw any invidious distinction, the gratitude of the 
people of Maryland is eminently due to Col. John H. Kenly, of the 
First Maryland Regiment, for his early, prompt and distinguished 
services in the cause of his country." 

In the retreat of the Confederate army under Gen. E. E. Lee, 
across Hatcher's run near tho Boyd ton plank road, the Second 
^laryland battalion assisted in bringing uj) the rear. Tliey were 
then under the command of Captain John W. Torscli, and the pri- 
vations they endured until the army reached Appomattox Court- 
house are too welljknown to repeat. On the 9th of April they 
laid down their arms in obedience to the last command they 
were ever to receive from their beloved Lee, and it was with feel- 
ings not easily imagined. As an organization the Second Maryland 
Infantry has ceased to exist, but it has left a heritage to its 
posterity and to its State of which they may be justl}' proud. They 
surrendei-ed 63 officers and men. 

We will here add, that the 3'oung men who went South did not 
organize themselves into one command, for there were batteries 
and companies of infantry and cavalry who were assigned to other 
commands whose States were accredited with their services. Tho 
books of the Confederate War Department contained tlie names of 
over twenty thousand Marylanders in the service, and still at no 
time could they be organized to the proportion of a brigade, much 
less a division. One great reason for this was the fact that they 
were required to officer companies, regiments, and brigades of 
troops from other States, for, as a general thing, the j'oung men 
from Maryland were of a superior order intellectual!}', who were 
actuated by patriotism alone, and not driven into the service by 
the conscript officer, or influenced by mercenary motives. With 
the infantry ali-eady spoken of there was also in the Confederate 
service a battalion of cavaliy which was organized at Winchester 
on the 25th of November 18G2. with the following battalion officers : 
M;ijoi- Jiidgel}' Brown, Adjutant George W. Booth, (Quartermaster 
Ignatius Dm-sc}-, Surgeon Wilmer McKnew. This command 
fought gallantly throughout the war, tho commandei" losing his 
life, and gave the last charge and struck the last blow for tho 
army of Vii'ginia. This battle, whicdi closed the record of tho 
army of Virginia, was fought on the 9th April, on the Lynchburg 
I'oad while the articles of capitulation were being pre])ared. 'i'ln>y 
did not sui-rendcr, but escaped to Lynchburg, where they remained 
aliout ten <lays, when they took u|) the line of march i'or General 
.lohnson'H arm}'. '^I'licy arrived at Cloverdale, IJotetoui't county, 
on the 28th day of April, where Colonel Dorsey, the commaiuling 



650 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

officer, received the following very complimentary letter from Bj'ig. 
General Munford, commanding the cavalry division : 

" Cloverdale, Botetourt County, Virginia, 

'' April 28th, 1S65. 

" Lieut.-Col. Dorset, commanding First Maryland Cavalry: 

"I have just learned from Captain Emack that your gallant 
band was moving up the Valley in response to my call. I am 
deeply pained to say that our army cannot he reached, as I have 
learned that it has capitulated. It is sad, indeed, to think that our 
country is all shrouded in gloom. But for you and your command 
there is the consolation of having faithfully done your dutj'. Three 
years ago the chivalric Brown joined my old regiment with twenty- 
three Marj-land volunteers, with light hearts and full of fight. I 
80on learned to admire, respect and love them for all those qualities 
which endear soldiers to their officers. They recruited rapidly, 
and as they increased in numbers, so did their reputation and 
friends increase, and they w^ere soon aljle to form a command and 
take a position of their own. Need 1 say when I see that ])Osition 
so high and almost alone among soldiers, that my heart swells with 
pride to think that a record so bright and glorious is in some part 
linked with mine? Would that I could see the mothei-s and sisters 
of every member of your battalion, that I might tell them how 
nobly 3'ou have represented j'our State and maintained our cause. 
But you will not be forgotten. The fame you have won will be 
guarded by Virginia with all the pride she feels in her own true 
sons, and the ties which have linked us together memory will pre- 
serve. You who struck the first blow in Baltimore, and the last in 
Virginia, have done all that could be asked of you; and had the 
rest of our officers and men adhered to our cause with the same 
devotion, to-day we would have been free from Yankee thraldom. 
I have ordered the brigade to return to their homes, and it behooves 
us now to separate. With ni}' warmest wishes for your welfare, 
and a hearty God bless you, I bid you farewell. 

" Thomas T. Muneord, 
^^ Brigadier- General Commanding Division." 

In the cavaby service of the Confederacy^ Maryland was largely 
represented in the commands of Col. Harry Gilmor, Col. Mosby, 
Col. McNeil and others. The First Maryland Artillery, composed 
entirely of Marylanders, had no superiors and few equals in the 
Confederate service. This company was organized in Richmond, 
in August, 1861, with the following officers: R. Snowdcn Andrews, 
Captain; Wm. F. Dement, 1st Lieutenant, and Charles F. Contee, 
2d Lieutenant. There was also in the Confederate artillery service 
from Mar^'Uuid, the Chesapeake Artillery Comjjan}-, Cajitain Wm. 
Brown, and the Baltimore Light Artillery, Captain J. B. Brocken- 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 651 

brough. There was also Captain J. Lylc Clark's battalion of 
infantry. General Jubal A. Early, in bis memoir of the last year 
of the war, speaking of the privates who were in the Confederate 
army, says : " I believe that the woi'ld has never produeed a body 
of men superior in courage, patriotism and endurance to the pri- 
vate soMiers of the Confederate armies. I have repeatcully seen 
those soldiers submit with cheei-fulness to privations and hardships 
which would appear to be almost incredible; and the wild cheers 
of our brave men when their thin lines sent back opposing hosts 
of Federal troops, staggering, reeling, and flying, have often thrilled 
every fibre in my heart. I have seen, with my own eyes, ragged, 
barefooted, and hungry Confederate soldiers perform deeds which 
if performed in da3'S of yore by mailed warriors in glittering 
armor, would have inspired the harp of the minstrel and the pen 
of the poet." 

The following secret correspondence, illustrating the condition 
of affairs in Baltimore and INfaiyland, is published as a contribu- 
tion to the matei'ials of which the future history of Maryland is to 
be written. The endorsements on the backs of letters, as well as 
the letters themselves, are exact copies of the originals, which were 
captured during the war in Frederick, Md., when that place was 
seized by the Confederates. They were written to Major-General 
Banks of the U. S. A., by the parties whose names are attached. 

S. M. Felton introducing two witnesses against Marshal Kane : 

" Philadelphia, Wilmington and Baltimore E. K. Co., 
'•Philadelphia, June 27th, 1861. 
"O. B. Grossman: 

^^ Dear aSit: — I have just written Major-General N, P. Banks, of 
Baltimore, that I thought I could furnish him some positive in- 
formation in reference to Marshal Kane. 1 wish you to take 
McClennahan with you and go and see Gen. Banks, and state to 
him what you stated to me this morning, and have McClennahan 
ready to make his affidavit if necessary. Show this to General 
Banks in order that he may know that they act at my request. 
" Yours trul}-, S. M. Felton," 



Letter from Y. L. (Jatchell, near Elkton, Md.: 

"Near Elkton, Md., July 1st, ISGl. 
"M. Genl. N. P. Banks, 

" (Jomnmnding Departmt. Annapolis 

'^ Sir: — You Avill I hope excuse me for thus addressing you, my 
only object being to do (uuxl. I will first state that I was in Vir- 
ginia in the wood & lumber Buisincss untill 2Uh of May. after 
getting all my men out except 4, one an old man 70 and liead of a 



652 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

family, who kept our Bourdiiiir-house, 2 Boys 17 & 18 Pressed in 
the army and one in jail for Expressing views favourable to the 
Administration, I left for home, 5 miles above Elkton, leaving my 
Property mostl}^ in Va, 1 conclude I mite aid the officers some in 
the way of som Information wh'ch I hope will be confidential un- 
less it is absolutely Nessary. I first will inform you that a Reg- 
ular line of travel from Baltimore to Northern Neck, Ya., is cai'- 
ried on by a Certain Maj. Davis, who lives at St. Leonards, 3 miles 
above leonardstown, St. Marj-'s Co. Md. their Dept. was McCon- 
key & Parr in Baltimore, but I think it is mooved lately. A Lu- 
teaet Blakwell, of Va., on the JS'omini River, Runs one line of the 
Boats, aided by Dr. Mayo, Masse3^ J. P. Marden in Va., Coleagues 
is old Bob Campbell, owns the Building No. 3 Wine St., a Mr. 
Wolf Failed at the Commission Buisiness, with Mr. Reip, Tiner on 
Baltimore St. the office in the watch-cleaning 

for Dis Guise, this old Campbell was in the South all Spring, he 
once was one of the Nobility of Park Row in Baltimore. I was 
on his Farm in Va. in the wood Buisiness; he tried to get me hung 
for an easy way to pay debts, or the Dept he owed me. he is a 
Naturelised and a pergued Irishman, bin concocting scheemes with 
J. Mason Campbell, J. C. Brune & Co. all Winter for the Over- 
throw of the Government, a Capt. L. Slemmer, Cor. Central Av. 
& Biddle St., is an Inocent fool for a Ceeessionist ; throu him I got 
word of the Powder in Greenmont Semetery. a Good Careful 
hand to take a Glass of Red-Eye with him can Pump him so as to 
Find out where there is 1300 Pikes, 1700 Pistles, some 20,000 
Rifles sealed up in the sealing of houses in his Vicinity, a Num- 
ber where at his house some time ago, and may be yet. Capt. 
Slemmer, with J. Whiting, Pratt st., near Boley's worf, knows 
where about 4000 Rifles are. Whiting has bin the Per- 

chaser, as it suits the Hardware line of Business. A line of smug- 
ling is carried on through Kent County, on this Eastern Shore, 
with Arms and Ammunition, a J. Frasier and Ed. Miller, of a 
company of Rebles who Drill at Georgetown — Roads, in Kent 
County, is Prime Reble opperators. I probably will trouble you 
to much ; you I hope will pardon me and keepe this confidential, 
as I have Barely Escaped a Rope or a Grapevine Rnd. If you 
wont a Pilot for Va., I am on hand after a little; will go for the 
love I have for the Union. 1 conveyed some information through 
Capt. Ricketts, and would refer you to Wm. P. Ewing, Naval 
Agent, at Baltimore. Respectfully yours in haste, 

" Y. L. Gatchell." 

Mrs. Bonaparte answered : 

"Major-General Banks, Headquarters Department Annapolis: 

^'■Dear General: — I enclose a few names from a source entirely 
reliable in every respect. I have been waiting to add some others 



CHRONICLES OF BALCIMOEE. 653 

from another direction, but as Mr. Bonaparte thinks these will 
answer your present purpose, I beg leave to submit them to you 
exactly a-s I received them yesterday evening. 

" Yours very truly, S. M. Bonaparte. 

"Park St., Monday, July 1, 1861." 

Mr. McJilton, Survej'or of Baltimore, against employment" of 
Secessionists in office, and recommending arrest of Edward Walters, 
of Baltimore : 

" Custom- House, Surveyor's Office, 
"Baltimore, August 14, 1861. 

"Maj.-Gen. Banks, U. S. A., Sandy Hook, Md. : 

^'Sir: — I deem it to be my duty to inform you that Mr. Edw. 
"Walters, of the house of W^m. T. Walters & Co., of this city, says 
he has a permanent pass from Gen. Cameron to Virginia and back. 
He makes a trip nearly every week, via the Point of Pocks, &c. 
He is one of our ' unqualified ' secessionists, and the house of 
which he is a member is one of the most notorious as advocating 
that faith. I learn also that Mr. Norris was in his company at 
the time of his (N. ?) arrest. Mr. Walters will start for Virginia 
in a few days, and will no doubt take his old route. Would it not 
be well to have Walters searched, for he is after no good. General 
Cameron has been imposed upon, if he has given this man a perma- 
nent pass, I will see Gen. Dix this afternoon and state these 
things to him, and it may be he Avill interest himself at this end 
to have him (Walters) arrested, and compel him to give an ac- 
count of himself. There is a considerable feeling here in regard 
to these mattei's, especially so in reference to the employment of 
several avowed Secessionists in the different departments here. I 
am resolved, as far as I can, to have these things corrected. If 
the Government will permit its officials to employ its enemies, as I 
know they are doing here, it will take a very strong ami}- to pro- 
tect the loyal citizens. This is doing us immense damage. If it 
were otherwise, the Union cause would increase and strengthen 
daily. As it is, 1 regret to say, it is waning. 

" Vei'y rcspectfull}' your obedient servant, 

"John P. McJilton." 

J. Bly warns General Banks against Pevs. Messrs. Krcbs, Wil- 
son, and Martin, Methodist preachers, &c. : 

" Washington, Sept. 15, 1861, 
" General Banks: 

<-,S)r : — Three preachers of the Mrthodist Episcopal Church 
procured passes in Baltimore to go from that city to Winchester, 
Va., &c. They arc all earnest SfcesNionists. Their names arc J. 
S. Martin, Win. Krcbs, and A. W. Wilson. The last-named has 



654 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

gotten back to Baltimore, and is proclaiming his secession sj^mpa- 
thies. It is the judgment of many good and true Union men that 
the other two should not be allowed to return to Baltimore. 
They have already done much mischief there. These passes were 
procured by E. Petherbridge, who knew their sentiments well, 
having co-operated Avith them and others during the last twelve 
months in eiforts to divide the M. E. Church on the slavery ques- 
tion b}' Mason and Dixon's line. Strange as it may seem, this 
same Petherbridge is in the service of the Government as a recruit- 
ing officer. One day he procured passes for well-known and mis- 
chievous Secessionists, and the next recruits for the Government. 
The great body of the Methodist people of Baltimore are Union 
people, and it Avill be a service to them as well as the cause of the 
Union in that city if they are not permitted to return. 

" Very respectfully, • J. Blt." 



G. E. Morgan, of Baltimore, informs Gen. Banks of arms se- 
creted on the premises of Rev. W. H. Wilson in Frederick County, 
Virginia: 

" Baltimore, Sept 15, 1861. 
« Gen. N. P. Banks : 

"Sir: — I have received tolerably reliable information of a de- 
posit of arms at the mill of the Rev. W. H. Wilson in Frederick 
County, said to be 1100 navy revolvers. My informer (a Rev. also) 
was tinder the impression they had been seized by some po'rtion of 
your command. I alluded to the fact in the Grand Jury room 
(U. S. Court), and was requested by that body to apply to you for 
the truth, and if so, the necessary evidence. Any communication 
to this jury through this Marshal or myself will be promptly at- 
tended to. Yours respectfully, 

" G. E. Morgan, 66 N. Calvert St., Balto. 

" Gen. N. P. Banks, Army of the Potomac.'" 



Gov. Seward's confidential letter. Received, September 28th ; 
answered, September 29th. Orders given to Col. Kenly, Williams- 
port, September 29th : 

" Department of State, Washington, Sept. 21, 1862. 

" Major-General N, P. Banks, Darnestoivn, Md. : 

^'General: — If j^ou can arrest Dr. Charles McGill of Hagers- 
town, Maryland, or cause him to be arrested and sent to Fort 
Mcircniy, to be thence conveyed to Fort Lafayette, let it be done. 
" I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 

" William H. Seward." 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 655 

Col. Kcnly, on the arrest of Dr. Magill; answered October 3d, 
same day of its receipt : 

"Headquarters, AYilliamsport, Sept. 30, 18G1. 
"Major-General N. P. Banks, Commanding Divisioyi. 

" General : — Dr. Magill is now a prisoner in my camp.- If one 
man can be dangerous, he is the man. I shall send him direct to 
Fort McHenry by Catain Waltemyer of mj^ regiment. He will 
lie there to-morrow night. Affairs are tolerably quiet along my 
lines to-day, but one of my officers at Dam No. 4 is a little nervous 
and I have strengthened his post. You have been kind enough to 
sixy that you would assist me if attacked by overwhelming num- 
bers ; do not forget the First Maryland if you be attacked. 
" With the highest regard, 

" John K. Kenly, Col. First Maryland Regt." 



^fiUon "Whitney of Baltimore asks General Banks for a letter 
to the Government in favor of his appointment as District Attorney. 
Received October 8th : 

" Baltimore, October 8th, 18G1. 
"Gin. N. p. Banks: 

" Dear Sir : — The lion. 11. "Winter Davis, together with Mr. 
Hoffman, Collector; Mr. Purnell, Postmaster; Judge Bond and 
others, liave united in recommending me to the Cabinet for Dis- 
trict Attorney for Maryland. When approached in relation to 
this subject in the summer whilst in the country, I declined to 
have my name presented ; but since my retui-n to the cit}', in view 
of the treason cases pending in that court, and for other reasons, I 
have consented, and would now like the appointment. My friends 
above-named thought a letter from you would have more influence 
than all others, and I have taken the liberty of writing this letter 
and asking j'ou the favor (if you think it consistent) of giving 
me a letter to the Cabinet favorable to my appointment. Trusting 
1 have not assumed tco much in addressing you upon this subject, 
and asking you this favor, I would simply say that I have occupied 
the position of State's Attorney for five years, have had that ex- 
pei'iencc, and in view of being a Massachusetts man, and having 
been persecuted upon that ground, would now like to be placed 
in that position independently of the people of Baltimore. 

"A letter directed to lialtimore will reach me. With great re- 
spect, your obedient servant, Milton Whitney." 



Polating to the arrest of the Maryland Ijcgislaturo. Letter 
fVom Simon Cameron in relation to the Maryland Legislature: 

"War Department, September Wth, 1861. 
" General : — The passage of any act of secession by the TiOgis- 
laturc" of Maryland must be prevented. If necessary, all, or any 



CidQ chronicles of BALTIMORE. 

part of the mctnUcrs must be arrested. Exercise your own judg- 
ment as to the time and manner, but do the work effectively. 
" Very respectfiilly your obedient servant, 

"Simon Camkron, Secretary of War. 
" Major-Gen. N. P. Banks, Commanding near Darnestown, Md." 

Legislative matters : 

" nKAT)QUARTEllS ArMY OF THE PoTOMAC, 

" Washington, September 12th, 1801. 
" Confidential-— K&^ Mow. N. P. Banks, U. S. A. : 

"General: — After full consultation with the President, Secre- 
taries of State, War, etc., it has been decided to otfect the opera- 
tion proposed for the 17th. Arrangements have been made to have 
a government steamer at Annapolis to receive the prisoners and 
carry them to their destination. Some four or five of the chief 
men in the affair are to be arrested to-day. When they meet on the 
17th, you will please have everything prepared to arrest the whole 
party, and bo sure that none escajie. It is understood that you 
arranged with Gen. Dix and Gov. Seward the modus operandi. It 
has been intimated to me that the meeting might taUe plao^ on the 
14th ; please be prepared. I would be glad to have you advise me 
frequently of your arran^cnients in regard to this very important 
matter. If it is successfully carried out it will go liir towanJs 
breaking the back-bone of the rebellion. It would ])i"obal)ly be 
well to liavo a special train quietly pre])ared to take the ])risoners 
to Annapolis. I leave this exceedingly important affair to your 
tact and discretion, and have but one thing to impress upon you 
— the absolute necessity of secrecy and success. 

" With the highest regard, I am, my dear General, 3'our sincere 
friend, Geo. B. McClellan, Maj.-Gen. U. S. A." 

Copeland's Report, Legislature, September 16. 

" Fredekick, September IGth, 18G1. 

"Maj.-Gen. Banks; 

" Dear Sir : — I find that there is some probability of no quorum 
— this is particularly Gen. S's opinion. lie thinks the whole thing 
is crushed by the arrest. But there is reason to believe he is mis- 
' taken. JMoakes is here, and says there are at least twenty-five in 
town ; that they have spread the rumor that there will be no 
quorum in order to lull attention, but that there will be enough to 
meet and adjourn to a place outside of the town. He saw to-night 
four carriages and a party of men come in one of the back roads, 
and go to a drinking-saloon, where they were loud and deep in 
threats and imprecations; they left the tavern and came into the 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. ^ 657 

» 

town and separated, where he could not tell, as ho was on foot. IIo 

has ^ot no evidence of any me8sen<^er from Virginia — thinks no 

one is hero. But there is one bad tliini^: Gen. l)ix has sent his son 

here, and a Major, and the Provost Mai-shal of B , and party of 

police to make arrests. I have tried to get them sent hack early in 
the first train to-morrow, accompanied at least as far as Monocacy 
by Mr. J3ix. lie does not like to get up and go at that time. It is a 
mistake. Gen. S. has no particular information and wants to shield 
some personal friends — would Vike, for the fuhire, to make it easy 
for some men. I think that I shall get a plan arranged to take a 
number at any rate. The arrests in B. have terrified them very 
much, and all profess obedience there. None of the members 
from the Eastern Shore have come up yet, which inclines me to 
wait for day after to-morrow. I regret your letters to Col. II. did 
not put the matter more under my especial control, as he is rather 
disinclined to be as careful and patient as is desirable, and I do not 
feel authorized to direct. If anything occurs to you send by mes- 
senger to me, care of Col. R. I am at the U. S. Hotel. 

" In haste, very respectfully, II. M. Copeland. 

" Young Dix tells me his errand was to meet you, and give you 
a list of names of men to be arrested — nothing more. He will 
give me the paper to-morrow and await orders. You will get this 
at six — a messenger can return in three hours." 



Copy of letter of instructions concerning Legislature. 

"Important and confidential. 

" Headquarters, Camp near Darnkstown, 16th Sept. 

"Lt.-Col. Rl'oer, Commanding Third Wisconsin Reg't, 

" On special service at Frederick : 
">Str; — The Legislature of Maryland is appointed to meet in 
Bpecial session to-morrow, Tuesday, September 17th. It is not 
impossible that the membei's or a portion of them may bo deterred 
from meeting there, on account of certain arrests recently made in 
Baltimore. It is also quite possil)ic that on tho first day of meeting 
the attendance of members may be small. Of tho facts as to this 
matter, I shall see that you are well informed as they transpire. 
It becomes necessary that any meeting of this Legi.slature, at any 
place or time, shall be prevented. You will hold yourself and your 
command in readiness to arrest the members of both Houses. A 
list of such as you are to detain will be enclosed to you herewith ; 
among them are to be especially included tho presiding olficerH of 
the two Houses, secretaries, clerks, and all subordinate officers. 
Let the arrests be certain and allow no chance of failure. The arrc!st« 
should be made while they are in session, I thiidf. You will upon 
receipt of this quiiaiy c.xamino tho premises. I am irdorined that 
escape will be impossiidc if tho entrance to tho building be hold 
42 



658 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 



« 



by you; of that you will judge upon examination. If no session is 
held, you will arrest such members as can be found in Frederick. 
The i^rocess of arrest should be to enter both Houses at the same 
time, announcing that they were arrested by orders of the Govern- 
ment ; command them to remain, as they are subject to your orders. 
Any resistance will be forcibly suppressed whatever the con- 
sequences. Upon the arrests being effected, the members that are 
to be detained will be placed on board a special train for Annapolis, 
where a steamer will await them. Everything in the execution of 
these orders is confided to your secrecy, discretion and promptness." 



Copeland's Eeport, Maryland Legislature, September 17th. 

" Frederick, Md., September 17th, 1861. 

" Dear Sir : — The arrests in Baltimore have entirely broken 
down and disorganized the secession element in the Legislature, 
and much less than a quornm have assembled. Of the members 
present the larger number are Union men, who, encoui-aged by our 
presence, are here to face the enemy. I have had pickets set 
since noon in all the roads leading to this place, with orders to 
let no one go out unless down to Frederick Junction, with a trusty 
man to see who should come up and make arrangements for them — 
only seven came. We find that there are only about six bad 
specimens here, but that there is a chance that more may arrive. 
We have spotted the house where these men board, and shall arrest 

them to-night. I have let the train go to B with a sergeant 

who will come up on the train, and will spot, and if needs be, arrest 
any man who tries to leave the train at JVIonocacy. To-day some 

persons left at the station below M to drive here in a carriage. 

As yet the Legislature has not convened ; when it does I shall have 
the trap sprung on them. Your letter has just arrived. I will 
attend to it as you wish. You have by this time learned of the 
a'rrests in Baltimore yesterday, which has alarmed all. I sent Mr. 
Dix and the policemen away on the train and went myself, as we 
wei'e surrounded by a crowd in which were ten of the worst men. 
They now think we are all gone. I and two of the policemen 
returned afoot. Noakes is on the watch to find out where every 
man lives, and I do not think we can fail to get some; but the 
worst men are too-wary to come here. I shall send this to you 
just as soon as I can find a messenger, and shall telegraph when 
the arrest is completed. General IS. and all his friends believe 
that nothing can be eftected, as those whom we shall take are the 
least conspicuous. I shall arrest the clerks of the two Houses, who 
are mentioned as particularly venomous. Nothing more occurs to 
me now. I will add whatever happens later. 

'• Truly, 3'our obedient servant, R. Morris Copeland." 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE, G59 

" To Major-General N. P. Banks : 

"It is now 5 P. M. AVe have arrested 12 of the Avorst men, and 
are pro<5ressing very well. We shall get the whole 18 I think, and 
if any come in on the train to-night we will bag them too. Gen. 
S. is invahiable. We have been besieged for passes — every avenue 
being blocked. It has taken three men all the time to write and 
inquire into the merits of the case. No news from Virginia; all 
seems quiet as far as Ave can learn. The House met to-day; was 
called to order by the clerk; four members present, and adjourned 
until to-morrow noon. Eespectfully, R. M. C." 



Copeland's report of arrest of members of Maryland Legislature, 
September 18. 

" Frederick, Md., Sept. 18, 1861. 
" To Major-General Banks, Darnestown : 

"Sir: — 1 have just telegraphed to Gen. Dix that we have seized 
seven members of the House of a very bitter character, and from 
oflScers, clerks, &c., who are intensely bitter, and are said to have 
been very forwai'd, and to have kept some of the weaker men up 
to the work. Several arrests made of violent or resisting persons 
whom I shall let go after the others are gone. I shall send four 
men at least to Gen. Dijc, at Baltimore, who are very bad men. I 
have advised Col. Ruger to send to Sharpsburg landing to seize 
500 sacks salt Avhich are waiting for the Southerners to come and 
take them ; they have tried twice to do it. We have also heard 
of some arms, which the Colonel will look up. There is a very 
bitter man here, a Mr. Sinn, who is currently reported by General 
Shriver and others to bo the medium of communication with the 
Southern Confederacy. The names of the members are B. S. Sal- 
mon, R. C. Maccubin, J. H. Gordon, C. J. Durant, Thomas Clag- 
gett, Andrew Kessler, and Bernard Mills. We shall get T. Law- 
rence Jones. The officers of the Legislature, J. N. Brewer, Chief 
Clerk, Senate ; Thos. Moore, Reading do.; Samuel Penrose, Jr., As- 
sistant; N. Kilgore, Reading do.; Milton Kidd, Chief of the House. 
Mr. Jones is taken; Edward Houser, citizen; Riley (very bad), 
printer to the House; John Ilogan (very bad), citizen; Joseph 
Elkins, do.; Mr. Mason, Folder to the House. We shall leave here 
for headquarters this afternoon. The arrests were nearly all seized 
by the policemen. 

" I am yours respectfully, 

•'li. Morris Copeland, Aide-de-Camp. 

"Mr. Macubbin is a person whom I should recommend you to 
set at largo if he takes the oath, which I have no doubt ho will. 
He is brother-in-law to General Hammond, and a man much 
respected ; also a man of rather timid nature, and greatly troubled 
by his arrest. General Shriver has been very active for us, and is 
very earnest that we should let him go on these terms. If you 



660 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

can do it, it will be well to telegraph to Annapolis to have the 
oath tendered and release him. I should do it under my instruc- 
tions, only that Col. Euger thinks he has no authority to allow 
any man on the list any liberty. E. M. C." 

This city witnessed on Sunday, the 9th of July, one of the grandest 
Catholic demonsti'ations since its existence; it was the laying of 
the corner-stone of St. Martin's E. C. Church, S. E. corner of 
Fulton and Fayette streets. The procession may have numbered 
from six to eight thousand persons, with ten bands of music and 
over fort}'' gorgeous banners of the various benevolent and other 
associations, occupying a stretch of nearly two miles; it was esti- 
mated that the number of spectators on the spot exceeded twenty 
thousand. The Most Eev. Archbishop Spaulding conducting the 
ceremonies, assisted by the Pastor, Eev. John Foley, Eev. Edward 
McColgan and others. 

On Monday, July 31st, a number of persons assembled at Green- 
mount Cemetery, to witness the dedication of the McDonough 
monument, erected by the authorities of Baltimore and New 
Orleans as a testimonial of their appreciation of his character and 
his munificent liberality for the promotion of a great public enter- 
prise, the education of orphans. The exercises were opened with 
prayer by Eev. Mr. Brown, after which Mayor Chapman intro- 
duced John H. B. Latrobe, Esq., the orator of the day. 

The Concordia Society initiated their new hall for the first 
time on the evening of the 10th of September. 

Wednesday, the 20th of September, will long be remembered 
in the history of the Monumental City, especially among the fra- 
ternity of "Odd-Fellows," as not only being the day for the dedi- 
cator}' services of the Wildey monument to take place, but as a 
grand reunion of fraternal feeling among the brotherhood of the 
entire Union, membez's of the fraternity from North, South, East 
and West joining hand in hand again with the same brotherly love 
that characterized their meetings in past years, the strife of the 
past four years seemingly to have been forgotten while going 
heart and hand in carrying out the mottoes of the order, " Faith, 
love and charity," " Friendship, love and truth." The preliminary 
arrangements being eifected, the word "march" was sounded 
about half-past ten o'clock, when one of the grandest processions 
that ever passed through Baltimore began to move from the hall on 
Gay street. The whole procession being clothed with the brilliant 
paraphernalia of the order, presented a view of the most dazzling 
character, attracting all along the route of the procession throngs 
of people to crowd every available point. The entire programme 
was directed by the committee of arrangements, E. W. Grand and 
Corresponding Secretary, James L. Eidgely ; E. W. Grand Treas- 
urer, Joshua Vansant, and Grand Eepresentative, Joseph B. Escav- 
aille. 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 661 

The merchants of Baltimore on the evening of the 22il of 
Septoniber gave an elegant banquet to the Grand Lodge of the 
United States at the New Assembly Kooms. Mr. Jno. VV. Garrett, 
President of the Baltimore and Ohio Ilailroad, presided on the 
occasion and delivered a spirited oration, which elicited immense 
applause. Major-General Ilancock, Lieutenant-Governor C. C. Cox, 
lloi). E. II. Webster, Brigadier-General John S. Berry, Colonel W. 
II. Purnell delivered 8|)eeche8. The applause after Gen. Hancock's 
speech was literally deafening ; three cheers were offered to him, 
and most of those present left their seats to shake hands with the 
favorite hero.. 

Early in the spring an association was formed composed of thirty 
or forty colored men of this city, who purchased the building on 
Lexington street, near Davis, formerly occupied as the Newton 
University, for the sum of §16,000, and organized the "Douglass 
Institute," the object of which is the intellectual advancement of 
the colored portion of the community. On Friday night, Sep- 
tember 29th, the Institute building, which had been previously ren- 
ovated, was formall}'' opened for the purpose indicated above by 
the delivery of a lecture by Frederick Douglass, whose I'eputation 
as an orator is well known. An audience of seven or eight hun- 
dred males and females, among them a number of white persons, 
■was seated in the main saloon of the building, which was appro- 
priately decorated on the occasion. Immediately over the stand 
whereon the lecturer and the officers of the Institute were seated 
was a full-length portrait of the late lamented President Lincoln, 
while on either side was placed the National flag. After prayer 
by Bishop Wayman, of the African M. E. Church, Mr. Douglass 
was introduced and delivered the address. Upon its conclusion a 
call was made for Rev. Mr. Lynch, who for a half an hour spoke on 
subjects relating to the future state of the colored people. The 
audience then retired. 

The sailing of the steamship Somerset, tho pioneer ship of the 
Baltimore and Liverpool line, took place promptly at noon on 
Saturday, September 30th. and was made the occasion of an im- 
promptu demonstration, very pleasing and animated in character, 
ami showing how earnest and general is the popular interest in 
this great enterprise, in the success of which tho commercial and 
marine interests of Baltimore are so largely involved. 

The Hon. Henry Winter Davis, for many years a distinguished 
representative of one of the Baltimore congressional districts, died 
on Saturday afternoon, the 80th of December, 1865, in the forty- 
ninth year of his age. Called from this life at an age when most 
men are just beginning to comniand the respect and confidence of 
their fellows, he has left, nevertheless, a f;uno as wide as our vast 
country. He was born in the city of Annapolis on the 16th of 
August, 1817. His father, Uev. Henry Ijyon Davis, of the Pro- 
testant Episcopal church, was president of St. John's college at 



662 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

Annapolis, Maryland, and rector of St. Ann's parish. His mother 
was Jane Brown Winter, a woman of elegant accomplishments, 
and of great sweetness of disposition and purity of life. She had 
only two children, Henry Winter and Jane, who married Rev. 
Edward Lyle. The education of Henry Winter began very early, 
at home, under the care of his aunt, Elizabeth Brown Winter, who 
entertained the most rigid and exacting opinions in regard to the 
training of children, but who was withal a noble woman. He 
once playfully said, " I could read before I was four years old, 
though much against my will." He was educated at Ken3'on col- 
lege, in Ohio, and the University of Virginia. While at the Uni- 
versity he took up the German and French languages and mas- 
tered them ; and he perfected his scholarship in Latin and Greek. 
Until his death he i-ead all these languages with great facility and 
accuracy, and he alwaj's kept his Greek testament lying on his 
table for easy reference. After a thorough course at the Univer 
eity, Mr. Davis entered upon the practice of law in Alexandria, 
Yirginia. On the 30th of October, 1845, he married Miss Con- 
stance T. Gardiner, daughter of William C. Gardiner, Esq., a most 
accomplished and charming young lady, who lived to gladden his 
heart for but a few years, and then, "like a lily drooping, she 
bowed her head and died." In 1850 he came to Baltimore, and 
immediately a high position, professional, social, and political, was 
awarded him. His forensic efforts at once commanded attention 
and enforced respect. The young men of most ability and promise 
gathered about him, and made him the centre of their chosen 
circle. He became a prominent member of the Whig party, and 
was everywhere known as the brilliant orator and successful con- 
troversialist of the Scott campaign of 1852. The Whig party, worn 
out by its many gallant but unsuccessful battles, was ultimately 
gathered to its fathers, and Mr. Davis led off in the American or 
Know-Nothing movement. He was elected successively to the 
Thirty-fourth, Thirty-tifth, and Thirty-sixth Congresses by the 
American party from the fourth district of Maryland. He sup- 
ported, with great ability and zeal, Mr. Fillmore for the Presi- 
dency in 1856, and in 1860 accepted John Bell as the candidate of 
his party, though he clearly divined and plainly announced that 
the great battle was reall}'' between Abraham Lincoln, as the rep- 
resentative of the national sentiment on the one hand, and seces- 
sion and disunion, in all their shades and phases, on the other. 
To his seat in the Thirty-eighth Congress he was elected by the 
unconditional Union party. He was married a second time, on 
the 26th of Januarj'^, 1857, to Miss Nancy Morris, a daughter of 
John B. Morris, Esq., of Baltimore, and left two little girls, who 
were the idols of his heart. 

Mr. Davis had gathered into his house the literary treasures of 
fijur languages, and had reveled in spirit with the wise men of the 
ages. He had conned his books as jealously as a miner peering for 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 663 

gold, and had not left a panful of earth unwashed, ilc had col- 
lected the purest ore of truth and the richest gems of thought, 
until he was able to crown himself with knowledge. Blessed with 
a felicitous power of anal\'sis and a prodigious memory, he ran- 
sacked history, ancient and modern, sacred and profane ; science, 
pure, empirical, and metaphysical ; the arts, mechanical and lib- 
eral ; the professions, law, divinity, and medicine; poetry and the 
miscellanies of literature ; and in all these great departments of 
human lore he moved as easil}- as most men do in their particular 
province. His habit was not only to read but to reread the best 
of his books frequenth', and he was continually supplying himself 
with better editions of his fiivorites. In current, playful conversa- 
tion with friends he quoted right and left, in brief and at liMigth, 
from the classics, ancient and modern, and from the drama, tragic 
and comic. In his speeches, on the contrary*, he quoted but little, 
and only when he seemed to run upon a thought already expressed 
by some one else with singular force and appositeness. If oratory 
means the power of presenting thoughts by public and sustained 
speech to an audience in the best manner adapted to win a favor- 
able decision of the question at issue, then Mr. Davis assuredly 
occupied the highest position as an orator. He always held his 
hearers in rapt attention until he closed, and then they lingered 
about to discuss with one another what they had heard. Those 
who had lieai'd him most frequently were always ready to make 
the greatest effort to hear hiui again. Even his bitterest enemies^ 
have been known to stand shivering on the street corners for a 
whole evening, charmed by his marvellous tongue. His stump 
efforts never fell below bis high staiulard. He nevei- condescended 
to a mere attempt to amuse. He always spoke to instruct, to con- 
vince, and to persuade through the higher and better avenues to 
favor. 

Mr. Davis's ripe scholarship tendered to his thought the 
hapj)iest illustrations and the most appropriate forms of expression. 
His brain had become a teeming cornucopia, whence flowed in ex- 
haust less profusion the most beautiful flowers and the most sub- 
stantial fruits; and yet he never indulged in excessive ornamenta- 
tion. His taste was almost austerely chaste. His style was per- 
spicuous, energetic, concise, and withal highly elegant. He never 
loaded his sentences with meretricious finery or high-sounding 
supernumerary words. When he did use the jewelry of rhetoric, 
he would quictl}- set a metaphor in his page or throw a compari- 
son into liis s])c;ech which wouM servo to light up with startling 
distinctness the colossal proportions of his argument. Of humor 
he had none; but his wit and sarcasm at times would glitter like 
the brandi-<hed cimeter of Saladin. and descending, would cut as 
kecidy. The pathetic he never attempted ; but when angered by 
a malicious assault, his invective was consuming, and his epithets 
would wound like pellets of lead. Although gallant to the graces 



664 CHEONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

of expression, he always compelled his rhetoric to act as hand- 
maid to his oratory. Henry Winter Davis was a man of fait li, and 
believed in Christ and his fellow-man. He entered public lil'e with 
almost unparalleled personal advantages. Having boldly presented 
himself before the most rigorous tribunal in the world, he. proved 
himself worthy of its favor and attention. He soon rose to the 
front rank of debaters, and whenever he addressed the House all 
sides gave him a delighted audience. 

18(J6. The hailstorm which passed over Baltimore on Tuesday 
night, May 1st, was one of the most remarkable meteorological 
phenomena of the kind ever witnessed. In force and fury, and the 
size and hardness of the hail stones, it was unparalleled. Many of 
the piirticles of ice discharged from the atmosphere were perfectly 
round, the largest ranging from three to four inches in circum- 
ference, clear as crystal, and of almost flinty hardness. The de- 
struction of window-glass was immense. On the southern and 
eastern end of the city, where the storm spent its fury, there was 
hardly a window facing north that was not more or less shattered. 
The churches, large public buildings, and buildings with skylights, 
sullered most severely. It was computed that twenty thousand 
panes of glass were shattered by the storm. 

The following acts were passed by the General Assembly at 
the extra session of January : authorizing the Mayor and City 
Council of Baltimore to build a new city hall; incorporating Jacob 
Brandt, Jr., Eobert Lehr, Henry R. Hazlehurst, Daniel Wiegand, 
Thomas C. Jenkins and William S. Eaynor, as a body corporate 
by the name and title of tbe Baltimore and Savannah Steam- 
ship Company ; incorporating George S. Brown, Charles de Gar- 
mendia, E. C. Wambersie, Henrj^ li. Hazlehurst, James E. Eamsay, 
Samuel J. Pentz and Alfred Jenkins, as a body corporate, l)y the 
name and title of the Baltimore and Havana Steamship Company; 
incorporating John W. Randolph, Chauncey Brooks, Horace 
Abbott, William A. Fisher, Altrcd Mace, Jesse Tyson, Samuel 
Shoemaker, Dr. G. H. Tyler, Thomas Booze, F. Littig Shatter, S. 
J. Carroll, Charles J. Baker, and Evan T. Ellicott, as a body 
corporate by the name and title of the Union Railroad Company ; 
incorporating John W. Ross, AVilliam W. Watkins, Robert Fowler, 
Michael Hooper, and John O. Reid, as a bod)' corporate, by the 
name and title of the " Merchants Steamship Line." 

The great Southern Relief Fair, in aid of the suffering poor of 
the Southern States, opened at the hall of the Maryland Institute 
on Monday evening, Ai)ril 2d, and terminated with great success 
on Friday evening, the 13th. Total amount of receipts S1G4,569.97, 
whicb was disbursed among the Southern States as follows : Vir- 
ginia committee, $27,009; North Carolina committee. $16,500; 
South Cari»lina committee, $19,750; Georgia committee, $17,875 ; 
Alabama committee, $16,250; Mississippi committee, $20,625; 
Louisiana committee, $7,500 ; Florida committee, $5,500; Arkau- 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. G65 

8ti8 committee, ?5,000 ; Tcnncs.sce committee, $12,500 ; Maryland 
refujroes, $10,000; Miscellaneous States, 80,069.97. The following 
were the principal officers of the "Ladies' Southern Relief Associa- 
tion," and to whose generous hearts all honor is due, for administer- 
ing to the wants of age, to the distresses of afflictions, anil to the 
cravings of widows and orphans, for the indispensable necessaries 
of life in a destitute ami impoverished country: President, Mrs. B. 
C llowai-d ; Vice-Presidents, Mrs. J. Hanson Thomas, Mrs. Chas, 
Howard, Mrs. J. S. Gittings, Mrs. VV. Prescott Smith, Mrs. J. J. 
Bankanl; Treasurer, Mrs. Peyton Harrison; Assistant Treasurer, 
^liss Dora Hoffman ; Secretary, Miss Frick ; Executive Committee — 
Mrs. J. Harman Brown, Jlrs. Samuel Hoffman, Miss Louisa Hoff- 
man. Mrs. (^has. J. Baker, Mrs. 1), Preston Parr, Mrs. Samuel W. 
Smith, ]\rrs. T. Parkin Scott, Mrs. Thomas Murdoch, Mrs. Lurman, 
Mrs. Eohei't H. Carr, Mrs. John H. B. Latrobe, Mrs. Joshua Vansant, 
^Irs. A. DuBois Egerton, Mrs. John F. Hunter, Mrs. Allan Dorsey, 
3lrs. Kichard Norris, Mrs. James F. Purvis, Mrs. Louisa Cannon, 
Mrs. James M. Anderson, Mrs. F. W. Elder, Mrs. James Hodges, 
Miss Harper. 

On Monday evening, May 21st, a number of the leading Cath- 
olics of this city, together with a number of pastors of the several 
(^'atholic churches of Baltimore, met in the basement of Calvert 
Hall and effected an organization known as the St. Mary's Indus- 
trial School for boys. Archbishop Spaulding presided at the organ- 
ization, and in his remarks, acquainted those present with his past 
action in the matter and its results, and also what he proposed in 
the future. The meeting was also addressed by Roy. Fathers 
Dolan and McCoIgan on the subject. The corner-stone of this 
institution was laid on Tuesday, June 4th, 1867, by Rev. Thomas 
Foley, D. D., Administrator of the diocese, assisted by a number 
of clei-gj'. The building is situated about one mile and a half west 
of the city limits south of the Frederick road. 

The (jirand Lodge of the Order of Odd-Fellowship in the United 
States assembled Monday morning, September 17th, at 9 o'clock, 
in the grand saloon of the Odd-Fellows Hall on Gay street, in 
this city. There were representatives present from twenty-four 
Grand jjodges and sixteen Grand Encamjtments. 

Died on the 25th of Se|)tember, Hon. Henry May, an able 
member of the bar and formerly a member of Congress. He was 
an eloquent and powerful speaker, and wrote with great power and 
effect. 

The Second Plenary Council of the Roman Catholic Church in 
the United States, was held Thursday, October 10th, at the Cathe- 
dral Chui-ch. 

Gemral John Sj)ear Smith, son of Gen. Samuel Smith, died on 
the 17th of November. In 1844, on the formation of the Maryland 
Historical Soeiety, he wus unanimously elected its first president, 
li position which he held i'or twenty-two consecutive years. 



666 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

The dedication of the Peabody Institute took place on Thurs- 
day, the 25th of October, at the Institute building, situated on the 
southwest corner of Mount Vernon Place and Charles street, im- 
mediately beneath the shadow of Washington monument. The 
ceremonies were very interesting, and attracted a large and remark- 
ably attentive audience. After prayer by the Rev. Dr. Backus 
of the First Presbyterian Church, the addres-^ of welcome to Mr; 
George Peabody was delivered by Governor Thomas Swann. 
3Ir. Peabody's reply was alike excellent and interesting, touching 
feelingly on his personal remembrances of Baltimore in past days, 
and exhibiting the patriotic feeling which had animated Mr. 
Peabody during the Southern rebellion. The report of the Board 
of Trustees was read, recording their action in the building of the 
Institute and preparing it for the use of the public. After the 
close of the ceremonies Mr. Peabody gave a public reception in the 
library room, where a large number of citizens paid their respects 
to him. In the evening he was the guest of the Trustees at dinner. 
On the 26th, the children of the public schools marched in pro- 
cession from the different sections of the city, and were presented 
to Mr. Peabody in front of the Institute. It was estimated that 
nearl}'^ eighteen thousand children of the public schools were 
present, and the addition of teachers and graduates increased the 
number to fully twenty thousand, requiring over two hours for the 
procession to pass in review. 

Baltimore was on Tuesday, the 20th of November, the scene of 
one of the finest civic displays ever witnessed in this country. 
The occasion — the laj'ing of the corner-stone of the new Masonic 
Temple for the members of the Masonic fraternity in Marjdand — 
assembled together representatives of the brethren from all sec- 
tions of the country. Our citizens cordially welcomed the 
strangers. The streets throughout the day were thronged with 
people, eager to witness the display arid do honor to the visitors. 
The pi'ocession was a most res])ectable one in appearance, and 
numbered about eight thousand men. The members of the frater- 
nity were attired in suits of plain black cloth, which gave a uni- 
form ap])earance to the line. The Knights Templar in their rich 
and elegant uniforms attracted the attention of all on the route 
of march. There were many magnificent banners and flags in the 
procession richly emblazoned with the symbols of the fraternity, 
conspicuous among which were the red-cross banner and flags of 
the Templars. President Andrew Johnson, Avho is a past Grand 
Master of the Masons, was in attendance, and participated in the 
proceedings at the Temple. Theceremonies were commenced by the 
singing of a hymn, composed for the occasion by Ilev. A. Long- 
acre. Rev. R. W. Murdy, D. D., LL. D., Grand Prelate of the 
Grand Encampment of the United States, then offered up a beau- 
tiful pra3'er. The Grand Treasurer, Fred. Ficke}', Jr., read the 
inscription and contents of the box, and deposited it with its con- 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 667 

tents in tlic place prepared for its reception. The principal archi- 
tect, E. G. Lind, then presented the working; tools to the Grand 
^Master, John Coates, who directed the Grand Marshal to present 
them to the Deputy Grand Master, Francis Burns, and the Senior 
and Junior Grand Wardens. Ilynin. tune "Old Hundred," com- 
posed for the occasion hy Brantz Mayer, Esq. The stone was 
then lowered and laid with the usual ceremonies. The choir then 
sang the grand chorus from Ilaj'dn's oratorio of " The Creation " 
with thrilling effect. Eev. John McCron, D.D., Grand Chaplain, 
then followed with prayer. Then followed a very eloquent and 
able oration by John ll.*^ B. Latrobe, P. M. P., H. P., &c., who gave 
a most interesting history of Masonry. At its conclusion Mr. 
Lati'obe was cordially compliin(Mited by many of his brethi-en for 
his niasterl}' effort. The choir then sang the Gloria from ^[ozart's 
Twelfth Mass, and this concluded the ceremonies, whereupon the 
lodges reformed and marched to the Masonic hall on vSt. Paul 
street, where the procession was dismissed. Immediately upon 
the conclusion of the ceremonies the Knights Templar of Balti- 
more entertained the visiting commanderies with a handsome col- 
lation at Front Street Theatre. It was well attended, and a very 
happy season was enjoyed by all present. At night the Grand 
Lodge of Maryland entertained the visiting grand lodges at Con- 
cordia Hall. The gavel used by Grand Master Coates was the 
same which was used by Gen. Washington upon the occasion of 
the laying of the corner-stone of the first National Ca])itol at 
"Washington in 1793. The gold ti-owel which he used was also the 
same used by Levin Winder, the Grand ^Master of Maryland, in 
la^-ing the cornerstone of the old Masonic hall over fifty years 
ago, and which was also used in laying the corner-stone of the 
Washington ^lonument and of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. 

1867. Dr. John Cavendish Smith Moidcur, a very eminent Bal- 
timore physician, died on Tuesday night, January 1st, in the G7th 
year of his age. Also on Sunday, the Gth of January, Mr. Nathan 
Tyson, one of the ablest and most honorable mercharits of lialti- 
more, in the 80th year of his age. Also on the 18th of January, 
Mr. William Fisher, of the firm of AVilliam F'isher & Sons — a man 
beloved by his family and friends, and most highly esteemed by 
all who knew him. 

The " Newsboy's Home " was estaldished by Messrs. J. M. Drill, 
Wm. B. Hill and others, in a large ro(jm over the fari-iei* shoj) of 
Mr. James Keenan on Ilolliday street, south of Saratoga, below the. 
old City Hall, in January. 

On Tuesday, February 2Gth, Mr. Callender, a United States Go- 
vernment l)ank inspector, commenced an investigation into the 
condition of the National Mechanics' Jiank, located on the south- 
cast corner of Calvert arni Fa\'ette streets, and during f lui day dis- 
covered false entries upon the books in which are kept the accDunts 
of foreign banks, and which wore in charge of Samuel H. Wentz, 



668 CHRONICLES OF BA.LTIMOEE. 

who was known as the " foreign bookkeeper." Mr. John H. 
Rogers was also implicated in the sj'stematic system of defalca- 
tion, which extended back a period of twenty-seven years, amount- 
ing to nearly $300,000. The robbery was regarded as one of the 
most adroit on record, the length of time for which it continued 
evidencing this, and probably ran through a longer series of years 
than any bank defalcation yet discovered. 

At an election held on the 10th of April, the majority were in 
favor of calling a convention to change the constitution of the 
State, and the running of the city passenger railway cars on Sun- 
da}'. The cars commenced running on Sunday, April 28th. 

The corner-stone of the Ascension Church, Lafayette Square, 
was laid on Thursday afternoon, July 18th, with appropriate cer- 
emonies, by the rector Hev. C. M. Callawa}^, assisted by a number 
of other clergymen, after which addresses were delivered by Rev. 
A. P. Stryker, Rev. J. E. (xrammer, and Rpv. H. A. Wise. 

The corner-stone of the new City Hall was laid in this city 
on the 18Lh of October. It was altogether a very dull affair, little 
interest being manifested in the proceedings. John H. B. Latrobe, 
who had been selected as the orator of the occasion, delivered an 
eloquent address. 

The first grand parade and review of the First Division of the 
Maryland National Guard took place on Tuesday, October 15th, 
and it was a display that reflected credit upon the troops and their 
officers. 

The General Assembly at the January session passed the fol- 
lowing acts: incorporating the Maryland State Agricultural and 
Mechanical Association ; the Baltimore Warehouse Compan}-, and 
the Central Maryland Railroad Company. 

The order of the Knights of Pythias was instituted in the city 
of Baltimore, November 27th, when " Golden Lodge No. 1" and 
"Monumental Lodge No. 2" were both started on the same 
evening, 

Majoi'-General Geo. H. Steuart died in the city of Baltimore on 
Tuesday, October 22d, in the 77th yeav of his age. Previous to 
the civil war Gen. Steuart, for some twent}'^ years, commanded the 
first light division of Maryland militia, and in his younger days 
represented the city in the State Legislature. He was also at one 
time a member of the City Council. During the war of 1812 with 
Great Britain, the deceased was one of the brave men who de- 
fended the cit}'' of Baltimore when attacked by General Ross. 
Shortly after the civil war commenced he went South, where he 
resided privately, mostly at Charlottesville, Va., and after the war 
went to Europe, where he remained until within some four or five 
months. At the first battle of Manassas General Steuart was 
present as a spectator, and was taken prisoner by the United 
States forces, but on the fact becoming known that he was not en- 
gaged in actual hostilities, he was promptly released. 



CHROl^ICLES OF BALTIMORE. 669 

1868. The demonstration on Thursday, March 27th, in honor of 
the officers of the Bremen steamship Baltimore, whieli arrived here 
on Monday morning, March 23d, was one of the most imposing 
displays tliat has ever taken place in our city. The military were 
out in sli-ong force, the number of cavalry being a marked feature, 
and all looked and mai-ched well. The officers of the steamer 
(Capt. Voeckler'; first officer, Thomas Schubert; first engineer, 
Walter Moffat; second engineer, Frederick Fanger; purser, Thos. 
Fluttiiig; doctor, F. Frei ; second officer, Theodore Deetzen ; 
tliird engineer, Herman Tage ; and third officer, F. Kustar), as 
they passed along the route, everywhere densely crowded, were 
warmly cheered, and a platoon of German g^i-ilors that followed, 
fine hardy looking fellows, met with a characteristic reception 
which they Avarmly reciprocated. The civic part of the procession 
was also quite large, the battalion of policemen and the fire depart- 
ment, and the strong array of mounted butchers being the most 
attractive points in this part of the long procession. The mass of 
spectators along the route was wonderful ; the whole population 
of the city apparently being congregated on the sidewalks, in the 
windows, and on the roofs of the houses. The banquet at night 
at the ('oncordia was a splendid aff"air. 

Thursday, July 16th, was an exceedingly warm day, the ther- 
mometer ranging from 97 to 101 degrees in the shade. Thirty 
cases of sun-stroke were reported, twenty one of which proved fatal. 

Our cit}' on Friday, July 24th, was visited with one of tlie most 
appalling and destructive calamities that has ever overtaken it 
since 1837, which swept away all the old stone and brick bridges 
that previously spanned Jones Falls. It was thought that the 
elevated and broad span iron bridges that have since been con- 
structed would prove an eff'ectual bar to a similar visitation, but 
even these have proved ineffectual, and we have now to record a 
flood the most disastrous that has ever visited Baltimore. The 
amount of destruction to property no doubt far exceeds that of 
1837. 

About two o'clock on Friday morning, July 24th, the storm 
commenced, accompanied by thunder and lightning, but the fall of 
rain was not serious until eight o'clock, wlien it began to pour 
down in such a volume that iears at once were entertained of a 
flood in Jones Falls, which passes through the heart of the city 
dividing east from west l^altimore. This heavy fall of rain con- 
tinued with but little intermission until after two o'clock, flooding 
the streets, and rendering pedostrianism next to an impos^ibility. 
Accompanying the rain was a strong wind from the southeaHt, and 
persons owning pi-operty of any kind in the vicinity of Jones 
Falls were instantly apprised, upon ai-ising in the morning, that 
their Id enemies, a heavy rain and a Fouth wind, were again at 
work and that they must move quickly if they would save their 
good and chattels from damage or destruction. 



670 CHEONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

The water in Jones Falls commenced rising very rapidly about 
eight o'clock, and gradually creeping upwards, first overflowed its 
banks and filled the east side of Centre Market S^oace and Swann 
and Hawk sti-eets. Another hour and it had backed up sufficiently 
to overflow Harrison street, and within a few moments it was in 
HoUiday, Frederick and Saratoga streets. At twelve o'clock the 
cellars of perhaps two thousand houses in this section of the city 
were filled, and the water was steadily rising on their first floors ; 
but as the storm had commenced to abate, hopes were still enter- 
tained that the flood was at its height. About half-past twelve 
o'clock, however, the flood then commenced to rise more rapidly 
than ever, and in a half hour reached ceilings where it had previ- 
ously only invaded floors, and the greatest consternation prevailed. 
So rapid was this rise, and so wild and furious the rushing torrent, 
that the lives of many persons were jeopardized, and we regret to 
add several lives were lost. Had it occurred at night, as in the 
case of the great flood of 1837, the loss of life could not but have 
been immense. About half-past twelve o'clock one of the city 
passenger cars of the Gay street line crossed the bridge coming to- 
wards Baltimore street. Immediately after crossing, the car pro- 
ceeded on as far as Saratoga street, down which the water was 
running at a furious rate, reaching the floor of the car. The horses 
floundered in the water, and the front wheels left the track ; the 
driver unhitched his horses, and endeavored to attach them to the 
other end of the car and draw it back on to the bridge. The driver 
and conductor, however, unfastened the horses from the car, and 
getting on their backs, went on shore, leaving those in the car to 
save themselves as best they might. The car soon floated, and 
was swiftly moved by the tremendous current down Harrison 
street, surging and swaying in every direction. There were then 
about eight persons in the. car, the others having escaped; but as 
it neared the awnings on either side, four or five of them managed 
at great risk to clutch the awnings, and were saved by entering 
the second story windows. Mr. C, J. Emery, an employee of the 
American office who was in the car, says : "My friend and myself 
stood with our feet on the brakes of the car, holding on to the top 
portion of it. The water was about up to our arm-pits, and the car 
continued swaying in the wild torrent from one side to the other, 
we laboring hard to clear ourselves from the floating debris. We 
finally reached the corner of Hai'rison and Fayette streets, in front 
of the tavern kept by John English, when the car wheeled around 
and turned over, carrying us and other persons, an old gentleman 
and a lad about fourteen years of age, with it. Myself and friend, 
through great exertion, succeeded in getting on the upper side of 
the car, and reaching the awning, were saved by the timely assist- 
ance of Mr. English and the occupants of the house. Mr. Ayme- 
riche, my friend, was much bruised, cut and swollen, and almost 
insensible when he reached a place of safety. The old gentleman 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 671 

and the youth who were our fellow-passengers in this most terrible 
catastrophe, followed us in reaching the awning, but we had 
scarcely got into the Avindow when it was carried away, and these two 
unfortunates who were on the awning were carried off in the raHnjr 
current and sunk to rise no more. They were strangers to us, and 
in the excitement and the effort each of us had to make during the 
occurrence to save ourselves from impending death, it would be 
impossible to give the faintest description of their personal ap- 
pearance. That they Avere both drowned is certain, and their 
bodies probably swept out into the basin. "We were most kindly 
received by Mr. English and his family, and every attention given 
to our comfort and resuscitation from almost a drowned condition. 
A boat in charge of police officers finally came to search for 
the wrecked passengers, and conveyed us to dry land once more ; 
and we hope never again to make so perilous a journey over the 
paved streets of Baltimore." 

Standing at the corner of Frederick and Baltimore streets about 
IJ o'clock, the scene was truly distressing. The flood had now 
swollen into an angry torrent that rushed down the beds of Har- 
rison and Frederick streets in volume and swiftness resembling the 
rapids of Niagara. At the corner of Harrison street, in front of 
Laroque's drug store, the water was within one foot of the top of 
the street lamp. Ever and anon masses of timber and wood, boxes, 
barrels, railroad ties, articles of household furniture, fencing, 
trees, wagons, out-houses, and in short all manner of debris 
from the wreck and ruin along the line of the Falls, came 
sweeping down the fearful current, and piling up in front of the 
Maryland Institute, in this way a sort of break-water was formed, 
protecting that building against the beating of the billows, 
for in truth nothing less than billows they Avere that SAvept down 
both llari'ison and Frederick streets. The Avater soon after this 
was seen to dash OA-^er the bed of Baltimore street bridge, driving 
the people assembled there in Avild confusion toward Iligh street. 
About this time Avord came that Gay Street bridge Avas seriously 
threatened, and in attestation of this report there Avas soon a flood 
of Avater pouring down Gay street, and shortly thereafter the back 
Avater caiuo in large volumes down Holliday street also. Language 
is almost inadequate to describe the scene that Avas now witnessed. 
The surface of the angry flood Avas fairly covered with every des- 
cription of material, telling sadly and j)ainfidly of the immense 
loss, destruction and distress that this disaster Avas occasioning. 
Now the f)orch of a house, now the contents of some store, now 
the timbers ol" bi-idges and warehouses, wouhf come down dashing 
along with fearful rapidity, driving up against buildings, crashing 
Avindow glass in the first floor and bursting in doorways. At one 
time Ave noticed a child's crib floating down Harrison street, and 
several bodies of animals, cows and horses were also seen, Avhilst 
not a few of the spectators Avere of the opinion that more than 
one or two dead bodies of human beings were to be seen. 



672 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

The effects of the flood were very severely felt on North street, 
and it is almost impossible to estimate the extent of the loss sns^- 
tained in this portion of the flooded district. From the high 
ground near the City Ilall excavation, just south of Lexington 
street, the water covered the whole extent of the street northward 
towards Eager street, flooding every building. In some places, 
say from near Pleasant street northward, the water was fully ten 
to twelve feet deep. The residents of the small dwellings in the 
neighborhood were obliged to take refuge in the upper stories of 
their dwellings, and some made very narrow escapes. Holliday 
street also came in for a large share of the ovei-whelming flood. 
The water extended the whole length of this street, even across 
the elevated portion of it at Fayette street, and thence passing 
down into Baltimore street. In front of the theatre the water 
rose above the sills of the doors, and thence extended in a broad 
sheet across the street to the new City Hall excavation, which 
was quickly filled, the water rushing into it with gi*eat yohime, 
presenting the appearance of a mill dam. Northward the whole 
length of the street was like an angry river, and the occupants of 
the small houses above Saratoga street were in no little peril. 
Some of them were rescued from drowning only by the humane 
efforts of others. Smith and Curlett's soap and candle factory 
was entirely surrounded by the flood, and the water dashed and 
beat against its Widls on all sides up to the second floor. The 
whole appearance of this region was so changed by the action of 
the water that one even tolerably familiar with the locality could 
scarcely recognize it. 

On the opposite or eastern bank of the Falls many of the small 
dwellings had completely disappeared, and on this side those that 
were left standing as the water subsided, were in ruins, as though 
an earthquake had shattered them. Just above Bath street bridge, 
which disappeared at an early stage of the flood, a frame dwelling 
on the west side of the Falls was lifted bodily from its foundations 
and carried out into the stream, with all its contents, and soon 
became a wreck, its shattered fragments joining the mass of madly 
rushing timbers, boxes, and household goods continually passing 
down the current. Near where the above mentioned house stood 
"was located Crichton's whisky distillery, which was also entirely 
destroyed, nothing being lelt of the establishment but a mass of 
ruins. All the whiske}- in the stills and in the bonded warehouse 
was swept down the Falls. The Centre Market, under the Mary- 
land Institute, was completely swept out, scarcely a box or a stall 
being left in the whole building. The blocks of the upper market, 
except those that were swept out into the basin, were piled up 
upon those in the lower markets, presenting a scene of confusion 
that made a bad show for holding market the next morning. The 
stores upon both sides of the market were in a terrible condition, 
the water having reached the ceilings, and a large portion of their 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 673 

stock was utterly destroyed. On the west side of tlie market and 
on iScoond street the pavements were torn up, and in some places 
the earth washed out to the depth of three or four feet. At the 
foot of the market on Pratt street the earth caved in at the head 
of Long dock, taking with it half of the bet! of Pratt street. Five 
dead l)odies were fished out of the falls and along the streets. 

The niaiumoth bod}' of water that poured with such terrific 
force down Marsh Market Space, Fredei'ick street and. Gay street 
into the wharves at the south side of Pratt street, can scarcely be 
described. The bed of the street was uprooted and carried away, 
the enormous stones forming the coping at the edge of the 
wharves torn up as if they were mere pebbles, and tossed on edfje 
and ti'ansversely so that the water ])Ouri ng over them formed 'a 
catai'act the width of the streets, and swept downward into the 
docks with a volume of sound that could be heard a considerable 
distance. This was esi)ecially the case at the foot of Centre 
Market Space, Avhere from Dugan's wharf on one side and McEl- 
derrN's wharf on the other, the torrent of angry turbid water 
rushed onward with a force that carried down huge beams and 
rafters, barrels of whiske}", beef and pork, and where it poured 
over the head of the destroyed dock was converted into a cataract 
that can be likened to nothing but a miniature Niagara. Down 
this stream there came a number of staves, probably 25,000; a short 
distance further down the dock they caught against some huge 
pieces of lumber that had become fixed across it. In this way a 
strong boom was formed, and as the piled up mass of debris grew 
greater, it made a bridge on which a person could cross dry-shod 
from shore to shore. 

It was supposed at first that all the bridges over the Falls had 
been swept away, but fortunately this was not the case, though 
the few that were left stantling were nearly all greatly damaged. 
The stone bridge at Eager street stood firm, and did not appear to 
be injured in the slightest degree. The Charles street bridge was 
swept entirely away, the abutments having 3'ielded to the force 
of the torrent. The structure was soon dashed to pieces, and 
came down with the mass of debris against the Monument street 
bridge. The pressure of debris and its damming of the flood at 
Monument street, soon caused the water to rise and flow over the 
bed of that structure, and in a few minutes after it floated from 
its abutments ami was dashed into fragments. The ^ladisou and 
Centre street bridges, the llillen street and the Swann street 
bridges soon after gave way and were swept down the ci^rrent, the 
abutments and a|)proaclu'S to these fine structures being entirely 
destroyed. The Jiulvcdcre bridge was not injured, it having with- 
stood all the floods for fifty years past. The firm iron bi-idge at 
Fayette street was also swept off. This bridge was of mas.sivo 
cast iron, and |)i-()bably had enough iron in it to construct a half 
dozen Iti'idges. The abutments gave way. about half-past 0110 
4\i 



674 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

o'clock, and the iron superstructure crumbled into a thousand 
fragments; even the abutments were pushed out to their base. 
The only other bridge totally destroyed was the foot-bridge over 
Swann and Plowman streets, which was swept off and destroyed. 
The three principal bridges in the centre of the cit}^, those over 
Gay street, Baltimore street, and Pratt street, were all badly dam- 
aged, and were only in a condition for foot-passengers to cross. 

The scene at Gay street bridge after the water subsided was of 
the most appalling character, and showed the cause of such an im- 
mense flood having forced its way into Harrison and Frederick 
streets. When the flood was at its height the debris from the five 
bridges that were washed away above Gay street massed itself 
against the north side of the Gay street bridge, and was piled up 
to the height of fifteen feet above the floor of the bridge, and 
massed back to the extent of fifty or sixty feet. The bridge itself 
was raised from its abutments on the north side, and the railings 
on both sides carried away. The water when at its height was 
neai'ly a foot over the railings, and it is singular that the structure 
retained its position. Baltimore street bridge also caught a large 
portion of the floating timber, and was badly damaged, though it 
was made passable the next day. Pratt street bridge was also in 
a critical condition, and could not be used except for foot-pas- 
sengers. The bridge over Eastern avenue was not injured in 
the least, and this and the Eager street bridge were the only two 
serviceable for travel. The flood had pretty well subsided, and 
the water was confined to the banks of the Falls, about six o'clock 
in the evening, and many thousands of j)er8ons were wading 
through the mud left in the streets, nearly ankle deep, to witness 
the scenes for two or three squares on either side of the Falls, ex- 
tending over a distance of fully two miles. Hundreds of vehicles 
were in use for the same purpose, though it was difficult at times 
to thread a way through the j-ubbish left by the receding waters. 
A horse and wagon, the latter containing some fifteen persons, was 
crossing Baltimore street near the west side of Market Space, the 
pavement caved in and the whole party were thrown into a hole 
eight feet deep. They all managed to struggle to shore, and the 
horse was cut loose in time to save himself The wagon came to 
a sudden end by being badly smashed. 

Whilst the flood was at its height, and the angry billows of the 
tori-ent were surging around the Maryland Institute, a most 
thrilling scene was enacted. Several members of the theatrical 
profession, who had assembled in the upper hall over the market- 
house to hold a rehearsal, heard cries of distress from the market- 
house. Mr. Stevens procured a piece of timber, and with the as- 
sistance of his friends, knocked out some planks in the floor, 
which enabled them to communicate with the people who were 
flood bound in the market-house beneath. The water was now 
bome eight or ten feet deep, and the only refuge of these unfortu- 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 675 

nates was by climbing upon and clinging to the stalls. A rope 
was procured, and a large number of persons of all ages and sex, 
white and colored, amounting to about thirty-fivo in ail, were 
rescued. 

The destruction of propcrtj' in Baltimore County was immense. 
There was scarcely a bridge over a stream of any considerable 
size standing. The flood at Ellicott City was terrible, and thirty- 
eight lives were lost. 

The People's Bank, at the corner of Baltimore and Paca streets, 
was discovered on Sunday evening, August 16th, to have been 
robbed by parties who first entered an adjoining warehouse, and 
then obtained access to the bank by breaking through the wall. 
Once in the bank, they succeeded in digging their way into the 
vault, and blew open an interior safe containing money and se- 
curities, the whole contents of which they carried off. The safe 
contained some six thousand dollars belonging to the bank, and 
Government bonds and other securities belonging to other parties 
and placed on deposit for safe-keeping. The whole amount of loss 
was about §20,000. 

The Maryland Institution for the Blind, on Xorth avenue, near 
Charles street avenue, was dedicated on Friday, November 20th. 
The ceremonies were commenced by the singing of a chant by the 
larger pu))ils, accompanied on the organ by Prof \Vm. Harman. 
Rev. Dr. Randolph of the Protestant Episcopal Church offered a 
prayer, after which a chorus was sung by the pupils. W. W. 
Glenn, Esq., of the Board of Directors, read the annual report. 
The programme was closed by a benediction delivered by Rev. Dr. 
Crosby. 

18G9. In accordance with the instructions of the Most Rev. 
Archbishop Spaulding, the Tenth Provincial Council of Baltimore 
assembled Sunday morning, April 25th, at the Cathedral, and the 
first day of its session was celebrated with great religious ceremo- 
nies. 

The corner-stone of the new St. Peter's Protestant Episcopal 
f'hurch, corner of Druid Ilill avenue and Lanvale street, was laid 
Thursday afternoon, April 29th, with appropriate religious cere- 
monies. An address was delivered by the rector, Rov. Dr. Julius 
E. G rammer. 

The eleventh festival of the Northwestern Saongerbund com- 
menced their five days of musical and social festivities in this city 
on Monday, July 12th. People of all nations, citizens of all classofl, 
were on tiie streets to join in the acclaim of kind words, and the 
streaming flags, evergreen arches, illuminated houses, and fluHhing 
fireworks, added to the notable features of an occasion that was 
altogether remarkable in its demonstrations of popular interest. 
The procession was brilliant and well-arranged, creditable to the 
Baltimore associations, and must have been highly gi-atifying to 
their visitors. The 14th was the first picnic day at the Schuotzcn 



676 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

Park of the Saeiigerfcpt, and there were numerous festive and 
jovial observances. The singing associations marched from the 
Concordia to the Schuetzen Farlc in the morning, and on arriving 
there, there were orations in German b}'- Wm. Kapp, Esq., and in 
English by Robert C. Barry, Esq. Each was a very fine oratorical 
effort, and elicited great applause. The distribution of the prize 
pianos to the winning societies took place in the afternoon, the 
New York Liederkranz taking the first, the Philadelphia Junger 
Maennerchor the second, the Hoboken Quartette Club the third, 
and the Washington Gesang Verein the fourth. During the day 
speeches were made b}"^ Mr. Christain Ax, chairman of the hono- 
rary committee, Mr. George P. Steinbach, chairman of the execu- 
tive committee, Hon. Reverdy Johnson, and Major General Bier, 
Adjutant-General of Maryland. The management of the musical 
department of the festivities attending the Saengerfest could not 
have been placed in better hands than tbose of Professor Charles 
Lenschow, our eminent townsman, a musician of great experience 
and some renown as a composer. 

The most destructive fire that had occurred in Baltimore for some 
time transpired between the hours of half-past eleven o'clock on 
the morning of the 25th of April and two in the afternoon. The 
greater portion of a block of buildings, and lumber yard of Ran- 
dolph Brothers, and several workshops, bounded by Thames, 
AVoll'e, and Lancaster streets, were consumed, entailing a loss of 
nearly $150,000. 

Shortly before twelve o'clock on Saturday night, October 2d, a 
rain storm visited this city, and continued during Sunday. A 
great scare prevailed amongst the residents along Jones Falls, thoy 
being fearful that another inundation was about to befall them. 
Centre Market bridge was carried away, and Pratt street bridge 
and the draw-bridge were considerabl}^ injured by the dredging- 
machines which were wrecked against them. 

The first annual exhibition of the Maryland State Agricultural 
and Mechanical Association was inaugurated on Tuesday morning, 
October 26th. Agreeably to orders issued by the Adjutant-General 
(George H. Bier), the First Division Maryland National Guards 
marched to the grounds and participated in the ceremonies. 

Mr. George Peabody died in London on Thursday, the 4th of 
November. Mr. Peabod}^, whose name is famous in two continents 
for his unexampled generosity in distributing millions of money in 
beneficent objects, was born in Danvers, Massachusetts, February 
18th, 1795, and for many years was a merchant in this city. Our 
State has particular reasons for remembering his important services 
in negotiating important loans while in London, for which he 
always refused compensation. Among the noble monuments which 
will stand "in everlasting attestation of his munificence, are the 
working-men's houses in London, an immense block of which were 
built by him and bestowed upon them; the Institute at Dtfnvers; 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. . 677 

the donation of 81,400,000 to the purpose of educating the children 
of the South ; and the Peabody Institute at Baltimore, to which he 
has also given §1,400,000. The great philanthropist also gave 
smaller sums to various objects; indeed, his last years of life are 
but the history of a series of noble charities, -bestowed with a large 
heart and a willing hand. 

At his residence in this city, at twenty-five minutes before one 
o'clock on Wednesday, November 10th, died lion. Thomas G. 
Pratt, a gentleman who in past years had filled many public 
])ositions of importance. He was born in the city of Washington 
in the 3'ear 1804, and graduated at Princeton College, New Jersc}''. 
He served in l)0th the State Senate and House of Delegates. The 
next political position heUl by him was that of Governor of Mary- 
land, to which he was elected in 1844, and retired from in 1848. 
He was also in the United States Senate. At the outbreak of the 
late war he strongly espoused the cause of the South, and in 18G1 
was arrested b}^ order of the Government and sent to Fortress 
Monroe, where, however, he remained but a few weeks, and then 
returned to Baltimore. 

Mr. Charles Howai'd, who was the youngest son of Col. John 
Eagci" Howard, died at Oakland, in Alleghany county, where he 
was seeking relief, under the advice of his ph3'sicians, from a pro- 
tracted and distressing malady, Friday, June 18th. He was among 
the early graduates of St. Mary's College in this city. For a con- 
siderable period he was president of the Baltimore and Susquehanna 
Tiailroad Compan}'. Ho was afterwards presiding judge of the 
Orj)hans' Court, and subsequently filled the place of city collector 
under Ma^-or Hollins. In 1860 he was appointed by the General 
Assemljl}' of Mar3'land a member of the Board of Police Com- 
missioners under the law of that year, and presided over the board 
until July, 18G1, when he was forcibly removed with his colleagues, 
by the militar}' power of the Government. The health of Mr. 
Howard received an impression from his sixteen months' imprison- 
ment in Fort Lafayette and Fort Warren which was never 
removed. He was, at the time of his death, one of the trustees 
of the Peabod^' Foumlation, and belonged to the board of trustees 
of the Maryland Hospital, and the board of managers of the 
As^'lum for the Blind He was amiable, affectionate, gentle and 
brave — full of all the blessed charities ancl quiet virtues that make 
this world happy, as well as of the Christian faith and hope which 
brigliten the pathway to another. 

1870. A meeting was held on Tuesday evening, March 22d, at the 
Mount Vernon Hotel, for the j»ur])Ose of organizing an Academy 
of Music, and the building of an opera house or music hall. Dr. 
J. Hanson Thomas was called to the chair, an<l Isi-ael Cohen. Fsq., 
was ap)H)intc'd secretary. A charter was read and adopted, fixing 
the stock at §.^00,000 ; the shares 850 each, and giving to each 
bolder of twenty shares (81000) and his assigns the privilege of 



678 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

a free seat to all dramatic and operatic representations so long as 
the stock was held in one block. The following gentlemen were 
then appointed directors: Israel Cohen, W. T. Walters, Thomas 
H. Morris, S. T. Wallis, A. Schumacher, A. J. Albert, W. F. Frick, 
W. P. Smith, Werner Drcssel, Dr. J. Hanson Thomas, J. Hall 
Pleasants, and John Curlett. 

In accordance w'ith the decision rendered in the United States 
Circuit Court for the Maryland District, on April 29th, by Judge 
Giles, the Baltimore City Passenger Railway Company are required 
to carry colored people on the lines of their railway in the same 
class of cars provided for all other persons. 

On Tuesday, May 24th, the corner-stone of the new Episcopal 
Christ Church of Baltimore was laid at the corner of Chase and 
St. Paul streets. The services were conducted by the rector, 
Thomas U. Dudley, assisted by Revs. Fleming James and A. M. 
Randolph. An address was delivered by the rector, in which he 
gave a very interesting history of the church. 

Jerome Napoleon IBonaparte died at his residence in this city 
on Friday morning, June 17th. Mr. Bonaparte was the son of 
Jerome Bonaparte, brother of the Emperor, and Miss Elizabeth 
Patterson, of Baltimore, who were married in this city by Bishop 
Carroll in 1803. Her treatment by Napoleon and her husband is fa- 
miliar to almost every one. Napoleon forbade her landing in France, 
would not recognize the marriage, and she was compelled to leave 
her husband and take up her abode in England, and at Camberwell, 
near London, the deceased was born on the 7th of July, 1805. 
Napoleon never succeeded in inducing the then Pope Pius VII. to 
declare Jerome's marriage null and void, and this protest had 
several times been brought forward in a question involving the 
rank of the deceased and his famil3^ Madame Bonaparte returned 
to Baltimore with her son during his boyhood, and he was reared 
in this city. Mr. Bonaparte entered Harvard College, and grad- 
uated from the institution in 1826, having then an intention of 
pursuing the legal profession, but although he studied for the bar 
he never practised law. He was married in early life to Miss 
Susan May Williams, only daughter of Benjamin Williams, Esq., 
originally of Roxbury, Massachusetts. Miss Williams was born in 
Baltimore, was a lady of very large fortune, which, united Avith 
Mr. Bonaparte's own fortune, made him one of the wealthiest 
citizens of Baltimore. Mr. Bonaparte had two sons, Jerome 
Napoleon, born in 1831, and Charles Joseph, born in 1852. Major 
Jerome served with great distinction and gallantry in the Crimean 
war, and also in the Italian campaign in 1859. During the reign 
of Louis Philippe, Mr. Bonaparte was permitted to visit Paris, but 
for a short period only, and under his mother's name of Patterson. 
Although travelling incognito, he attracted much attention from his 
singular likeness to his uncle, the great Emperor. He was always 
thought to resemble him more than any of the monarch's own 



CHKONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 679 

brothers did. Mr. Bonaparte was distinguished by tlie same shape 
of the head and regularity of features, bronze eoiintenance and dark 
63-68 of peculiar tint, Aviiieh Napoleon had, and which characterized 
the Corsican people. His figure too was cast in the same square 
mould Avhich we see in the pictures of Napoleon. Mr. Bonaparte 
had long been on good terms with the late IjOuIs Napoleon, and 
visited the French Court with his son. If the validity of his 
father's marriage with Miss I'atterson had been fully recognized 
by the Court of France it would have given his heirs precedence 
over the children of his half brothers and the Princess Mathilde, 
the children of Jerome's second marriage. It is very otlen doubted 
whether there was a drop of Bonaparte blood in the veins of the 
late Emperor of France, but the story of the intrigue between 
Hortcnse and the Dutch Admiral has never been proved, although 
it has formed one of the staple themes for the invectives of La 
Marsdlaise and the Red Republicans against Napoleon III. If it 
"was true, then the deceased was the proper heir to the throne of 
France, and his son succeeds to his rights. But the soil of Ilor- 
tense made himself Emperor by a coup d'etat, and always refused 
to recognize the American marriage of the first Jerome as valid, 
thus excluding the Baltimore Bonapartes from rank as Princes. 
The fii'st Jerome made his second marriage with the Princess of 
Wurtemburg in 1807, of which the offspring was the present 
Prince Napoleon, more generally known by the nickname of 
" Plon-Plon," which was given him by the army, and the Princess 
Mathilde. Mrs. Patterson Bonaparte and her husband never met 
but once after his marriage with the Princess of Wurtemburg. 
The occasi<m was in a picture gallery of Florence, years after- 
wards. They recognized each other instantly, but the gentleman 
who accompanied the lady led her away, and the next morning 
Jerome Bonaparte left the city. Mi-. Bonaparte was of a genial 
and social nature, a generous friend, kind and charitable, and uni- 
versally beloved by his friends and acquaintances. 

Hon. John Pendleton Kennedy, of Baltimore, died on Friday, 
August 18th, at Newport, R. I., fidl of years and full of the honors 
of a meritorious life. In all of the man}' public positions to which 
he was called he distinguished himself, bringing to them a rare in- 
telligence and ability, lie was born in Baltimore on the 25th of 
Octol>er, 1795, and graduated at Baltimore College in 1812. When 
the British troops appeared before Baltimore in 1814, and the call 
was made for volunteers to defend the city, Mr. Kennedy, then 
but nineteen years of age, enlisted and fought in the ranks at the 
battles of Bla<lensbui"g and North Point. In 181G he was admitted 
to the pi-actice of law at tln^ Baltimore bar, and in 1818 commenced 
authorship b}' the publication, in connection with his friernls, Peter 
Ilofl'inaii Cruse and .Josias Pennington, of the " Red Book," a light 
serial of prose and verse. This was issued once a foi-tnight, and 
continued for two years. In 1820 he entered political life, and in 



680 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

that year, and again in 1822, was elected to the Mar^'land House 
of Delegates. That body chose him for its speaker. In 1823 he 
was appointed by President Monroe, Secretary of Legation to 
Chili, and accepted the post, but afterwards declined it before the 
mission sailed for Valparaiso. He was always sti'ongly in favor of 
high tariff and protection of home industr}^, and in 1830 wrote a 
review of Hon. C. C. Cambreleng's report on commerce and navi- 
gation, combatting its free trade arguments. In 1831 he was ap- 
pointed a delegate to the National Convention of the Friends of 
Manufacturing Industry, held in New York. In 1832 Mr. Ken- 
ned}^ published his first novel, "Swallow Barn, or a Sojourn in the 
Old Dominion." From this time until 1838 Mr. Kennedy devoted 
his attention to works of fiction, and produced in 1835 his second 
novel, "Horseshoe Kobinson, a Tale of the Tory Ascendcncj-." 
In 1838 he published "Rob of the Bowl, a Legend of St. Inigoes." 
All of these books were revised and republished in 1852. In 1838 
Mr. Kennedy emerged from his retirement and was elected a 
member of the House of Representatives as a Pi'otectionist. Once 
at Washington, he immediately assumed a foremost position in a 
Congress that numbered many of the greatest lights of the nation. 
In 1841 he w^as again elected to Congress, and was appointed 
chairman of the Committee on Commerce. In 1843 he was a third 
time elected to the House of Representatives, serving there in all 
six years. In 1845 the Democratic part}^ carried his district 
against him, but in the succeeding year he was again returned to 
the Maryland House of Delegates, and was once more elected its 
speaker. At the expiration of this term Mr. Kennedy devoted 
himself to the production of his "Life of William Wirt, Attorney- 
General of the United States," which was published in 1849. In 
1852 Mr. Fillmore appointed him Secretary of the Navy, which 
position he held until the Administration went out of office in 
March, 1854. Since then he lived the life of cultivated repose, and 
literary and material research, to which his bent of mind disposed 
him. The possessor of an ample fortune, he had every oppor- 
tunity to indulge in his predilection. At the outbreak of the war 
he immediately announced himself a supporter of the government 
in its efforts to crush the rebellion, and remained firm in its faith. 
In November, 1868, he presided at a Republican mass-meeting at 
Front Street 'i'heatre, then held in this city prior to the Presi- 
dential election. His letter accepting the position was fervid with 
the principles of Republicanism. Mr. Kennedy was Provost of the 
Universit}^ of Maryland, Vice-President of the Maryland Historical 
Society, and a member of several other literary and scientific asso- 
ciations. Ho was chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Pea- 
body Institute of this cit}', and also a member of the Board of 
Trustees of the Peabod^' Southern Educational Fund. 

In August it was discovered tbat Mr. John L. ('rawford, of Bal- 
timore, treasurer of the Parkcrsburg Branch Railroad Company, 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 681 

had issued fraudulent certificates of its stock to the amount of 
31,300,000. On account of the manner in which the alletred un- 
authorized issues of stoclv, for a jieriod of more tluin two years, 
and perhaps more (as disclosed in the evidence), were made by 
Crawford, with the facilities especially afforded him for that pur- 
pose bj' the absolutely uncontrolled possession and use of the cer- 
tificate books and seal of the company and signatures in blank of 
the president, and other causes, the holders of the fraudulent cer- 
tificates are endeavoi-ini^ to hold the company responsible. The fol- 
lowing very eminent legal gentlemen have been retained to settle 
the questions in dispute before the courts : Messrs Keverdy John- 
son and John H. B. Latrobe, for the company, and Messrs. I. 
Nevitt Steele, "William F. Frick, and Sa'muel Snowden, for the 
holders of the fraudulent stock. 

The corner-stone of the Mount Yernon Place ]\[cthodist Epis- 
copal Church was laid on Monday', September 26th, with impres- 
sive ceremonies. A large audionce was in attendance, and stood 
patientl}' through the whole exercises, which continued nearly three 
hours. Interesting addresses were delivered by Bishop Janes, 
Dr. Fuller, and Dr. Eddy. 

The first day of the meeting of the Maryland Jockey Club at 
the grounds of the Association at Pimlico on Tuesday, October 
25lh, was a grand success. The track was in good condition, the 
weather delightful, the exhibition of blooded stock unequalled, 
and the attendance exceeded the expectations of the most sanguine 
friends of the club. The contests for speed were well-managed, 
and everything passed off as all affairs of the kind shouH — pleas- 
antly. 

Mr. Benjamin Dcford died on the 17th of April, leaving a lar<re 
estate, the accumulation of j'cars of patient industry, of prudent 
foresight, and of judicious enterprise. 

On Tuesday, iSovember 8th, the colored people of Maryland 
voted for the candidates of their choice. 

In the First Branch of the City Council, on Monday evening, 
November 14th, an ordinance was presented by Mr. Tripjie, provi- 
ding for the laying down of the tracks of the Citizens' Passenger 
Railway. 

At a meeting of the stockholders of the Baltimore Cas Light 
Company on Monday, November 31st, the franchises and property 
of the company were disposed of to capitalists from New York for 
$3,000,000. 

The oj)cning oi' Brf)wn Memoi-ial Presbyterian Church, corner 
of Park avenue and Townsend street, took place on Sunda}', De- 
cember 2d. The dedicatory services in the morning were led 
by Rev. Dr. J. C. Backus. The dedicatory services were continued 
in the evening. Ever}' seat was occujiied, the aisles were crowded, 
and hundi"e(ls went away who were not able to find even standing 
room inside the doors. After tho introductory services, which 



682 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

were conducted by the pastor, Eev. J. S. Jones, a sermon was 
preached by Eev. Henry C. Boardman, of Philadelphia, appro- 
priate to the occasion, and commemorative of the eminent Chris- 
tian gentleman to whose memory the church was erected. Its 
cost was entircl}^ defrayed as a gift from his widow, Mrs. Isabella 
Brown, a lad}' distinguished for her great liberality and truly 
Christian character. The church is a most beautiful edifice, and 
will stand as a monument to her memory. 

The Eev. James Dolan, familiarly known as the "good Father 
Dolaii," pastor of St. Patrick's Eoman Catholic Church in the city 
of Baltimore, who was respected and admired by all for his virtues, 
charities, and usefulness, died on the 12th day of January, 1870, 
aged 55 years, 6 monthf?, and 12 days. He was born in Ireland on 
the 1st day of July, 1814, and sailed from the city of Cork on the 
18th day of February, 1834, bound for New Orleans, in the State 
of Louisiana. After many liardships and privations he arrived in 
Baltimore on the 18th day of December, 18.34. He was admitted 
into the seminar}' in 1834, received the holy tonsural in January, 
1836, was admitted to minor orders in 1838, to subdeaconship in 
September, 1839, deaconship in the same month of the following 
year, and was ordained a priest and entered on the duties of assist- 
ant pastor of St. Patrick's on the 20th of December, 1840, and 
jjastor on the 28th day of February, 1841. 

The order of the Sons and Daughters of America was first in- 
troduced into this State and city by the Grand Council of Penn- 
sylvania, November 17th, 1870, upon which occasion '' Columbia 
Council No. 1 " was duly instituted as the pioneer council. 

James Sullivan Garey, one of Baltimore's wealthiest and promi- 
nent manufacturers, dieJ on the 7th of March, 1870, aged sixty- 
two years. The village of Alberton, on the line of the Baltimore 
and Ohio Eailroad, about twelve miles from Baltimore, is the 
scene of his many labors, and the busy factory and its pleasant 
surroundings remain as monuments to his energy and skill. 

1871. The consolidation of the Central Young Men's Christian 
Association with the Baltimore Association, was consummated at 
the rooms 160 West Baltimore sti'eet, on the evening of Thursday, 
March 2d. 

A serious conflagration took place on Sharp street, near 
German, before daylight of Monday morning, May 22d. Two ex- 
tensive warehouses occupied by Messrs. Wm. H. Brown & Bro., 
and Stellman, Henrichs & Co., and a dwelling-house, were destroyed, 
and several other buildings damaged, the loss amounting to a total 
of between two hundred and two hundred and fifty thousand 
dollars. The saddest incident of the calamity was the killing of J. 
Harry Weaver, member of the First Branch of the City Council 
from the nineteenth ward, by the explosion of the steani fire 
engine " Alpha," at the northwest corner of German and Howard 
streets. 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 683 

John Van Lear McMahon, one of the most distinguished 
hnvycM-s of the Maryland bar, died at the residence of Dr. Kobert 
J. McKaig, Cumberland, on Thursday, June loth. Mr. McMahon 
was born in Cumberland, August 18th, 1800. His iather, AVm. 
McMahon, was a highly respected farmer of Alleghany county. 
Ml-. McMahon graduated when only seventeen years old, with the 
first honors of Princeton College. lie immediately commenced 
the study of law with Eoger Perry, the father of Judge Perry, of 
Cumberland, and was admitted to the bar in tlie nineteenth year 
of his age. He was at once successful, being retained as counsel 
in almost every considerable case. As soon as he had reached his 
majority he was elected to the Legislature. The next year he was 
re-elected, and at that session became the leader of the House of 
Delegates, and made his famous speech in favor of giving to the 
Jews of the State an equality of all rights. In 1826 he was urged 
b}- his friends and admirers to remove his residence to Baltimoi'e 
city, which he did, and was elected to the Legislature with Geo. 
H. Steuart, Esq., twice in succession, by the Jackson democrats. 
The same party unanimously nominated liim as their candidate fur 
Congress, which he perem])torily refused to accept. He after- 
wards became identified with the AVhig part}', and in 1840 he 
Mas president of the great National Whig Mass Convention which 
gathered its thousands in this city, at Canton, where, in his stento- 
i-ian voice, he " called the nation to order," and ])roclaime(l that 
" every mountain has sent Ibrth its rill, every valley its stream, 
and lo! the avalanche of the people is here." When (Jeneral 
Harrison became President, Mr. McMahon was offered, by letter, 
any office, except one, in the presidential gift. But ho declined to 
accept any office of a political nature, although the highest honors 
of his State were also offered him. Mr. McMahon was a delegate 
to the State Internal Improvement Convention in 1825, of which 
Charles Carroll, of Carrollton, was president, and was the leader 
in it, although such men as John Nelson and Charles Fenton Mercer 
were members of it. When it was determined to construct the 
Baltimore and Ohio railroad, Mr. McMahon, then only 2G years 
old, drew the charter, which has ever since served as a model for 
railroad chartirs in this country. In 1831 ho published the first 
volume of his History of Maryland, and it is greatly to be regretted 
that he never published the inten<led second. Mr. McMahon corv 
tinucd to bu one of the leaders of the Baltimore bar from 1827 to 
1859, ill which year, whilst preparing a brief in a cause in tho 
Court of Appeals, he was stricken with partial blindness, which 
continued to grow worse thereafter. In consequence he gradually 
withdrew from the bar, and in 18G3 removed to his native town, 
Cumberland, where ho resided with his brothers-in-law, the late 
Joseph Sprigg, Esq., and Dr. Ilobert McKaig, who married liis 
sisters. He also passed a portion of his time in Dayton, Ohio, 
where another brother-in-law, Hon. C. L. Vallandighani, resided. 



684 CHRONICI^ES OF BALTIMORE. 

In liis residence in this city Mr. McMiibon made bis home at the 
Eutaw House, from the time it was erected until he left the city 
in 1863. As a political speaker it is said no one ever heard his 
superior; as a profound and astute lawyer he had few equals. 
^Yhen practising his profession he was familiar with the decisions 
of all the States in the Union. The power of his memory was 
Avonderful. If a legal question was propounded to him, he would 
at once say, " It is decided so and so in such and such States," and 
would at once go to his library and put bis hand on the volume 
containing the decision. His voice had a wonderful volume, and be 
could be distinctly beard at a great distance, and j^'et there was no 
harshness. He was always listened to with pleasure, for be was 
truly eloquent both in language and thought. 

The Pope's Jubilee illumination on the night of the 17tb of 
June was a most extraordinarj' affair, and one that will long be 
remembered b}^ the rising generation of the city. In every section 
the city was brilliantljMlluminated and handsomely decorated with 
wreaths, crosses, and festoons of evergreens and flowers; the 
illumination was in many instances by gas-jets and Chinese 
lanterns outside, as well as candles and other lights inside the 
windows. Flags, both the Papal and American, were profusely 
displayed. With the evening of June 2l8t terminated the cele- 
bration, by the Poman Catholics of Baltimore, of the twenty-fifth 
anniversary of the accession of Pope Pius IX. to the position of 
spiritual bead of the Roman Catholic Church. The churches of 
that denomination, with the residences of man}' citizens, were 
brilliantly illuminated, and a mammoth procession took place. The 
procession, both in point of numbers and brilliancy of design, was, 
perhaps, one of the grandest which has ever passed through the 
streets of Baltimore. Every inch of curbstone along the streets 
through which the pageant passed was occupied b}' young and old 
of both sexes, and every window and door-step that would aftbrd 
humanity a chance of gazing upon the flaming procession, was 
filled with ladies and children. At half-past seven o'clock large 
crowds of men were seen wending their steps to the different 
Catholic churches, each man bearing in his hands Chinese lanterns, 
torches, or other illuminating devices; and by eight o'clock most 
of the congregations bad received their full cpmplement of members, 
and in a short time thereafter the flambeaux, lanterns, and torches 
were ignited, and the line of march taken up for headquarters on 
Central avenue, where a multitude of persons, numbered by thou- 
sands, had assembled. During the passage of the procession 
through the streets the church-bells were rung, and thousands of 
sky-rockets and other firevvorks flashed upon the horizon, remind- 
ing one of the time when the night of a 4th of July was celebrated 
in a truly national manner. The illumination this night of the 
dwellings and places of business was on a more extended and magnifi- 
cent scale than that employed on Saturday night. Two stands had 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 685 

been erected at the Cathedral, one at the frpnt of the building on 
Cathedral street, the other on Mnlbeny street. At the latter 
the addresses were made in the German language. AV^hilst the 
procession was passing the west front of the Cathedral, the meeting 
at the stand there was organized by the selection of the following 
officei-s : President, Hon. J. Thompson Mason; Vice-Presidents, 
Hon. Judge T. Parkin Scott, Hon. Judge Danels, Capt. AVilliam 
Kennedy, Charles M. Dougherty, C. Oliver O'Donnell, Col. T. J. 
Mathias" John Murphy, Michael Kelly, George W. Webb, Thomas 

E. Jenkins, 1). J. Foley, John F. Hunder, Cumberland Dugan, 
John K. Eschbach, John Bell, and Colonel Bensinger ; Secretaries, 

F. X. Ward and Joseph S. Heuisler. Speeches were made by 
Messrs. J. Thompson Mason, F. X. Ward, William P. Preston, 
Prof Bui-g, F. E. Bauer, and A. Heine. At a meeting of the 
clergy in the interior of the Cathedral, Archbishop Spaulding de- 
livei-ed a brief address. 

^Ir. Albert Schumacher, one of the leading shi]">ping merchants 
of Baltimore, president of the Board of Trade, "and agent for the 
North German Lloyd line of steamships, died suddenly at his resi- 
dence No. 52 Mount Vernon Place, on Monday, June 27th. 

The AVest Baltimore Schuetzen Association commenced their 
first annual festival on Monda3% July 31st. 

Thousands of KnightsTemplar thronged into Baltimore during 
Tuesday, September 19th. The hotels were packed, and in the 
centre of the city the symbols of the order met the eye at every 
point of view. The streets were bright with their uniforms, deco- 
rations and banners, and the music of their bands was almost con- 
stantly ringing out in the air. The Grand Commandery was es- 
corted to Masonic Hall b}' the Baltimore Comnianderies, and there 
an address of welcome was delivered by Hon. John H. B. Latrobe, 
Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of the ^Masonic Order in Mary- 
land. The response was delivered by Grand Commander Warren. 
In the evening there was a banquet at the .Maryland Institute and 
social entertainments at the various headquai'ters. On the second 
day there were excursions on the Chesapeake, and the usual parad- 
ing of commanderies through the streets and visits to the various 
headquarters. The Grand Commandery and the Grand Royal Arch 
Chapter were in session at the Temple. In the evening there were 
balls at the Concordia, Masonic Tem]ile and the New Assembl}'- 
liooms, and a banquet at Barnum's Hotel. The grand pai'ade and 
review of the Knights Tenii)lar toolc jdace on Thursday, Septem- 
ber 21st, and was a most superb speclacdeof its kind. The streets 
were crowded, and such a manifestation of enthusiasm and interest 
was shown as has nevei" Itefore been witnessed in Baltimore on any 
occasion of Masonic character. The procession was truly a mag- 
rdficent (b'monstration. There was a sparkling grandeur in its 
massed columns, and it may bo doubted whether a finer looking 
set (^f men ever marched in solid phalanx before. A manly and 



685 CHEONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

martial tread indicated military service, and tbe perfection of drill 
could be accounted for in no other way. An army of veterans 
could scarcely have kept step to martial music with more precision 
than was universal throughout the line. Many of the commande- 
ries also went through various evolutions along the line of march, 
forming crosses, diamonds, and one from Philadelphia actually 
without halting or breaking the line of march formed the figures 
signifying the number of their commandery. Of course nearly 
all of our citizens witnessed the procession, as throughout the line 
of march, extending not less than five miles, the streets and side- 
walks were literally massed, and the windows and steps, even the 
house-tops, thronged with ladies. We think we do not exaggerate 
when we number the spectators at not less than two hundred 
thousand, there being just room sufficient for the broad platoons of 
Knights to pass. At all points of the route they were greeted with 
cheers, the clapping of hands, showering of bouquets, and the 
waving of handkerchiefs by ladies on all the elevated positions. 
They marched generally in platoons of eight, whilst some num- 
bered twelve, and others kept up through a greater portion of the 
route the form of a cross. Each of the seventy commanderies 
bore a handsome banner, and the number of full bands of music 
in line was thirty-three, with seven drum corps. These bands 
were mostly from other cities, and included all the finest and most 
elegantly equipped military organizations fi'om all sections of the 
country. The music of course was grand and inspiriting, and there 
was no lack of it, their fine uniforms serving to break the uniform- 
ity which might otherwise have marred the scenic effect of the 
display. It was a demonstration composed of members from nearly 
every State in the Union, and some of the Territories. The men 
of Mississippi were in brotherly fellowship with those of Maine 
and ^ew Hampshire, and Virginia and South Carolina trod in the 
footsteps of their brethren from Massachusetts and Kansas. It 
brought together in brotherly concoi'd the North and tbe South, 
the East and the West, and has cemented a fellowship that will be 
lasting and serviceable to both sections. 

The National Commercial Convention opened its session in 
this city on Monday, September 25tb, at Masonic Hall. Delega- 
tions were present from twenty-two States. Mr. John W. Garrett 
was appointed temporary president, until a perfect organization 
was effected. 

The Triennial General Convention of the Episcopal Church in 
the United States of America, composed of delegates from every 
portion of the Union, met in this city on Wednesday the 1st of 
October, at the Emanuel church, corner of Cathedral and Eead 
streets, whei-e the opening services took place at ten o'clock, in the 
presence of an immense congregation of clergy and laity. The 
germon was delivered by the venerable Bishop Johns, of the Dio- 
cese of Virginia. 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMOKE. 687 

The City Council on the 10th of October appropriated 8100,000 
for the relief of the Chicago sufferers by fire. 

The Union railroad tunnel was commenced on the first of 
May, 1871, and finished June, 1873. It is about five-eighths of a 
mile long. 

Ford's Grand Opera House was inaugurated on Tuesday even- 
ing, October 3d, with a crowded house. The opening address, 
•written by Dr. C. C. Bombaugh, was delivered by Mr. Harry S. 
^Murdoclc. The initial performance was Shakspeare's comedy "As 
You Like It" — Jacques, Mr. James W. Wallack ; Itosalind, Mrs. 
Caroline Richings Bernard. The music was sung by the Balti- 
more Liederkranz. The orchestra under the direction of Prof 
J. II. Rosewald, The scenic department under Charles S. Getz. 

1872. Mr. Alexander Lorman, an old and well-known citizen of 
Baltimore, died on the 14th of January, at his residence, corner of 
Charles and Lexington streets, in the seventy-eighth yenv of his 
age. Mr. Lorman was many years ago a merchant, but retired 
from business with a large fortune, which he judiciously invested, 
and at the time of his death was accounted one of the wealthiest 
of our citizens. 

On Tuesday afternoon, January 23, the first grain elevator 
erected by the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Company at Locust 
Point was ready to receive grain, and car No. 15,119 of the Con- 
tinental Line, B. & O. R. R., containing a lot of corn consigned to 
Messrs. Barker & Fisher, was«run alongside, and in a short time 
was emptied into one of the bins. 

At five o'clock on Wednesday afternoon, February the 7th, the 
Cathedral bell tolled a requiem for the departed spirit of a man 
who in life was truly great and truly good. When the solemn 
tones broke upon the winter air, all who heard the mournful sound 
knew that Martin John Spaulding, Archbishop of Baltimore and 
Primate of the United States, had breathed his last. Ilis death 
was not unexpected. From time to time the city newspapers had 
published bulletins of his health, which were read with eager and 
trembling interest by tens of thousands of devout Catholics, whom 
he was in the habit of saluting as " dearly beloved children." >Marlin 
John SpauhJing, the seventh Archliishop of Baltimore, was born 
near Lebanon, Marion Co., Ky., on }>liiy 23d, 1810. Ilis ancestry, 
however, was of Maryland origin; his father, Richard Spaulding, 
having boon born near Leonardtown, in St, Mar^-'s County, while his 
mother, Henrietta Hamilton, was a native of Charles County, lu-r 
parents residing near Port Tobacco. They both emigrated with 
their parents to Kentucky in 1790. 

Died, on the 25th of February, Jonathan Meredith, in the S'^th 
year of his age. Mr. Meredith was a connecting link between the 
j)re8cnt and past generation. Born in the city of Philadelphia at 
a time when this was the infant republic, and it had but just 
(.merged Irom the struggles of the Revolution a free nation, 



688 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

when the Continental Congress assembled in Independence Hall 
and Washington had not entered on the first term of his Presi- 
dency. Mr. Meredith grew up amongst all the great events of our 
early national history, and was personally cognizant of the days 
and the men that laid the foundations of the nation. lie had 
known Washington, Franklin, Adams, Jefferson, Monroe, in fact 
all the great men of the times following the war for independence, 
and while in Philadelphia met with the notabilities of this and 
other countries, who clustered around the seat of the new-born 
Government, among whom were Robert and Gouverneur Morris, 
Alexander Hamilton, Louis Philippe, afterwards King of Fi-ancc ; 
the wily diplomatist, Prince Maurice de Tallejn-and ; the Duke of 
Kent, father of Queen Victoria; the Marquis De la Fayette, and 
a host of other illustrious persons, Mr. Meredith was still a young 
man when he i-emoved to Baltimore and established himself hei*e 
in the practice of the law. His contemjDoraries were Luther 
Martin, Eoger B. Taney, William Pinckney, and William Wirt, 
and even among such intellectual giants he stood in the front rank 
of his profession, and won a fame for skill, learning and eloquence 
that places his reputation side by side with those of these great 
lawyers. Men who have listened to his reminiscences of the past, 
either on the lecture platform or in the private circle, will not need 
to be told how richly freighted his mind was with the memories of 
historic days. Living an honorable, nprightlife, in death he was 
crowned with the respect and esteem of all who knew him. 

In the First Branch of the City Council, on March 4th, Mr. 
Orndortf, chairman of the Committee on City Passenger Railways, 
presented an ordinance granting permission to James L. McLane, 
Wallace King, C. Oliver O'Donnell, Darius C. Howell, George P. 
Frick, Cumberland Dugan, James W. Tyson, John S. Hogg, and 
Gerard T. Hopkins, or a majority of them, &c., to lay down city 
passenger railway tracks along the following streets: commencing 
on German street, at the west line of Sou-th street, and with double 
tracks on German street to Charles, and on Charles to Saratoga, 
and a single track on Saratoga street to and on Park street, to and 
on Franklin street, to and on HoAvard street, and on Howard 
street north from Franklin street, &c., &c., &c. 

Died on the 6th of March, Benjamin Chew Howard, at his resi- 
dence in this city. He was the third son of Col. John Eager 
Howard, of Revolutionary ft\me. The deceased was a brother of 
Governor George Howard, who was Governor of Maryland in 
1830; also of Judge Charles Howard, who died about the year 1869, 
and Dr. William Howard, a celebrated chemist in his da}^ Benjamin 
C. Howard was born November 5th, 1791, at Belvedere, and gradu- 
ated at Princeton with high honors, and at the time of his death 
was the oldest alumnies living. He was Captain of the Mechanical 
volunteers at the battle of North Point in 1814. The deceased 
was by profession a lawyer, but being possessed of a princely for- 



CHROI^ICLES OF BALTIMORE. 



C89 



tunc, he 3'ieldc(l the liii^h position at the Baltimore bar which he 
had earned, for political honors. lie commenced political life in 
1820 in the First Branch of the City Council, was sent to the 
Legislature in 1824, and afterwards to the Senate, and the same 
yeiiv connected himself with the Masonic fraternity, and was be- 
fore he died the oldest P. G. M. livino;. In 1830 he was sent to the 
United States Compress, and was a leading member of that body 
for about ten years. lie was chairman of the Committee on 
Foreign Eelations, and author of the celebrated report on the 
2s^ortheastern boundary question, a remarkable document, fre- 
quently ascribed to Cushinsj and Winthrop, who, however, said 
the whole credit therefor belonged to Gen. Howard. After leav- 
ing Congress he was induced by Chief Justice Taney and Judge 
Wayne, both intimate friends, to accept the position of Eeporter 
to the Supreme Court, and was the author of the well-known text- 
book, "Howard's IJeports." lie declined the nomination for Gov- 
ei-nor, and also the nomination for Vice-President, and United 
States Senator. At the commencement of the war he resigned his 
position as Reporter to the Supreme Court. In 18G1 he was one 
of the Washington Peace Commissioners, by appointment of Gov- 
ernor Hicks. He was Democratic candidate for Governor against 
Governor Bradford. His intimate friends and compatriots were 
Presidents Jackson and Van Buren, Governor Kemble, of New 
York; Chief Justice Taney, Judge Wayne, Judge Daniel, George 
M. Dallas, John P. Poinsett, Lewis Cass, and Forsyth of Alabama. 

The National Democratic Convention assembled in this city, 
on the 9th of July, at Ford's Opera House. On the second day 
Horace Greeley was nominated on the first ballot the Democratic 
candidate for President, and B. Gratz Brown the Democratic can- 
di<late for Vice-President. Senator Ba3'ard of Delaware, and the 
Delaware delegation, with a few others from other States, dissatis- 
fied with the nomination, held a meeting in the Maryland Institute, 
adopted an address to the Democratic party of the country, and 
called another convention to be held at Louisville, Kentucky, on 
the 3d of September. 

The coi-iier-stone of the new Carmelite Convent at the south- 
west corner of Caroline and Biddle sti-eets was laid on the 21st of 
July with the usual reIigi(Mis ceremonies. 

Decidedly the most bold, dai-ing, well-planned, well-executed 
and successiiil bank roljbery that lias ever been perpeti'ated in 
Baltimore, or jjcrhajis in the United States, was accomplished in 
this city between the hours intervening from the close of business 
on Saturday, Aiigu.st ITtli, and daylight of Monda}' moi-uing, Aug. 
10th, at the Tliird National Bank of this city, which is located on 
the east side of South street near Secoixl. About §70,000 of the 
bank was stolen, and the boxes rifled of private liinds, bonds 
and securities. The entire loss was over §220,000. 

Williani Prescott Smith died on Tuesday night, October Ist, 
41 



690 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 



1872, at bi8 residence in this city. Mr. Smith was born in Ealti- 
more about 1822. His familj' were in humble circumstances, and 
he received merely a common school education. He was a won- 
derful man, even in these days of remarkable phenomena. AVhether 
we consider him as a scholar, a wit, a gentleman, or a railroad 
magnate, he was simply admirable. As a mimic he was unrivalled, 
and could at his pleasure " set the table in a roar," As a railroad 
man he had no superior on this continent, and his untimely death 
leaves it a matter of speculation to what position he would have 
risen had his life been spared but a few years longer. 

The Eight Eeverend James Eoosevelt Bay ley, D. D., was on 
Sunday, October 13th, installed as Archbishop of Baltimore and 
Primate of the United States, with imposing ceremonies at the 
Cathedral. 

Fully one thousand ladies and gentlemen assembled at noon on 
Wednesday, October 16th, in the new Home for Aged Women, 
corner of Fulton and Franklin sti'eets, for the purpose of taking 
part in the dedicatory services of that institution. 

The prevalence of the horse disease, " Epizootic," caiised a total 
suspension of travel on all the car routes, on Monday, November 
4th, and proved a very serious inconvenience to that portion of 
the jjublic who resided in sections of the city remote from its busi- 
ness centre. There were but very few animals on the street, and 
it was no uncommon thing to see a party of men pulling a wagon, 
and oxen were in some instances brought into requisition. Busi- 
ness of course suffered seriously by the lack of means of transpor- 
tation. 

Mount Yernon Place M. E. Church was formally dedicated on 
Thursday, November 2l8t. The large interior was filled to the 
utmost extent of its capacity. Many ministers of other cities were 
present, as well as the clergy of Baltimore. In the morning the 
dedicatory sermon was delivered by Eev. P. S. Foster, D.D., Lh. D., 
one of the newly made bishops. The formal dedication was made 
by the Eev. Dr. Eddy, a former pastor of the congregation, ac- 
cording to the form prescribed by the Discipline. In the evening 
a sermon was delivered by Bishop Andrews. The pulpit was oc- 
cupied by Bishop Foster, Bishop Weaver of the United Brethren 
Church, Eev. Dr. Backus, Eev. Mr. Eogers of the M. E. Church 
South, Eev. Andrew Longacre, Eev. Thomas Eddy, Eev. Mr. 
Slicer, the Presiding Elder, and Eev. Thomas Guard, the present 
pastor. In front of the pulpit were seated Eev. Henry Furlong, 
Dr. James H. Brown, and Eeverends George Hildt, William H. 
Pitcher and William Harden. 

Samuel Eeady, the founder of " The Samuel Eeady Asylum for 
Female Orphans," died on Tuesday, November 28Lh, in the 83d j-ear of 
his age. He was born in Baltimore County, on the 8th of March, 1789, 
and came to Baltimore when fifteen years of age, and was apprenticed 
to Messrs. Gi'afiliu & Hardester, sail-makers, on Bowley's wharf. 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 691 

About the year 1815 he formed a partnership with Mr. James 
Kerby, and carried on the sail-making business under the firm 
name of Kerby & Ready, at the corner of Light and Camden streets. 
In 1846 Mr. Ready gave up sail-making to engage in the planing- 
mill and lumber business. Ho continued to carry on the latter 
until 1801, when, on account of advanced age and failing health, he 
retired from active business. In 18G4 he determined to endow with 
his entire wealth (about §400,000) an asylum for female orphan 
children. He never married. The life of Mr. Ready was one of 
great industrj^, frugality, probity, and simplicity of habit, and had 
for its chief object the foundation of an asylum for the helpless 
female orphan ; and although he has passed away, his work survives 
and will bear fruit to nourish the destitute. 

1873. The night of the 29th and the early morning hours of 
the 30th of January, 1873, will long be remembered in this region 
as one of the coldest periods ever experienced. In the city of Bal- 
timore the mercury fell before sunrise, 6 A. M., to 10 degrees below 
zero, which is perhaps the lowest temperature ever recorded in this 
city. At Lutherville, Baltimore County, the thermometer ranged 
20 degrees below zero; at Mount Washington 22 degrees; at the 
Relay House, Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, 24 degrees below zero. 

The Fifth Regiment Maryland National Guard is to the city of 
Baltimore what the Seventh Regiment is to New York, or what 
the First Regiment of Grey Reserves is to Philadelphia. It is a 
militarj'' organization whose members are all recognized as gentle- 
men, an organization that aspires to have the best possible military 
drill, and at the same time to cultivate the self-respect, the manly 
bearing, the social courtesy, and the fraternal feelings that belong 
to the most advanced civilization. This fine regiment, so elevated 
in its aims, and composed of such excellent materials, is only six 
years old. It has labored under some disadvantages, one of the 
principal being the want of a suitable permanent armorj^ and drill- 
room. In November, 1872, the Cit}"- Council, appreciating the 
character and purpose of this military organization, and realizing 
the great benefit that might under certain contingencies result from 
having such an organization to sustain law and social order, donated 
to this Fifth Regiment the great rooms over the newly built Rich- 
mond Market. All that the city gave was the bare walls. The 
P^ifth Regiment being composed of generous men — many of them 
men of means and influence — the}'' out of their own pockets spent 
over eight thousand dollars to fit up this now armory in good stylo, 
and they can now boast of having one of the finest and most conx- 
plete armories in the United States. The new armory was for- 
mally delivered over by the cit}' authorities to the Fifth Regiment 
on Thursday night, February Gth, and this was the occasion of an 
immense opening reception, not less than six thousand persons 
being present. Addresses were delivered by Mayor Vansant, Go- 
vcrrujr Whyte, and Colonel Jenkins. 



692 CHEONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

Mr. Alexander Kirkland, senior partner and original founder of 
the firm of Kirkland, Chase & Co., died on Saturday, March 1st, 
aged 89 years. Mr. Kirkland was instrumental in establishing the 
sugar refineries whose business is now so valuable to the city. 
The firm of Kirkland, Chase & Co. was, during its existence, one 
of the best-known and most widely respected in the city, having a 
large trade with Porto Rico and Eio Janeiro, and being intimately 
connected with the business transactions of many other large im- 
porting houses here and in other parts of the United States and 
the Canadas. 

On Wednesday, the 21st of May, the finance commissioners of 
Baltimore city ordered the payment of 30 percent,, the first instal- 
ment on the city's subscription of $1,000,000 to the capital stock 
of the Valley Railroad, Robert Garrett, Esq., president. 

The Carmelite Nuns, whom we have mentioned before in this 
work, and who for forty-two years occupied the old Convent 
on Aiequith street, vacated that establishment and removed in 
March to the new monastery at the corner of Biddle and Caroline 
streets. The Carmelite community is among the religious pioneers 
of Maryland. The Carmelite order is the oldest in the Church, 
going back even in its primitive state to the period when Elias or 
Elijah and his disciples worshipped in the retirement of Mt. Carmel, 
where, in the 12th century, a monastery was founded; the order 
afterwards migrating under its fifth general to Europe, to escape 
the persecutions of the Saracens. The female branch of the order 
was founded in the 15th century. In the 16th century (1562) St. 
Theresa and St. John of the Cross set on foot a reformation of the 
order in Spain, and the reform has spread everywhere; the 
Carmelite Nuns all looking to St. Theresa as their mother and 
foundress, the community in Baltimore keeping, with some few 
necessary exceptions, the strict rule of St. Theresa. There are 
some ninety convents of Carmelite nuns, in each of which the 
number is generally restricted to twenty-one. During the 18th 
century an aunt of the late Father Matthews, of Washington city, 
went from her elegant and retired home in Charles county, Md., to 
join the order of the Carmelite Nuns, at a house of theirs in 
Belo-ium. Two sisters of the same clergyman afterwards crossed 
the sea to join their aunt in her cloistered home. Miss Brent also 
joined them there, but she died in Belgium, In 1790 the three 
ladies mentioned above, who were then become members of the 
strict order of Mt. Carmel, together with another lady who joined 
them in England, came back to their native shores, settled in 
Charles county, and there established a community. Their little 
family was by degrees augmented by accessions from some of the 
first families of Maryland; many pious ladies, charmed with the 
odor of virtue and sanctity, finding in this rising congregation 
opportunity fur bidding adieu to the world and all the vanities of 
life, to dedicate their youth and wealth to religion. When they 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 693 

left their home in the country and came to found a house in Balti- 
more in 1831, the}' numbered tvvent^'-four sisters, with Tlev. Mother 
Ani^ela iludd as superioress. At one time the Sisters luid a very 
respectable school for icirls, which was much frequented ; but this 
mode of life being contrary to the spirit of their rules, which is to 
be altogether retired, the}', at the suggestion of the late Archbishop 
Kenrick, cl')sed their academy. The}'' devote all their time to 
prayer, meditation, manual labor, pious reading, and the like, 
praying not only for themselves but for all, chiefly for those who 
live in the city or place where they reside. 

The splendid Church of the Ascension, Protestant Episcopalian, 
a prominent ornament of the beautiful neighborhood of Lafayette 
Square, was almost totally destroyed by fire on Monday night, 
May 12th. The fire was caused by the sexton smoking out. a 
wasp's nest in the roof over the organ gallery. 

At a meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Johns Hopkins 
Hospital, held on the evening of Wednesday, March 12th, the fol- 
lowing important letter was received from Mr. Hopkins, setting 
forth his grand designs for the relief of the indigent sick and the 
orphan. This letter was received by the citizens of Baltimore 
with intense {^ratification. Of all the monuments which grace 
our city, none can ap])roach this monument, which is soon to be 
erected on such broad foundations and with such munificent provi- 
sion for the relief of the sick and the care and shelter of the des- 
titute orphan ; 

"Baltimore, March 10th, 1873. 

'•' To Fi*nncis T. King, President; and John W. Garrett, Hon. Geo. 
W. Dobl>in, Galloway Cheston, Thomas 31. Smith, Wm. Hop- 
kins, Richard M. Janney, Joseph Merrefield, Francis White, 
Lewis N. Hopkins, Alan P. Smith, and Charles J. M. Gwinn, 
Trustees of ' The Johns Hopkins Hospital' : 

'^Gentlemen: — I have given you in your capacity of trustees, 
thirteen acres of land, situated in the city of Baltimore, and 
bounded by Wolfe, Monument, Broadway, and Jefferson streets, 
upon which I desire you to erect a hospital. It will be necessary 
to devote the present year to the grading of its surface, to its 
})roper drainage, to the laj'ing out of the grounds, and the most 
careful and deliberate choice of a plan for the erection and ar- 
rangement of the new hospital buildings. It is my wish that the 
plan thus chosen shall be one which will permit symmetrical addi- 
tions to the buildings which will be first constructed, in order that 
you may ultiniatcl}' be able to receive four hundred patients, and 
that it shall provide for an hospital which shall in construction 
and arrangement compare favoi-aljly with any other institution of 
like character in this countr}' or in Europe. It will thei-efore be 
your <luty to obtain the advice and assistance of those at home or 
abroad who have achieved the greatest success in the construction 



694 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

and management of hospitals. I cannot press this injunction too 
etronglj'' upon you, because the usefulness of this charit}^ will 
greatly depend upon the plan which you may adopt for tlje con- 
struction and ari-angement of the buildings. It is my desire that 
you should complete this portion of your labor during the current 
year, and be in readiness to commence the building of the hos- 
pital in the spring of 1874. 

"It will be your duty hereafter to provide for the erection upon 
other ground, of suitable buildings for the reception, maintenance 
and education of orphan colored children. I direct you to provide 
accommodation for three or four hundred children of this class ; and 
you are also authorized to receive into this asylum, at your discre- 
tion, as belonging to such class, colored children who have lost one 
parent only, and in exceptional cases to receive colored children 
who are not orphans, but may be in such circumstances as to re- 
quir<; the aid of the charity. I desire that you shall apply the 
yearly sum of twenty thousand dollars, or so much thereof as may 
be necessary, of the revenue of the property which you will here- 
after receive, to the maintenance of the Orphans' Home intended 
for such children. 

" In order to enable you to carry my wishes into full effect, I will 
now, and in each succeeding year during my life until the hospital 
buildings are fully completed and in readiness to receive patients, 
place at your disposal the sum of one hundred thousand dollars. 
In addition to the gift already made to you of the thirteen acres 
of land in the city of Baltimore upon which the hospital will be 
built, I have dedicated to its support and the payment of the an- 
nual sum provided to be paid for the support of the Orphans' Home, 
projoerty which you may safely estimate as worth to-day two mil- 
lions of doUai's, and from which your corporation will certainly 
receive a yearly revenue of one hundred and twenty thousand 
dollars, and which time and your diligent care will make more 
largely productive. If the Hospital and Orphans' Home are not 
built at my death, it will be your duty to apply the income arising 
from this property to their completion. When they are built, the 
income from the propertj'^ will suffice for their maintenance. The 
indigent sick of this city and its environs, without regard to sex, 
age, or color, who require surgical or medical treatment, and who 
can be received into the hospital without peril to the other in- 
mates, and the poor of the cit}^ and State, of all races, who 
are stricken down by any casualty, shall be received into the 
hospital without charge, for such periods of time and under 
such regulations as you may prescribe. It will be your duty 
to make such division of the sexes and patients among the 
several wards of the hospital as will best promote the actual 
usefulness of the charity. You will also provide for the recep- 
tion of a limited number of patients who are able to make com- 
pensation for the room and attention they may require. The 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 695 

money received from such persons will enable you to appropriate 
a lar;:^er sum for the relief of the sufferings of that class which I 
direct you to admit free of charge, and 3-ou will thus be enabled to 
afford to strangers, and to those of our own people who have no 
friends or relatives to care for them in sickness, and who are not 
objects of charit}', the advantage of careful and skilful treatment. 

"It will be your especial duty to secure for the service of the 
hospital, surgeons and ph3'sicians of the highest character and of 
the greatest skill. I desire you to establish, in connection with 
the hospital, a training school for female nurses. This provision 
will secui'e the services of women competent to care for the sick 
in the hospital wards, and will enable yo\i to benefit the whole 
community by supplj'ing it with a class of trained and experienced 
nurses. 

"I wish the large grounds surrounding the hospital buildings to 
be pro|)erly enclosed by iron railings, and to be so laid out and 
planted with trees and flowers as to afford solace to the sick and 
be an ornament to the section of the city in which the grounds are 
located. I desire that j^ou should, in due season, ])rovide for a site 
and buildings of such description and at such distance from the 
city as your judgment shall ajiprove, for the recei)tion of convales- 
cent patients. You will be able in this way to hasten the rer-overy 
of the sick, and to have ahvaj's room in the main hospital building 
for other sick persons requiring immediate medical or surgical 
treatment. It is ni}^ special request that the influences of religion 
should be felt in and impressed upon the whole management of 
the hospital; but I desire, nevertheless, that the administration of 
the charit}' shall be undisturbed by sectarian influence, discipline, 
or control. In all j-our arrangements in relation to this hospital, 
you will bear constantly in mind that it is my wish and pui-pose 
that the institution should ultimately form a part of the medical 
school of that university for which I have made ample provision 
by my will. I have felt it to be my duty to bring these subjects 
to j-our particular attention, knowing that you will conform to the 
wishes which I definitely express. In other particulars I leave 
your board to the exercise of its discretion, believing that your 
good judgment and experience in life will enable you to make this 
charity a substantial benefit to the community. 

"I am very respectfully your friend, 

"Johns Hopkins." 

On Tuesday, March 18th, the following resolutions were offered 
by Mr. Kerr in the Second Branch of the City Council, and 
adopted unanimously by both branches: "Whereas, By the ap- 
propriation alread}' made of a large part of his immense fortune 
to provide the means of relieving human suffering and of protect- 
ing those who are helpless in our midst, and also by his ]iromiso(l 
munificent endowment of a free university to bo ostaljlished in the 



696 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE, 

suburbs of the city, Johns Hopkins has nobly contributed to the 
future welfare and happiness of our people, and should receive 
CA'ery evidence of public appreciation and gratitude; therefore, 
Be it resolved by the Mayor and City Council of Baltimore, That the 
practical and unostentatious charity of Mr. Hopldns, in thus dis- 
posing of the wealth which he has accumuhited in Baltimore 
during a life of extraordinary activity, success and usefulness, for 
the benefit of her own people, has not merely enrolled his name in 
the list of famous benefactors of mankind, but furnishes the most 
striking proof of the sincerity and earnestness of his purpose. Re- 
solved, That the city of Baltimore is proud to record among the 
many distinguishing facts of her history this crowning act of mag- 
nanimity on the part of one of her own citizens, whose whole 
career has materially contributed to her advancement and pros- 
perity, and whose name has long been known wherever commer- 
cial enterprise and integrity are respected. Resolved, That the 
Mayor be requested to communicate to Mr. Hopkins a copy of 
these resolutions neatly engrossed." 

Gen. Columbus O'Donnell, one of the wealthiest and most hon- 
ored citizens of Baltimore, died on Sunday, May 25th. 

The General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the 
"United States was formally opened in the cit}^ of Baltimoi-e on 
Thursday morning, May 15th, in the Central Church, corner of 
Saratoga and Liberty streets. About five hundred of the commis- 
sioners were present, among them many of the most learned and 
distinguished men of the Church. Eev. Dr. Smith, pastor of the 
Central Church, made a short prayer, and then read the hymn that 
is so frequently sung upon such occasions, "All hail the power of 
Jesus' name." ilev. James Ellis read a portion of the Scriptures, 
and Rev. Dr. Brown, president of Hamilton college, led in prayer. 
Eev. Samuel J. Niccolls, D. D., Moderator of the last General As- 
sembly, delivered the opening sermon. His theme was "The 
Apostles' Prayer." Eev. Howard Crosby, D. D., of New York, 
was elected moderator. 

The Hebrew Orphan Asylum, situated on the Calverton Heights, 
was dedicated on Sunday afternoon, May 18th, before a large num- 
ber of Israelites of this cit}^ with impressive ceremonies. About 
half past two o'clock, the choir, consisting of about sixtj'-five voices, 
comprising the combined choirs of the synagogues of the city, 
opened the services with the singing of an introductory^ hymn, 
Prof. Eosewald, the leader, presiding at the organ. A fervent 
prayer was then offered by Eev. Dr. Szold. A dedicatory ode com- 
posed by Eev. A. Hoffman, and put to music by Prof Eosewald, 
was then sung by the entire choir with striking effect. A trio in 
this piece was handsomely sung by Mrs. Eosewald, Miss K. Ben- 
ner, and Miss Jennie Putzel. Mr. VVm. S. Eayner, who generously 
presented to the Asylum the old City Almshouse, valued at $50,000, 
was then introduced, and delivered an eloquent and glowing ad- 
dress. 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 697 

The corner-stone of the new German Orphan Asyhim, on Ais- 
qiiitli street, opjjositc the Eastern Female High School, was laid on 
Sunday afternoon, June 22d, with imposing ceremonies. A pro- 
cession, wliich preceded the ceremony ])roper, was composed of 
most, if not all, of the German lodges and societies in the city, and 
it is admitted to have been one of the finest and largest demon- 
strations of its kind seen in this city for along time. The proces- 
sion was under the command of chief marshal Otto Duker, Avith 
Charles Seip]) and II. Wehr as assistants, and the following staff: 
Adjutant-in-chief C. F. Winter, George Strohmeyer, A. Prey, G. 
Eauth, B. Stolte, August Kiel, D. F. Kahl, George Robinson, H. 
Mooyer, C. Edelmann, L. Strassburger, John Scharz, C. Saner. F. 
Everett, Jacob Edelmann, J. Drechsler, II. H Valentine, F. Plitz, 
E. Siebert, F. Meyer, H. Lehr, J. Guenther, S. Neiihahn, II. Eost, 
P. Otto, F. Schwear and II. Noss. The first division was marshalled 
by Charles Blumhardt, who was assisted by A. Beck and G. Sch werder 
as adjutants. The second division was marshtdled by Charles 
Schwarzhaupt, and Lewis H. Robinson and John Vanderhorst as 
adjutants. The third division was under the command of II. Eckes, 
with H. Drockenbrot and II. Menger as adjutants. The fourth di- 
vision was under the marshalship of C. Lotz, with II. Scluich- 
bardt and William Burkheimer as adjutants. The fifth division 
was under the command of C. Knoeff. The opening address was 
delivered by Professor Facius, the president of the German Or- 
phan Asyhim. Governor Whyte also delivered an address, which 
was received by a perfect ovation of applause. 

Fi-iday morning, June 20th, shortly after five o'clock, fire was 
discovered issuing from the five-stoiy stone building known as the 
Mount Vernon Cotton Mill No. 1, on Jones Falls, about two miles 
from the city, owned and worked by the Mount Vernon Com))an3-, 
of which Cajitain '\Vm. Kennedy was president, and Mr. AlbcTt 
Carroll superintendent. The fire spread i'api<lly through the l)uild- 
ing, and in a few moments it was destroyed. The loss of the 
building, stock and machinery was estimated at §207,000, which 
were insured for $185,000. 

In June, the Maryland Academy of Art, through Mr. John H. 
B. Latrobe, the president, transl'ercd all their statues, casts, Sec, 
to the Peabody Institute. 

Mr. Frederick Pinckney, who liad been for man}' years deputy 
State's Attorney, and for over thirt}' years identifii'd with the 
Criminal Court of Jialtimoro cit}', died about 10 o'clock Friday 
night, June ll^th, at the country residence of Mr. John E. Owi'us, 
near T(nvsontown, Baltimore county, lie was the fifth son of the 
great lawyer and statesman William Pinckney, and was, ptM-haps, 
the most learned man in the State. 

Colonel Solomon IlillL-n, formerly .Mayor of Baltimorr, nicnilKT 
of Congress and of the State Legislature, died suddeidy on Thurs- 
day, June 26th, at Filth Avenue Hotel, Now York. 



698 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

The thi'Oiigh Southern train on the Baltimore and Potomac 
railroad, which left Richmond Saturday night, June 28th, arrived 
at Calvert Station at 6.45 Sunday morning. This was the first 
regular passenger train that used the Potomac Railroad tunnel, 
engine No. 2, Jerry Sweeney engineer, pulling the train, Avith 
Conductor John T. West in charge. The first through train from 
Washington for New York passed through Baltimore on the 
same night. The Baltimore and Potomac Tunnel is one of the 
greatest enterprises of the kind that has ever been executed. 
With the exception of the Koosac Tunnel, it is the longest on this 
side of the Atlantic. The Baltimore and Potomac Tunnel is about 
one and a half miles long, and although of the most solid and du- 
rable construction, has been built in two years. The ground was 
broken near the intersection of Cathedral street and North avenue 
on the first of June, 1871 ; upon August 9th, 1871, the masonry 
was begun ; upon the 27th of the same month the brickwork was 
begun to be laid, and from that time to the present the work has 
been prosecuted with marvellous rapidit3^ The force employed in 
the work ranged from 500 to 700 men at different periods, com- 
prising stone-cutters, stone-masons, bricklayers, timber-men, minei'S, 
rock-men, blacksmiths, machinists, carpenters, and common laborers. 
During the progress of the work four men were killed, each 
of whom lost his life by accident. Over one hundred thousand 
cubic 3'ards of rock Avere blasted out. The side walls are of solid 
masonry of Cockeysville marble, rock faced, but dressed at beds 
and joints. The arch is built of five rings of brick and backed up 
with rubble masonry. At places where the bottom was composed of 
quicksands or yielding earth of any kind, an inverted arch was con- 
structed of four rings of brick. About 1,250,000 cubic feet of 
masonry were used in the construction, and 15,000,000 brick. The 
cost of the work is thought to be about $2,300,000. The following 
are the distances to the bottom of the' excavation. Above this 
the arch of the tunnel rises twent3--two feet in height. The width 
of the tunnel is twenty-seven feet: John street, 49 feet; Park 
avenue, 52 feet; Bolton sti*eet, 50 feet; Linden avenue, 43 feet; 
Eutaw street, 42 feet ; Madison avenue, 3U feet : Druid Hill avenue 
33 feet ; Division street, 33 feet; Pennsylvania avenue, 32 feet; 
Fremont street, 40 feet; Republican street, 35 J feet; Carey street, 
32i feet; Calhoun street, 27 feet; Strieker street, 21 feet; Gilmor 
street, 33 J feet. The station at Fremont street is 350 feet long 
and 32 feet deep, and at John street 200 feet long and 49 feet deep. 
The lengths are as follows : Eastern facade to open cut at John 
street, 1,148 feet; open cut from John to Oliver streets, 200 feet; 
John street to Penns3'lvania avenue, 3,625 feet; Open cut from 
Pennsylvania avenue to Fremont street, 350 feet ; Fremont street 
to Gilmor street, 2,196 feet ; Length of tunnel proper, 6,969 feet; ' 
Length of open cuts, 550 toet; Length of entire line, 7,519 feet. 
In addition to this there is a tunnel of 150 feet under the bed of 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 699 

Fulton street. The eastern terminus of the tunnel 'is about G7 
feet above tide-level; it ascends with a rise of li feet to the hun- 
dred, up to Pennsj'lvania avenue at which point the grade chan<j;e3 
to 10-1 inches the hundred, making the ascent from Northern 
Avenue to Pennsylvania avenue, nearly 70 feet, and the ascent 
thence to tl.e western terminus about 45 feet, a total ascent of 
115 feet. The contractor and constructor of the Baltimore and 
Potomac tunnel was ]\lr. Thomas Putter of New York, a gentle- 
man whose energy, skill and capacity have been conspicuously dis- 
])layed in many works of the kind, and who has acquired a fiinie 
as a builder of tunnels which will be still farther increased by this 
last great manifestation of his ability. The plans and specifications 
were prepared by Mr. Thomas Scabrook, general manager; Mr. 
C. S. Emack, the chief engineer, and Mr. If. il. Carter, the resi- 
dent engineer. ^Ir. Putter was ably assisted by Mr. Jolin II. Moss, 
his suj)erintendent, who took charge of many of the details. In 
concluding this article, mention must not be omitted of the railway 
officials prominently concerned in the enterprise. Mr. J. D. Cam- 
eron, president of the Noi-thern Central, and Ex-Governor Oden 
Bowie, president of the Baltimore and -Potomac, and 3Ir. J. N. 
Dubai-iy, vice-president of both roads, worked with unflagging 
energy in carrying out their great enterprise, A large amount of 
the funds for the building of the Baltimore and Potomac tunnel 
came from the subscriptions of the Pennsylvania Pailroad, and 
perhaps it is ultimately due to the sagacity and enterprise of 
President J. Edgar Thompson, of the road, and Col. Thomas A. 
Scott, that the Baltimore and Potomac tunnel was built at all. 

In July the Maryland Bible Society purchased the lot of ground 
on the east side of Charles street, and decided to erect a new 
building. The building committee consisted of Francis T. King, 
"NVm. B. Canfield, Isaac D. Jones, Geo. H. Pagels, and Francis A. 
Crook. 

Captain William Kennedy, one of the most highly respected 
citizens of Baltimore county, died at his residence on Saturday, 
October 4th. And on the 5th of August Mr. Hugh Gclston, a 
native of Connecticut, but for very man}' years settled in Baltinioro, 
where ho acquired a large fortune. Prof. Thomas D. Baird, LL. I)., 
princi]>al and professor of Mental and Moral Phihjsophy in Balti- 
more City College, died, universally lamented, on Thursday morning, 
July 10th, aged 54 years. 

On Friday, August Ist, Thomas R. Ilollohan and Joshua Nichol- 
son suffered the extreme penalty of the law ly hanging in the jail- 
yard of this city, for the murder of ^Irs. John Ijampley, on the 
night of the 2d of January ))rcvious. They were indicted by the 
Grand Jury of the City Criminal Court, then in session, l)Ut upon 
being arraigned, removed their cases to Anne Arundel county. 
They were tried at Annajiolis, at the April term of the ('ircuit 
Court, and wore both found guilty of murder in the first degree. 



700 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

When the prosecuting attorney was making his closing argument 
before tlie jury, Hollohan made himself the principal actor in a 
scene which, for a few minutes, produced a great panic in court. 
He had obtained a short iron spike in his cell, which he put in one 
of his stockings, and this was supplemented with a few pieces of 
coal. Having thus improvised a " slung shot," he hid it in his 
clothing so that it was not noticed when he was brought into 
court. He sat quietly in the prisoner's dock until the prosecuting 
attornej^ had got into the middle of the closing address to the 
jury, and then, when all eyes were turned upon the orator and 
away from the prisoner, he suddenly sprang from his place and 
dealt Deputy-Marshal Frey a heavy blow with his slung-shot. 
There was a desperate struggle in the court-room for a few 
minutes, at the close of which Hollohan, ghastly and bleeding, 
was forced into the dock again. The prosecuting attorney, in- 
terrupted in the midst of a brilliant climax, was very naturally 
indignant, and so were the learned judges, at this wanton contempt 
for their dignity and defiance of their authority. No further 
argument was needed, and the jury promptly brought in a verdict 
of murder in the first degree. 

On the 23d of August James West (colored) suffered the 
extreme penalty of the law by hanging in the jail-yard of this city, 
for the murder of Anna Gibson, a woman with whom he had co- 
habited, having confessed the crime. 

The first train of cars passed through the Union Railroad 
tunnel on Thursday, July 24th ; it was the fast train from Washing- 
ton for New York. 

On Friday morning, July 25th, the most extensive and destruc- 
tive conflagration ever known in Baltimore occurred near the heart 
of the city, and threatened at one time to rival the previous dis- 
asters of Chicago and Boston. The fire broke out at about 10:15 
A. M., in the shavings box adjoining the engine-room of the planing 
mill and sash and blind factory of Messrs. Jos. Thomas & Sons, on 
Park and Clay streets. The large quantity of combustible matter 
in the buildings gave the flames such strength and volume that 
they swept over the surrounding buildings in a very short space of 
time, and the heat became so fierce that the firemen could not 
work in Park street. In the meantime, the men who were 
working up-stairs knew nothing of the fire, and were compelled to 
jump from the second and third story windows to save themselves; 
in doing which several of them received slight injuries. The 
greater number of the houses hard-by had shingle roofs, which had 
been so baked and dried by the hot sun as to be inflammable in the 
highest degree ; and under the copious shower of blazing cinders 
that fell upon them, they were soon smoking and blazing. A 
strong wind was blowing towards the northeast, and the gusty 
flaws swept the flames many feet to the surrounding buildings, 
while vast clouds of smoke and cinders were carried squares 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 701 

beyond. Flames -would shoot up in pcvcrul places nt once from 
buildini>;s in close proximity to the fire, and in a short time there 
vcoro eighteen houses on fire on Park, Clay, and .Saraton;a streets. 
Thomas's factory was shaped like an L, and the flames roariug with 
uncontrolled fury throughout the whole buikling, streamed out 
both into Clay and Park streets. In a very short time the row of 
houses on the west side of Park, between Lexington and Clay 
streets, were on fire. The buildings between Thomas's mill and Clay 
street caught fire on the roof, and in a short time so intense was 
the heat that a lot of hose belonging to tho fire depai-tment was 
burned up. The wind carried the flames away from the buildings 
fronting on Lexington street, or else they Avould have been also 
entirely consumed. As it was, a great number of them had the 
back buildings burned, and great damage was inflicted by the 
water which the engines poured in from all available points. 

The flames soon leaped across Park street and seized the ex- 
tensive livery stables of John D. Stewart, No. Ill Lexington 
street, and extending to Clay street. In anticipation of this the 
horses and carriages had been taken out. The rear portion of the 
stable was soon wrapped in roaring^ flames, sending up sparks and 
cinders into the air and spreading to the contiguous buildings. 
Meanwhile those dwelling in the vicinity were in the greatest con- 
sternation. All along Lexington street, from Park nearl}' up to 
Howai'd, people were liastily dragging their furniture and clothing 
from the houses, and the streets were soon heaped high with 
household goods. While the houses on Clay street, between Park 
and Liberty streets, were in flames, the sight was one that struck 
terror to the hearts of the stoutest firemen attached to the lialti- 
more fire department. The flames, fed from the material of the 
Btablcs, carpenter and paint-shops, united and twisted into columns 
of flame and smoke, mounting until nothing else could be seen 
rolling along the street and above the house-tops. Men of iron 
nerves shrank back from the scorching blast which met them. 
Women ran to and fro, wringing their hands and moaning in hys- 
terical grief over the destruction of their liomes. .Men with 
wagons and drays were endeavoring to force their way to the 
Bcene; some were carrying away articles by hand, and everything 
was in uproar and confusion. Just about eleven o'clock the bells 
of St. Alphonsus church began to ring, adding their clangor to the 
noise, and with tlie varied cries from the restless mass of humanity 
in the streets, the shrill whistles and hoarse puffing of the steamers, 
the shouts of the firemen and policemen, and with the deep i-oar of 
the flames, made up a babel of noise that greatly intensified tho 
horror of the scene. By eleven o'clock the flames had sprea<l over 
a large area. Park street, between Lexington and Saratoga, was 
ablaze for its greater portion. Clay street, from Park half way up 
to Howard sti-eet, was wra])])ed in flames, and the fire had bui-nt 
through into Lexington street in three separate places. Scorched 



702 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

and blinded by the intolerable heat, it was almost impossible for 
the brave firemen to go into Park street at all, and the flames 
roared up with such unabated strength that the panic-stricken 
people threw out furniture with reckless haste, unnecessarily 
breaking and damaging it. 

The flames now spread so rapidly in every direction that it is 
impossible to give an account of the progress in the order of time. 
Upon Lexington street the First English Lutheran church was a 
mass of flames, and soon nothing was left of the building but the 
walls. The pastoral residence next door was also greatly damaged 
by the flames. The row of houses between the church and Park 
street were on fire several times, and were greatly damaged. The 
row on the west side of Park street, between Thomas's factory and 
Lexington street, seemed at one time doomed to total destruction, 
but by strenuous eff'orts the firemen were enabled to check the 
flames in this direction. The east side of Park street was burned 
to the ground from the corner of Saratoga street to the building 
on the corner of Lexington and Park streets. At one time the 
Mansard roof of this building was all ablaze, and the flames 
streamed out thi'ough the win,dows of the two upper stories, but 
the firemen were successful in saving it from utter destruction. 
Meanwhile the roof of St. Alphonsus Catholic church took fire 
several times, but the flames were extinguished by men upon the 
roof before they could spread. Its tall spire and glittering cross 
could hardly be seen at times for the clouds of smoke that eddied 
about it, and it was momentarily expected to take fire. Although 
scorched and blistered by the fierce heat, it, howevei", escaped. 

At fifteen minutes before eleven o'clock fire was discovered on 
the roof of the dwelling house on the northeast corner of Mul- 
berry and Park streets, and from the fact that all the steam- 
engines were busily engaged on Clay, Park and Saratoga streets, 
considerable time elapsed before any water could be thrown upon 
the new fire which had broken out at the locality just mentioned, 
and by the time a steam-engine could be dispatched to the place, 
the roofs of six houses were in flames and threatened to extend to 
Cathedral street; but, fortunately, the flames were mastered after 
a hard fight, and the magnificent dwellings on Cathedral street, 
opposite the Cathedral, saved. At the same time a one-story 
structure, connected with the Maryland Univei'sity, under the 
charge of Dr. Dalrymple, situated on Mulberry street opposite, 
was set on fire by embers wafted from Saratoga street and de- 
stroj'ed, and it was with the greatest difficulty that the Academy 
of Art and its costly models, &c., were prevented from sharing the 
same fate. The roof of the academy was on fire so often that the 
greater portion of the shingles had to be removed, and had not a 
large number of gentlemen formed an independent fire brigade and 
battled with the fire upon roofs along Mulberry street, there is no 
estimating when and where the conflagration would have spent its 
fury. 



CHEONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 703 

All this time the flames were spreading rapidly aloni^ the south 
side of Saratoga street from Park to Liberty streets. The Central 
Presbyterian Church was not at first considered to be in very 
great chxnger, as the sparks were not carried in its direction, but 
tiie M'ind shifting, it was now •evident that it could hardly escape 
taking fire. At about one o'clock the tall spire took rii-c in the 
cornice, when a rapid effort was made to remove the furniture. 
Soon after the falling embers ignited the roof, and as soon as the 
flames penetrated the interior of the building they roai'ed through 
the whole edifice with uncontrollable fury. The fine houses on 
the north side of Saratoga street, the residences of A. S. Abell, 
Johns Hopkins, Professor N. R. Smith, Mrs. Cummings, the old 
" W^'att Mansion" — the parsonage of St. Paul's Protestant Epis- 
copal Church — and other prominent citizens, were then in dan- 
gerous proximity to the flames, but owing to the unusual width of 
the street and men stationed upon the roofs with fire-extinguishers, 
they were saved. 

The whole row on the south side of Saratoga street between 
Park and Liberty street was then in flames. The large school 
buildings of the St. Alphonsus Church, extending through from 
Saratoga to Clay streets, were thoroughly possessed by the raging 
fire, and their total destruction was evident. The square between 
Saratoga and Mulberry street is intersected with alleys built up 
with small houses occupied chiefly by negroes. The roofs of these 
houses were momentarily taking fire, and it was only by the stren- 
uous exertions of a number of policemen and some colored men, 
who were not quite unmanned by Irigl^t, that the flames were pre- 
vented from gaining headway. With the fires upon Mulberry and 
Saratoga streets, the frightened denizens of the locality thought 
themselves surrounded with flames, and ran about screaming and 
crying, throwing their furniture into the streets with reckless and 
altogether unnecessary haste, and giving vent to their feelings with 
the characteristic gush and cfl'usion of negroes. The scene was 
terrible, and was enough to strike terror into those whose dwellings 
were in proximity to the fire. It seemed at one time as if the 
flames would cross Liberty street, and the inhabitants of the fine 
row of houses between Liberty and Charles street began to move 
out with great haste. Valuable furniture was piled upon the pave- 
ments, and drays and wagons were removing it as raj)idly as pos- 
sible. Charles street was blockaded with a long procession of 
laden wagons carrying away the goods of the irightencd people. 
At times there would be a complete jam, and there would be the 
greatest uj)roar and confusion before the mass of vehicles was ex- 
tricated. So intense was the heat on Saratoga street whilst the 
]»cople were moving their household eflects, that in one case an 
exjjress wagon used in removing some beilding took fire. It was 
with difliculty the horse was loosed, and then men and l)oys rushed 
with the watron throu^ih the street to the front of a buildiuii, whoso 



704 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

destruction was inevitable, and there let it burn up. All along tbo 
east side of Liberty street the panic-stricken people were endeav- 
orinji; to get out such of their furniture as the_y could remove, for 
the tlames were encroaching upon the row of houses on the west 
side, and were leaping forth so ravenously that they were expected 
to seize the houses upon the east side as well. The firemen woi'ked 
"with the greatest energy, and by their unremitting toil, quite early 
in the afternoon the area in which the fire originated was iinder 
control. In fact the fire had burnt itself out, Park and Clay streets 
being smoking ruins. The fire along Saratoga street was also 
under control, and four houses on the south side near Howard street 
were i:)reserved intact, as well as the house on the southwest corner 
of Park and Saratoga streets. The others were wholly or partially 
destroyed. At a later period the row of houses on the south side 
of Saratoga street, extending from Park to Liberty street, were 
brought under control, but not until the greater portion was in 
shapeless ruins. Standing in Saratoga street, one could look down 
through tottering walls and isolated piles of brick almost to Lex- 
ington street. Clay street was so completely covered with bricks 
that in some places the sidewalks were undistinguishable. The 
row of houses on the north side of Mulberry street, between Park 
and Cathedral streets, was perhaps the last to be extinguished. 

During the progress of the fire the dome of the Cathedral ap- 
peared in the light of a habitable globe. A number of men, at 
great personal risk, exposed themselves on its giddy height, and 
were continuous in their efforts to prevent its taking fire with 
water and wet blankets. ^The escape of the Cathedral from fire 
was in large part due to the exertions of James P. Eock, Mr. 
"Walsh, Gustavus Creamy, Mr. Stack, John McNally, Charles 
Arthur, Alfred Eiep, Sr., and Joseph Miskelly. There were othei's 
whose courage deserves equal praise, but whose names could not 
be ascertained. There were relays of volunteers every half hour 
on the dome, which is covered in part with shingles and partly 
with metal. 

The Central Presbyterian Church was one of the largest struc- 
tures in the city, built of brick, with an imposing square tower, 
large auditorium, and very lately brought into prominence among 
members of the denomination frona all parts of the United States, 
as well as foreign countries, on account of the recent convocation 
within its walls of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian 
Church of the United States. The church was built in 1855 for 
its first pastor, Eev. Stuart Robinson. He was minister up to 
1857. Upon the resignation of his charge to go to Louisville, Ky., 
where he is at present, he was succeeded by Rev. J. E. Peck, D.D., 
who remained up to 1859. Rev. Dr. Peck was succeeded by Rev, 
Silas G. Dunlap, who had charge of the congregation up to 18G1, 
when he was succeeded in his apostolic mission by Rev. Joseph T. 
Smith, D.D., who w\as ordained early in the year 18G2, and who is 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 705 

the present pastor of the clmrch. Tlie elders under Rev. Dr. 
Smith were Dr. James Mcliitire, Wm. Boi^i^s, James Warden, 
Riehard K. Cross, Edward C. Small, and Wm. II. Cole; the dear 
cons, Wm S. Cross, E. J. D. Cross, Archibald McElmole, Harding 
Lon<;cope, Theo. K. Miller, Louis C. Dietch, William lle3'nolds, 
R. il. >[illikin. and Henry G. Tj-son. The oriij;inal cost of the 
church was §70,000, exclusive of the organ, built in 18U3 by Henry 
Erben of New Yorlc, at a cost of $2500. 

At eight o'clock P. M. the weary firemen ceased from their 
labors, ami went to their quai'ters. For eight hours they fought 
the flames with steady fortitude, and not a few fell to the ground 
overpowered by the heat. Many acts of heroism were quietly 
perforioi'd which will go unrecorded. Infirm persons were car- 
ried from burning buildings, and no doubt many lives were saved 
by these gallant men ; but all their most praiseworthy acts are 
performed in the regular line of duty, and the outside world knows 
nothing of them. On the 25th of July they did a most noble 
day's work, especially when the limited means are considered 
which they ha<i to use in the accomplishment of the results as 
illustrated, and proves the Baltimore fire departmtmt equal, if not 
superior, to any in the world. This excellent department of our 
city government was under tho charge of a board of fii'e commis- 
sioners, fonsisting of John S. Hogij, Thomas W. Campbell, James 
Logan, Edwin L. Jones, and George F. Thompson, with Joiin S. 
Hogg as president, and Thomas W. Campbell as secretary, Henry 
Spilman chief engineer, George W. Ellender assistant engineer, 
John -Nf. Hennick assistant engineer. The jiolice department, 
under the charge of Marslial Gray and Deputy Marshal Frej', also 
deserve great credit for the manner in which they saved furniture, 
household goods, and in some cases human life. During the pro- 
gress of the fire many of the citizens carried ice-water, lemonade, 
and other refreshments to the nearly exhausted firemen and police, 
but Mes>«r8. Richard H. Snowden and Charles McCoy deserve 
special mention. 

General R. H. Carr, commanding general of the second brigade 
M. N. G., soon after the fire gained headwa}', issued the following 
order: " Headquarters Second Briga<ie M. N. G, Baltimore, July 
25th. 1S73. Special orders No. 9. Col. Clarence Peters, com- 
mandinLC sixth regiment infantry M. N. G., will hohi his command 
in readiness to assist the police commissioners in case they should 
need his services for the purpose of ])rotecting propert}' from 
depred.iiion. R. H. Carr, Brevet Major-Geiieral. Thomas J. 
McKaiij. .Jr., Colonel an<l Chief of Stall"." 

In compliance with (his order Col. Peters issued the following: 
"Headquarters Sixth Reginn-nt Infantry, M. N. G. Baltimore, 
July 25th, 1873. General orders No. 11. In accordance with 
specijil order No. 9, headquarters secoml brigade, this command 
will assemble at the armory on this Friday evening at 8 o'clock, 
45 



706 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

fully armed and equipped for duty. By order Clarence Peters, 
Colonel Commanding. (Official.) A. J. O'Connor, Acting Ad- 
jutant." 

In accordance with the order a large number of the command 
assembled at the armory, but it was not found necessary to call 
upon them for assistance, and after remaining there until about 9 
o'clock they were dismissed. About fifty-five policemen were on 
duty during the night in the burnt district, for the purpose of pro- 
tecting the pi'operty, and keeping persons from ajDproaching too 
near the crumbling walls. 

At 11.50 A. M., when the magnitude of the conflagration was 
fully anticipated, a dispatch was promptly forwarded to Washing- 
ton asking for help, as follows : " To the Chief Engineer Wash- 
ington City Fire Department : Send every spare engine and car- 
riage here immediately. Henry Spilman, Chief Engineer." This 
message on reaching Washington city was delivered to Martin 
Cronin, chief of the fire department, and in one hour's time en- 
gines Nos. 2 and 3 fully equipped, and having with them a com- 
pound pipe, arrived at the Camden street depot, under charge of 
the chief of the Washington fire department, assisted by the presi- 
dent of the board of fire commissioners and Commissioner Joseph 
Williams. The distance from Washington to Baltimore was made 
in thirty-nine minutes. Chief Cronin at once reported to Chief 
Spilman of the Baltimoi'e fire department, who placed engine No. 
3 on Pleasant street below Charles, and No. 2 on Liberty below 
Lexington street, and they immediately commenced work on the 
buildings near Liberty and Saratoga streets, doing efficient and 
valuable service. The officers and members of engine company 
No. 2, the Franklin, were Charles Hurdle, foreman; John Sinclair, 
Samuel Dawes, Samuel Picks, Hugh Myers, Philip Meredith, Wm. 
Hunt. The officers of No. 3, the Columbian, were James Lowe, 
foreman ; Daniel Barron, Jasper Smith, Michael Kane, Walter Cox, 
Francis Lewis, Conrad Kaufman, Lewis Low (representative of 
No. 1 truck Washington), John Fisher, F. P. Blair, James Frazier, 
L, T. Folansbee (exempt.) Each company had their horses, hose- 
carriages, and 900 feet of hose. The locomotive which accom- 
plished the extraordinary feat of running forty-two miles in thirty- 
nine minutes was No. 413, and was in charge of Samuel Buckey, 
engineer. The train consisl/cd of three gondolas and one pas- 
senger coach, Captain Wm. Bines, conductor, and all in charge of 
Col. Koontz, agent for the railroad at Washington. 

Soon after the news was received in Philadelphia that a lai'ge 
fire was raging in Baltimoi'e, the chief engineer of the fire depart- 
ment of that city sent the following dispatch : " H. Spilman, chief 
engineer of the Baltimore fire department. I have four full com- 
panies at your service. Do you need them ? Wm. H. Johnson." 
The following reply was received from Baltimore : " Wm. H. John- 
son, chief engineer of the Philadeli)hia fire department. Many 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 707 

thanks for your kindness ; the fire is under control ; no use for more 
engines. H. Spilman." The Philadelphia, Wilmington and Bal- 
timore ilailroad gave notice that they had made preparations for 
the transportation of fire-engines in case they were needed, H. 
F. Kenney, of the P. W. and B. R. li., telegraphed three times to 
the acting Maj^or Greenfield, of Baltimore, offering the use of that 
railroad. He said he could run fast extras with engines and fire- 
men, if the Mayor of Baltimore said so, putting them in Baltimore 
in less than two hours. Telegrams from the authorities of York, 
Harrisburg, Alexandria, Martinsburg, tendering aid in the way of 
fire-apparatus, were also received. Major Richards, of Washing- 
ton, telegraphed, tendering to Marshal Gray the services of a por- 
tion of the Washington police force. The officers of the Northern 
Central Railroad Company sent their emplo^'ees at the Bolton 
shops down to the scene to render assistance, and the employees 
of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Company were held in readi- 
ness at the Mount Clare shops, and would have been sent if they 
had been needed. 

The City Council met informally on Friday night, July 25th, 
in accordance with a call from acting Mayor Greenfield (Ma3'or 
Joshua Vansant on a visit from the city), and appointed the fol- 
lowing committee to relieve those who were made destitute by the 
fire : Messrs Seim, Conn and Giff'ord, of the First Branch, and 
Messrs. Sommerlock, White and Ford, of the Second Branch. Res- 
olutions of thanks were passed to those cities who had tendered 
assistance. The following was received from Mayor Alexander, of 
Columbia, S. C. 

Columbia, S. C, Jvhj 26th, 1873. To his Honor the acting 
Mayor of Baltimore : — We have heard of your calamity b}' tele- 
graph this morning. How can we aid you ? The people of Colum- 
bia will come to the aid of Baltimore in an}- way in their power. 
Answer. Joun Alexander, Mayor. 

To the above Mayor Vansant (who had returned to the city) 
sent the following: 

Mavok's Office, City Hall, Baltimore, July 26th, 1873. To 
his Honor the Mayor of Columbia, S. C. : — Your telegram tender- 
ing aid of your noble people, on account of our disaster of yesterday, 
is received, for which you have our grateful appreciation. From 
appearances we will not require aid Irom our sister cities. I will 
write to you by mail. Joshua Vansant, Mayor. 

In the official roport of Charles T. HoUoway, Fire Inspector, it 
is learned that 113 buildings were destroyed, as follows : 2 clnii-tlK's, 
3 two-story and attic brick houses, G4 three-story brick houses, 18 
four-story brick houses, 1 two-story frame house, 1 three-story 
frame house, 1 one-story brick house, making in all 113. These 
buildings were occupied as follows: Mills, 2; silk factory, 1; car- 



708 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

penter shops, 4 ; stables, 4 ; carvers, tobacconists and segar manu- 
facturers, 3 ; tailors, 4; cabinet-makers, 3 ; school-houses, 3; marble 
worker, 1; painters, 2; sewing machine agency, 1; dress-makers, 
2 ; shoemakers and shoe dealers, 6 ; machine shop, 1 ; restaurants, 
4; tin-smitli, 1; grocery, 2; coal-oflSce, 1; plumbers and gasfiiters, 
2; housefurnishing, 1; office, 1; boarding-houses, 3; hat and 
bonnet factory, 1 ; hair-dresser, 1 ; academy of art, 1 ; university, 
1 ; watchmaker, 1 ; confectioner, 1 ; leather dealer, 1. These build- 
ings, with the exception of 17, were also occupied as dwellings. 
It is estimated the loss will amount to about $750,000, with in- 
surance for about one-third of the amount. 

About half-past two o'clock on Wednesday morning, September 
10th, a fire broke out from the rear upper portion of the Holliday 
Street Theatre, and rapidly spreading, soon involved the entire 
structure. Soon after the alarm was sounded the fire-steamers 
began rushing to the scene; but before they could get to work 
upon the building, the flames burst out and illuminated the whole 
centre of the city, and sparks were showered through the air over 
the buildings for many squares around. The Avind was blowing 
gently at the time, in a southwesterly direction, and a most dis- 
astrous fire seemed imminent ; but through well-directed exertions 
of the firemen and citizens, who rushed to the scene with alacrity, 
only four buildings were burned. The roofing of the City College 
buildings or old " Assembly Kooms " adjoining, took fire soon after 
the flames burst from the theatre, and that structure was soon in 
flames, and came very neai-ly sharing the fate of the theatre. The 
St. Nicholas Hotel, on the north of the theatre, was also on fire, 
and a number of buildings in the rear of the burning structures. 
The fire tlireatened at one time to consume the best and most 
closely-built part of the business centre of Baltimore. 

The Hon. T. Parkin Scott, Chief Judge of the Supreme Bench 
of this city, died on Momlay, October 13Lh, in the 70th year of his 
age. He was possessed of high abilities as a lawyer, and was much 
respected for his groat probity of character. 

Ishmael Day died on Saturday, December 28th. 

At a quarter past two o'clock on Friday morning, December 
12th, the New American Theatre, known to old residents as the 
Baltimore Museum, at the northwest corner of Baltimore and Cal- 
vert streets, belonging to the estate of the late Judge John Glenn, 
and his son Mr. W. W. Glenn, was discovered on fire, and in a short 
time was destroyed. The fire was first seen issuing from the 
Bouthwest corner of the fourth story of the old Museum, and being 
located in the air as it were, the fire department had considerable 
difficulty in ari-anging hose so as to have full play upon the flames. 
Inside of thirty minutes, however, the flames were under complete 
control, when all apprehensions of a disastrous conflagration passed 
away. The only plausible solution as to the origin of the fire is 
that it resulted from carelessness on the part of some of Mr. 
Howe's company connected with the theatre. 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 709 

Johns Hopkins, Esq., died on Wednesday mornini^, December 
24th, in the 79th year of his ai^e. Mi". Il()j)lvins was boi-n in Anne 
Arundel County, Maryland, on the 19th day of Ma}', 1795. Ilia 
father was Samuel HojjUins of this county, and his mother was Han- 
nah Janne}' Hopkins, of the well-known Tucker-Janney Caniily, of 
Loudoun County, Vir<^inia. Samuel Hopkins was descended from an 
English Quaker family of respectability, and emigrated with five 
brothers soon after the colonization of Mar3'land. In his boy- 
hood Mr. Johns Hopkins received a moderate education, and 
worked upon his father's farm until 1812. When in his eight/- 
eenth j'ear he came to Baltimore to engage in commercial pursuits. 
He entered the counting-room of his uncle, Gerald T. Hopkins, a 
well-known grocery merchant. He displayed an extraordinary 
industry and energy, and in a short time he had mastered the de- 
tails of the business. In 1819 Mr. Hopkins, in conne<'tion with 
Benjamin P. Moore, estaldished the grocery house of Hopkins & 
Moore. The young merchants had no cash capital, but the repu- 
tation Mr. Hopkins had already earned as a young man of enter- 
prise, energ}' and honor, stood with the firm in place of money. 
This partnership was dissolved in 1822, and Johns Hopkins took 
with him two j'ounger brothers, and established a business under 
the firm name of Hopkins & Brothers, in a frame house at the 
corner of Pratt and HoUingsworth streets. The business of the 
firm was rajiidly developed, principally with the Valley of Virginia, 
where the firm had large family connections. After his retire- 
ment from business life the most remarkable portion of his career 
commenced. With large means at his disposal, he made judicious 
investments, which soon gave him a leading place as a capitalist. 
The Rialto Building, on Second street, at the corner of HoUiday, 
is a monument to him. and immense warehouses were daring his 
life erected by him. He was connected with nearly all the great 
enterprises that have marked the history of Baltimore. In 
1847 he became a director in the Baltimore and Ohio Ilailroad 
Company, and took an active part in its management up to the 
time of his death. In 1854 he was appointed chairman of the 
finance committee, which jjosition he always held. Prior to 1857, 
when the company' was embarrassed by the monetary didiculiies 
of the country and internal dissensions, and was unable to provide 
in due season lor the heavy obligations imposed upon it by the ex- 
tension of the road, he voluntarily endorsed the notes of the com- 
pany, pledging his private Ibrtune to its support, and thus sus- 
tained the credit of the company and insured the completion and 
Buccess of the roa<i. He jjossessed from 15.000 to 17,000 shares of 
its stock, with an actual market value of §3,000.000. His interest 
was (Mily exceede<l by that held by the State of Maryland and city 
of Baltimore. During the j)anic in the fall of 1873 he again came 
to the ashistance of the road, and fui-iiishcd it with over 8900,000 
in cash, by which it paid its interest in cash, while other great 



710 CHEONICLES OF BALTIMOEE. 

roads were paying in certified checks or in scrip. Necessarily his 
connection with various banks in Baltimore was very large, and it 
maybe said that he controlled them. His judgment was so good and 
his interests so large as to make his voice all-powerful with them. 
He was for many years president of the Merchants' Bank, and a 
director in the First National, in the Mechanics', Central, National 
Union, Citizens', and the Farmers and Planters'. He was a large 
stockholder in many of the banks of this city, as well as in a 
number in Virginia. All enterprises appealed to him for aid, and, 
ever mindful. of the prosperity ol Baltimore, he assisted with his 
means. He was treasurer of the Republic Life Insurance Com- 
pany of Chicago, director of the Baltimore Warehouse Company, 
director of the Merchants' Mutual Marine Insurance Comi)any, a 
large stockholder in the George's Creek Coal Company and in the 
Merchants' and Miners' Transportation Company. The latter 
company have one of their steamers named after him. On the re- 
ceipt of the news of the great panic of 1873 at his office in the 
Commercial Building, corner of Lombai"d and Gay streets, he be- 
came somewhat excited, and he saw at once the serious character 
of the financial trouble, and exclaimed, " This is a tornado! " By 
the time the clearing-house met on the afternoon of the panic he 
had made up his mind what to do, and he gave some of his 
strength and confidence to each member of that important and 
financial body. He said that he could put his shoulder to the 
wheel, that he held $2,000,000 of commercial paper, and had large 
investments, all of which were aff'ected by the unexpected crisis, 
but he would devote his money and his influence to avert the 
panic from the business community of Baltimore. This he was 
able to do, and he was the only single man that could have done 
it. He started the next morning to carry out his object, and 
after his money was exhausted, he loaned his name, which was as 
good as a bank-note, and in many instances he charged nothing 
for it. He thus prevented a panic like that Avhich swept New 
York and other cities, bringing disaster to commerce, to me- 
chanical and all other kinds of industries. 

Mr. Hopkins was a Quaker, without being a professed member 
of any church. He dressed in the plainest fashion ; was tall in 
stature, with a slight stoop in the shoulders, with a plain and 
wrinkled face, but a not unkindly eye. He was brief in his con- 
versation, but to the point. He was of a quick mind and temper- 
ament, and when he came to a determination it was difficult to get 
him to change it. He was honest, industrious, generous and liberal. 
In his will he endowed to the amount of about $6,000,000 the fol- 
lowing institutions : A university at Clifton (his countiy residence), 
with a law, medical, classical, and agricultural school. A free 
hospital in the city of Baltimore for four hundred patients, com- 
plete in all its appointments and departments, for the reception 
and treatment of the indigent sick of Baltimore and its vicinity, 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 711 

and in special cases of casualty for the people of the State gene- 
rally, without respect to age, sex or color. The hospital will form 
a part of the medical school at Clifton. A convalescent hospital 
in a countr}" neighborhood, Avithin easy reach of the city, to which 
patients from the free hospitals may be removed as soon as relieved 
of their maladies, and where they may completely recruit their 
strength and vigor before returning to their customary labors. An 
enclosure of the thirteen acres of the hosi)ital as in part a free 
park to all who choose to enter it ; a low stone wall will surround it, 
surmounted by iron railings, and the grounds are to be gradc<i, 
laid otf into walks, and ornamented with trees and shrubs and 
parterres of flowers, with seats for rest, and sprinkling fountains. 
In connection with the hospital a training school for nurses will be 
established, in accordance with the plans of Florence Nightingale. 
Such nurses are to be paid out of the trust funds, and will be per- 
mitted, after becoming (skilled in their duties, to exercise their pro- 
fession, wherever their services ma}^ be engaged, among the gene- 
ral community. A home for colored orphans and for colored chil- 
dren having but one parent, and in exceptional cases for such 
colored children not orphans as might be in need of charit}'. The 
Home is to be in Baltimore County, and is designed to accommodate 
about four hundred inmates, and to be enlarged when nocessary. 
Messrs. Lewis Hopkins, Galloway Cheston, Francis T. King and 
Charles J. M. Gwinn are his executors. His estate is estimated to 
be aboat §10,000,000. 

The following very prominent and worthy citizens died at 
the tlates given : Mr. Noah Walker, Monday, February 2d; Horatio 
L. Whitridge, Wednesda}', February 11th ; Hon. Robert Fowler, 
Tuesday, March 3d ; Judge Bolivar D. Danels, Sunday, March 1st. 

The harbor of Baltimore penetrates the heart of the city, from 
which the ground rises slowly for distances var3'ing from one 
hundred to one thousand j'ards, then rapidly into successive 
heights, forming an amphitheatre with views from each tier in- 
creasing in beauty as it ascends, until the city, the harbor, the 
river, the bay, the surrounding country, sjireading out their vary- 
ing features, present a scene of beauty si'hlom surpassed by the 
seats of commerce in the old or new world. Baltimore is one of 
the best built cities in the country. Its churches, libraries, hotels, 
theatres, educational institutions, including the University of 
Mar^'land, a law school, tvvo schools of medicine, with inlirmarios 
attached, are altogether consistent with its commanding position 
as one of the great centres of American trade and commerce. Its 
system of public schools is admitted to be of the best. At a cost 
of 8400,000 in 1809, it sustained 119 schools, with 558 teachers and 
24,000 scholars, in all grades, fi-om ])rimary to college, in houses 
which, for convenience and hi'althtulncss of arrangtuncnt, answer 
the most fastidious requirements. Its churches, embra<'itig every 
denomination, number 191, many of them of tino archilccturul * 



712 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

beauty. The buildings occupied by the United States and State 
and City governments compare favorably with those of other 
cities, and the magnificent new City Hall of marble is scarcely in- 
ferior to any structure in the country, except the Capitol at Wash- 
ington, whilst its splendid monuments of marble have given it 
the name and compliment of the "Monumental City." Nor have 
pleasure and health been neglected ; eleven parks purify the air 
and invite the people to their shades. No park in America vies, 
we believe, with the hundreds of acres of woodland and lawn, hill 
and dale, of our exquisite "Druid Hill." The cent contribution of 
every citizen or sojourner who rides in our City Passenger I'ail cars, 
suffices to pay for and support this life-giving lung of our metro- 
polis. The visions of Canton Company stock speculators of over 
thirty years ago, though not entirely realized, are still demon- 
strated to have been more than " baseless fabrics" by the wharves, 
factories, dwellings, and hum of business covering the once vacant 
spaces at the base of those eastern hills which are now crested 
with the groves and avenues of Patterson Park. There is no 
longer the stir of ship-building on Fell's Point, but it has only 
changed quarters for the shores of Federal Hill and Locust Point, 
on the southern side of the basin and harbor. There, too, a fresh 
town has sprung up on the "Whetstone Peninsula," with long lines 
of paved streets, houses, public buildings, quays, coal-wharves, and 
extensive piers and fire-proof warehouses for the European 
steamers from Bremen and England, connected with the Baltimore 
and Ohio railroad. Still onward the city stretches, over the pen- 
insula to the Middle Branch and Fort McHenry on the south and 
east, and on the west threatens still to include " Moale's Point" 
in the city's limits, in spite of the denunciations of that ancestor 
of the family who in 1729 refused his lands for the site of the future 
metropolis. Northwestwardly and westwardly, northwardly and 
eastwardly, the city has run out its streets and avenues ; the lorest 
has been felled, the hills as well as the level gi-ounds are now 
covered with substantial improvements, slowly but securely won 
by the patient, unostentatious accretions of wealth and people 
during the last forty years. Large numbers of private, 171- 
dividndl houses (not vast and crowded lodging houses) have been 
built for and are occupied by the working classes, demonstrating 
the demand for, as well as the recompense of, labor in our com- 
munity. The old "Howard's Park" is filled with residences and 
public buildings of a richer character, in substantial comfort and 
taste comparing favorably with the dwelling-quarters of more 
boastful capitals. The observer of this busy and beautiful scene 
from the top of the "Washington Monument," in the centre of 
these luxurious dwellings, whence the whole panorama of Balti- 
more is distinctly visible, now beholds a magnificent city nestling 
under the sheltering slopes around the head-waters of the branches 
of the Patapsco, where our ancestors planted themselves so confi- 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 713 

dently one hundred and forty-five years ago. From the still 
•wooded heights north of the Northei-n Boundary avenue, to the 
•waters of tlie basin and across the peninsula to the Middle Branch, 
the space is densely packed, quite four miles in -w'idth, with solid 
improvements, while ti-oni Canton and Fell's Point on the east, to 
the House of liefu«i;e aiid i)ruid Hill Park on the west and north- 
"west, seven or ei^ht miles in lenf>;th, the substantial buildiuifs are 
centrallv quite as dense, and only scattering in parts of the ex- 
treme outskirts. 

" The city of Baltimore, though its prosperity suffered from the 
civil war, still had certain jiartial com))eiisations in the increased 
knowledge obtained by our countrymen of its geographical im- 
portance, of the value of Maryland lands, streams and mines, 
as well as in the temporary depot trade in military 6up])lie8 and 
troop transportation. But the war stopped the great trade of 
Baltimore with the South, and broke the citj''8 connection with 
the West. Since the conflict ended the revival of this suspended 
prosperity has been steady and firm ; nor can any one observe our 
thronged streets, our crowded cars, our packed vans, the gay 
crowfis of pleasure-seekers in our parks, the wide-awake, healthy 
alacrity of our people at all tinges, the rows of comfortable houses 
built and building in eveiy direction, without being aware of Balti- 
more's substantial growth. Prior to 1820 we were rich from 
foreign and domestic trade, combined and nearly monopolized in 
Baltimore. We are now endeavoring to re-assert our lost sujiremacy 
mainly through the continuation and increase of the internal im- 
provement system. 

" Before the days of sea-going and ocean-crossing steamers, it 
•was objected to Baltimore that it was not a seaport, being at the 
end of two hundred miles of inland navigation ; and it was replied 
that London, PaiMs, Antwerp, Bremen, i)res<len, Berlin, and Ham- 
burg, the great European trade cities, and Amsterdam, the great 
financial centre of the continent, were not seaports. But since the 
era of sea-going steamei-s, the geographical I'act is of no appre- 
ciable practical importance, the veliicle of transportation being 
continuous. And so we return to tiie great founders of Baltimore, 
in 172!), that in tru»h it is the oritjinal and natural terminus of 
internal A/neriran trade on the Atlantic seahoard, indicated by the 
geography of the country. The canal ami railway companies, in- 
corporated over fifty years ago, have been and are still striving to 
demonstrate this. Their siu-cess in sustaining the city amid all 
the rivalries of trade, of competing States and cities, amid the 
disasters of war, with the small ca|)ital of a comparative!}- small 
State and small city exclusively, has been marvellous; yet 
that they have succeeded under all such di.scouragements and 
disadvantages, is proof of the soundness of their basis : the 
central anil national .supremacy of Baltimore, it was froin H:dtimoro 
town, in colonial utul anle-revolulionary days, that the tra<iing ad- 



714 CHEONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

venturers, soldiers, or pioneers, set forth when they went west- 
ward, wending their way by Fort Cumberland until they pene- 
trated the wilderness, with their long trains of pacl^-horses, 
(before the days of wagons) bearing luxuries into the forest, to be 
exchanged for the peltries which were then almost the only circu- 
lating medium of the region. Maryland, lying like a wedge 
between Pennsylvania and Virginia, and having in its centre 
another wedge in its magnificent bay and river, whose affluents 
penetrated its extreme northwestern corner, afforded the easiest 
levels for a channel of trade for passing the mountains and reach- 
ing the navigable waters of the Ohio, then almost the outer 
boundary of civilized men. Thus our State became the chief re- 
cognized line of travel, and our town the chief depot between the 
Atlantic slopes and shores and the valleys beyond the Alleghany 
range. Historically, as well as geographicall}'', Baltimore is, there- 
fore, to be reckoned the earliest commercial ally of the West. It 
was certainly so in the days when Braddock and Washington 
pursued the line we have indicated, towards Fort Pitt or Fort 
Du Quesne ; and also in periods when the common interests and 
common-sense of men pointed out a ti\ail for trade, independently 
of all extraneous rivah'ies or influences. It continued so, indeed, 
till the opening of the Mississippi by steam navigation, and until 
the establishment of the New York Canal. 

"The geographical fact still remains — immutable. All the ai't, 
all the ingenuity, all the capital of other States and cities, are un- 
able to change the surface of the earth, or their relative situation 
on it. They have been unable to destroy the great truth that Bal- 
timore is not only the natural depot of American continental trade, 
but also the central point of the seaboard Union in instantaneous 
intercourse with the national capital, and that its great Western 
railway is the shortest, directest, and, of coui'se, most economical 
communication between the West and the sea. A glance at any 
skeleton map of the United States, on which the great railways 
are truthfully laid down, will show this. It will be seen that while 
Boston, New York and Philadelphia stretch out their iron arms 
longingly to the West, every grasp they make drags commodities 
over a longer road, and of course at greater cost. 

" While seeking central communications westwardly, we have 
not been unmindful that there were northern lands and lakes and 
mines which might contribute to our and the South's prosperity 
and convenience. Accordingly we have threaded the Susquehanna 
with a canal and a road, which places Lake Brie nearer to Balti- 
more than to New York or Philadelphia. Our communications 
with the North and East and their connections are perfect through 
the Philadelphia, Wilmington and Baltimore Eailroad, the Western 
Maryland, and through the Northern Central Eailway, whose con- 
necting lines at Harrisburg, Williamsport and elsewhere throw 
into its power the products, not only of Western New York and 



CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 715 

Western Pennsylvania, but of the northwestern lake and prairie 
country of our Union. By the Baltimore and Ohio Eailroud we 
are linked inseparably with all sections, under the alliances and 
sj'Stems inaugurated through the masterly administration of Pres- 
ident Garrett. These roads and connections [together with the 
Baltimore and Potomac under the able management of President 
ex-Governor Oden Bowie] link our city by direct and regular in- 
tercourse with Washington, Richmond, and the affiliated southern 
roads penetrating Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, 
Georgia and Louisiana. Through Harper's Ferry and Winchester 
we penetrate the Valley of Virginia, and will shortly make com- 
plete southern connections in that direction. Thi'ough Grafton wo 
wend northwardly to Wheeling or westwardly to Parkersburg; 
from the latter striking straight forward to St. Louis and its con- 
necting Pacific Railroad ; and from the latter, uniting with that 
griddle of railwaj's which checkers Ohio, Indiana, Michigan and 
Illinois and the far Northwest. The Connellsville and Pittsburgh 
connection with our Baltimore and Ohio road has opened a great 
line of travel ; and will continue to do so, especially when the in- 
dependent Baltimore, Pittsburgh and Chicago road is finished. 
This line will be the shortest, cheapest, and most direct from the 
Northwest to tide water. New York has been hitherto held as 
the objective point of Chicago on the Atlantic; but by this line, 
Baltimore, now a first-class port, will be one hundred and fifty-two 
miles closer to Chicago than by the average distances of the exist- 
ing lines used to New York. By the New York Central road 
from Chicago to New York, it is 185 miles further than from 
Chicago to Baltimo/*e ; by the New York and Erie, 16G miles ; and 
by the Allentown route the distance is 104 miles greater to New 
York than by the new route from Chicago to our city. From 
Louisville to Baltimore the distance through Cincinnati is 696 
miles, or 291 less than to New York by the Ohio and Mississippi 
and New York and Erie lines, and 209 less than to New York by 
the New York Central, and 15.5 less than by the Allentown route 
of the Pennsylvania road. Through the Ohio and Mississippi 
road to Cincinnati, and the Marietta and Cincinnati road thence, 
the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad presents a line 210 miles less in 
distance to Baltimore from St. Louis than the average distance by 
the three trunk lines used from St. Louis to New York. The Bal- 
timore and Ohio Company now controls and works, under a perma- 
nent lease, the Central Ohio road from iiellairo on the Ohio river 
to Columbus the capital of the State; and it has also a line which 
extends from Newark on its Central Ohio division to Sandusky on 
the lake. The now lines of the Baltimore and Ohio road in con- 
nection with its Metropolitan branch from the Point of Rocks, re- 
duce the distance from Pittsburgh to Washington city, as compared 
with the route via Ilarrisburg, fidl seventy-five miles. 

" Shortened distance is, of course, a main element of transpor- 



716 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

tation ; Viut facility for transfer and cheapness of handling are 
not the least of the material advantages sought for in the compe- 
titions of commerce. The establishment of the Locust Point piers 
and warehouses has shown the wisdom and foresight with which 
our great railway has been directed. This is, at once, a depot on 
deep water for coal, and also a depot for freight and passengers, 
reached without change of cars from any part of the country. 
The coal is delivered in the hold from the original vehicle of trans- 
portation ; and the landed emigrant mounts the car for his western 
home without delay, or a dollar's cost for the movement of his 
baggage, or danger' of the impositions practised in other cities by 
the greedy runners of rival railways. 

" But the main purpose of this great Locust Point depot and 
pier — 650 feet long and 100 feet wide, covered with fire-proof 
warehouses — is the accommodation of the Clyde-built steamers 
at this marine terminus of the Baltimore and Ohio Kailroad. It 
was believed until within a few years that New York alone could 
maintain lines of steamers to Europe. The trials made by the 
Baltimore and Ohio Company of a small class of these vessels in- 
duced more extensive experiments. Accordingly two first-class 
steamships, of 2,500 tons burthen, were built and put on the sea 
between Bremen and this port, and in less than a year it was 
found necessary to double the line; and so successful had the 
attempt proved, that when the new stock was offered for the addi- 
tional capital required, the astute merchants of Bremen, who en- 
tirely comprehended the advantages of Baltimore, offered sub- 
scriptions ior forty times the sum desired, so that the apportion- 
ment of the stock made but two and a half per centum upon the 
subscriptions asked for. Another line for Liverpool is necessary 
and organizing. The great ocean steamers of New York are sup- 
plied with coal carried by the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, and 
shipped from Baltimore. The cost of transportation hence to 
New York is $2.50 per ton; and as our Baltimore steamers in 
their voyage hence to Bremen consume 800 tons, they, conse- 
quently, save two thousand dollars on each voyage as compared with 
New York. Accordingly, it is not surprising to see that we have 
in addition to our railroad facilities and our Bremen or Liverpool 
steamers regular lines of steam packets to Norfolk, Petersburg, 
Richmond, Va., Wilmington, N. C, Charleston, Savannah, Key 
West, Havana, Galveston, and New Orleans. We have also most 
successful lines of steamers by canal and ocean to Philadelphia, 
New York, and Boston, and to all parts of our own bay and rivers. 
The old established ' Bay Line ' of steamers is most important 
and successful in its connections with the railways of the South, 
thusfieeding Baltimore with large sujiplies of staples, and sending 
back important cargoes of commodities purchased in our city. 
Our northern railway's are suflliciently known, while those in con- 
nection with Washington and New York are now especially es- 



CHR0MCLE8 OF BALTIMORE. 717 

teemed by the thousands who yearly use them, for the case and 
security of the transportation. 

" These rail and water communications, with the vast a<lvan- 
tages they have by comparative cheapness of fuel and facility for 
its reception, have certainly added largely since the laLc war to 
the commerce of Baltimore. Two facts ai'e striking. When the 
Baltimore and Ohio Kailroad was chartered in 1827, the whole 
wealth of the city is estimated to have been scarcely more than 
about seventeen millions of dollars. The assessed value of real and 
personal estate for taxation in the city in 1870 is $207,181,550; 
while, under the influence of improved business connections, the 
revenue of the railroad has increased from 8300,000 j)er month 
to $1,000,000! The New York importer of coffee sends his ship 
to Baltimore to avail of its lower port charges and superior 
and economical facilities for transport.ition. 'i'he city has liberally 
fostered the road by furnishing it riparian rights on deep water, 
and hence the company was enabled to build its wharf's, piers, and 
warehouses, and to furnish without cost to European steamers 
those admirable advantages we have described, by which sagacious 
course the wealth of Baltimore has been augmented b}- many mil- 
lions in the course of the last ten years. It has re-establislied not 
only our western internal trade, hut effectually reinitiated a lucra- 
tive foreign commerce, large and varied importations being now 
made through Baltimore for the Ohio and Mississippi valleys. 

" Baltimore is nearest the North, nearest the South, nearest 
the West in fact, so central on the seaboard as to be nearest all 
classes of industry and of production. It is nearest the manufac- 
turer of the North, the agricultural producer of the West and 
South, the speculator and jnirchaser of Europe and the West Indies, 
and of purchasers everywhere. When our great road shall Ix; ])ro- 
longed to the Pacific Ocean [which was accomplished in Mai-eh, 
187-i] b}' the contemplated routes, partially in progress, near the 
40lh ]iarallel of latitude, it will become the central belt of North 
America, the twin-clasps of which must be San Francisco and Bal- 
timore." 

In drawing to the close of this volume, by the same pen yet 
wet with wliat the author and com|)iler has chronicled the latest 
events of moment of the passing year which mark the cit3''s life, 
he asks, of a liberal and discriminating public, indulgence and 
allowance for the imperfections and shortcomings in his work. 
Through a labyrinth of difficulties in the laborious and wide field 
of research which such a subject as he has treated necessarily em- 
braces, he has threaded his way to the consummation of his task, 
endeavoring, at every step, faithfully to gather up and bind to- 
gether, in tbrm and manner as ap|)etirs, the sheaves of hist(»ry. If 
much has been misMed by the way, or if rudely and clumsily the 
ground has been gone over, after-gleaners, doubtless, will coinplcto 
the work which an eye, a hand and a judgment less skilled thaa 



718 CHRONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 

theirs may have failed thoroughly to accomplish ; and whatever 
the deficienciee and defects in the book, the author trusts that 
some compensation for the same, in the balance of differences, shall 
have been found in the mere amount of historical information, old 
and new, collected and condensed from a thousand different 
sources, and outspread in single and convenient shape. To many, 
the numerous extracts and quotations from various writers will 
have been a reintroduction, so to speak, to dear and familiar 
friends — not the less pleasing, perhaps, that they are thus found 
side by side in the same company harmonizing to a useful end. 
Of the more recent writers from whom the author has ft-eely 
quoted, none seem to him to have supplied so exhaustive and so 
fresh an account of Baltimore as Mr. Brantz Mayer, in his sketch, 
in the late book " Baltimore, historical, biographical." But from 
first to last, one and all who have touched upon the subject have 
furnished in greater or lesser degree, something of value ; and all 
have been culled from without stint, and judiciously, it is hoped. 

To the reader who may have gone over these pages, standing 
if he should to-day on the quay at Locust Point, or the parapet of 
Fort McHenry, looking forth, two pictures will arise — one, in the 
mind's eye before him down the distant past, the other visible to 
the eye of the body, looming up and outstretching in the living 
present, — pictures striking by their contrasts through time and 
change, and by their intermingled presence exciting varied emotions 
and reflections. In one instant, as it were, the old wilderness is 
here with unbroken wastes around, and untroubled waters — save 
by the birch-canoe. In another, sweeps the living moving pano- 
rama of the life that is. In one, the eye scans, afar, the faint, 
white sail of Captain John Smith slowly creeping up through the 
then wide unknown, with scant, adventurous crew — in another, it 
beholds the giant ocean steamer freighted with its thousand souls, 
breasting with a new, a master-power the now familiar scene, la 
one instant, looking over the shoulder of Captain Smith, the eye 
follows his skilled hand, outlining with extraordinary precision 
land and water, and fixing names on that most accurate and now 
historical " mappe," the fii'st ever draughted of the region here- 
about. In another, lifting up, it beholds the fiery smoke-stacks 
and furnaces of the Abbott and other iron-works in full blast and 
view, and the indented earth around with its opening stores of the 
raw material which supply these works — recognizing by the 
double glance both the sagacity of the great explorer in naming 
the now familiar Patapsco " Bolus," as he did, predicting in that 
original and appropriate name the presence of the precious metal 
in its banks — and the proof of that sagacity and prediction in the 
resonant hammers, clinking picks and belching flues around. 

Other figures in the foreground of the past break on the view, 
following in the wake of the first fearless explorer, and seeking the 
head waters here — first, Lord Baltimore, the fortunate and favored 



OHKONICLES OF BALTIMORE. 719 

founder ; and after him, in time and slowly coming up from the 
lowlands and the sea, scatterin<^ly, settler after settler, bringing 
gradually the material for the final foundations and corner-stone 
of the metropolis of the State. To stand thus, and to thus gaze 
and think down the stream of time, this pictui*e offset against that, 
the far and the near seem one, the then and the now as yesterday 
and to-day. But j'^esterday, so considering, it seems the Dove and 
the Ark gave up their burdens to the shore, and we behold the 
Catholic Church standard planted at St. Mary's. But yesterday 
we suddenly behold that standard supplanted under the law by the 
English Church establishment, and Papists taxed to keep them 
from the land. But yesterday we see the law in force branding 
the foreheads and boring holes in the tongues of offending men. 
But yesterday, in the background we behold groping their way, 
people searching for court-house or church by the interesting 
means of slits and notches in trees. But yesterday, coming over 
the hills, groaning and jogging through tortuous tracks, wooded 
and tangled ways, we see wagons, hub deep in mud, laboring down 
to the Eldorado of their wish — this very water's edge — the only 
outlet to the outside world. This, yesterday ! To-day, standing 
where we do, on parapet or pier, wnth all the past and all the 
present here, the free flag over head and the iron rail at our feet — 
are further words at all necessary where intelligent suggestion 
will so naturally and readily come in to draw for itself the lights 
and shadows and the contrasts of the pictures clearer? 

We have finished ; with all their imperfections these are our 
" Chronicles of Baltimore " — the result of nights and days of labor 
through months and years. We have endeavored to remove the 
moss from the gravestones of " Ours," and to any one Avho will 
follow us and do better, we will do all we can to assist with our 
experience and kindliest advice. 



APPENDIX. 

CITY GOVERNMENT. 

Joshua Vansant, Mayor; Andi 
!gister; S. T. Duvall, Deputy Ri _ 
to Register; Saoiuel Maccubbin, Coaiplroller; Samuel S. Mills, Jr., Clerk to 
Comptroller; I. Nevelt Steele, City Couusellor; Albert Ritchie, City Solicitor; 
Beverley Diggs, Mayor's Detective. 

MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL. 

First PrawcA.— President, Otis Keilholtz; Chief Clerk, A. V. Milholland ; 
Reading Clerk, J. Frank Brady ; Sergeant at-Arms, Jas. Stanton ; Page, Daniel 
Barr. 1st Ward, Jas. T. Kirby; 2J, E. Hergesheimer ; 3d, Jas. Logan; 4th, 
C. W. Lewis; 5ih, Stanley Hynson ; 6tli, John L. Baker; 7th, James Bond; 
8th, M. J. Owens; 9lh, Telfair Marriott; lOlh, W. T. Browning; 11th, VVra. 
Conn; 12th, Jos. S. Heuisler ; 13lh, Otis Keilholtz; 14lh, Geo. U. Porter ; 15th, 
Thomas H. Rice; 16th, J. H. Freebnrger; 17ih, John T. Langville; 18th, J. G. 
Linthicum ; 19lh, Jolin T. Ford; 20th, C. W. Chancellor. 

Second Branch — Prewdent, Henry Seini; Chief Clerk, J. J. Grindall ; Assis- 
tant Clerk, E. J. Edwards; Sergeant-at-Arms, Jos. W. Wallace; Page, H. D. 
Berry. 1st and 2d Wards, Charles Streeper; 3d and 4lh, John K. Carroll; 5th 
and 6th, Henry M. Staylor; 7tli and 8tli, George Rinehart; 9th and 10th, 
Henry Seiui; 11th and 12lh, Henry D. Loney; 13ih and 14ih, Johu S. Hogg; 
15th and 16th, Win J. Murray; 17ih and 18lh, Charles A. Wheeler; 19th and 
20lh, George A. Kirk. 



Tax Department.— City Collector, James M. Anderson; Deputy, J. T. M. 
Barnes; Cashier, R. D. Ducket. 

Judges op Appeal Tax Court. — Edward A. Gibbs, William J. King, 
Beale H. Richardson ; Thomas Gitfoid, Cashier; H. P. Mowinkle, Clerk; D. A. 
Fenton, Assistant Clerk. 

Watek Department. — Water Engineer, James Curran; Register, Wm. 
L. Siiarretts. 

Citv Commissioner, John H. Tcgmcyer ; Assistant, Richard H. Johns; 
Clerk, Johu E. Toole. 



APPENDIX. 721 

Port Warden, Daniel Constantiue ; Clerk, James H. McNeal. 

Park Commissioners. — Joshua Vansaut, Cliainuan ; Thoiiuis Swauii, Jolm 
H. B. Latrobe, Win. E. Hooper, James Webb, Louis McLauc. 

Building Committee of Nkw City Hall. — Josluia Vansant, J. Mall 
Pleasuuts, Ichabod Jean, Sanuiel II. Adams, Jolm W.CoIley; Waller S. Smith, 
Secretary, John J. Purcell, Superintendent. 

HiiALTii DEPAiiTMENT. — Commissioner, James A. Steuart, M. D. ; Assis- 
tant Superintendent, Alfred E. Smyrk; Physician to Marine Hospital, J. S. 
Conrad, M. D.; Secretary, 1. W. Mohlcr; Clerk, W. H. Bosley. 

Co.MMissioNERS FOR OPENING STREETS. — Isaac Cox, Jamcs S. Morrow, 
John F. Piquett ; R. F. Green, Clerk. 

Police Organization.— Commissioners, Wm. H. B. Fusselbaugh, Presi- 
dent ; Treasurer, James E. Carr ; Thos. S. Morse ; Secretary, Marriott Boswell ; 
Marshal, John T. Gray ; Deputy Marshal, Jacob Frey ; Clerk, George Weutz. 

PUBLIC SCHOOLS. 

Commissioners. — President, John T. Morris; Superintendent, William R. 
Creery ; Assistant Superintendent, B. C. Reed ; Secretary, H. M. Cowles. 

Board of Commissioners. — 1st Ward, Henry A. Creagh ; 2d, Geo. L. Ilamel ; 
3d, John G. Dillehunt; 4th, Dr. Thomas Kelly; 5th, William M. Ives; 6lh, 
John F. Hancock ; 7th, Robert H. Sinclair ; 8th, John Johnson ; 9th, Alexander 
L. Spear; lOth, John T. Morris; 11th, John P. Poe; 12th, T. J. Mai^ruder ; 
13th, J. L. Lawton; 14th, G. S. Griffith, Jr.; 15th, John Ferry; lOlh, "William 
R. Brewer; 17tii, H. B. Roemer; 18th, Christian Emmerich; 19th, I. T. Stod- 
dard ; 20th, B. H. Hobbs. 

FIRE DEPARTMENT. 

Board OF Commissioners. — President, Thomas W.Campbell; Commis- 
sioners, William Wilson, Jr., John T. Morris, James A. Bruce, Samuel Kirk ; 
Secretary, G. A. Campbell; Inspector, Charles T. Holloway; Chief Engineer, 
Henry Spilman ; Assistant Engineers, Geo. W. Ellender and Jno. M. Hennick. 



COURTS. 

EIGHTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT— Baltimore City. 

The Supreme Bench.- Hon. George William Brown, Chief Judge, lions. 
George W. Dobbin, Henry F. Garey, Campbell Whytc Pinkney and Robert 
(iilmor, Jr., associates. The Judges of the Supreme Bench arc assigned to 
the following Courts: 

Superior Court. — Judge D(jbbiu, with Judge Garey to assist. George 
Robinson, Clerk. 

Court ok Co.m.mon Pleas.— Judge Garey, with Judge Dubbin to assist. 
I. Freeman Rasiu, Clerk. John M. Young, Conmiissioner of Insolvent Debtors. 
46 



722 APPENDIX. 

Circuit Court. — Judge Pinkney, with Judge Garey to assist. James R. 
Brewer, Clerk. 

Criminal Court. — Judge Gilmer, with Judge Dobbin to assist. William 
F. McKeweu, Clerk. Augustus Albert, Sheriff. A. Leo Knott, State's At- 
torney. W. N. C. Carr, Deputy State's Attorney. 

City Court.— Chief Judge, George William Brown. Nathaniel C. Robert- 
son, Clerk. 

The Superior Court, Court of Common Pleas, Criminal and City Courts, 
commence their terms on the 2d Monday in January, May and September. 
The terms of the Circuit Court are 2d Monday in January, March, May, Sep- 
tember and November ; and the 2d Monday of July shall be a return day. 

Orphans' Court. — Hon. John A. Inglis, Chief Judge; Hons. George W. 
Bishop and G. W. Lindsay, Associate Judges. J. Harman Brown, Register of 
Wills. The Orphans' Court is in session every day, except Sundays, from 11 
o'clock, A. M., to 1 o'clock, P. M. 

THE UNITED STATES COURTS IN MARYLAND. 

The State of Maryland is in the Fourth Judicial Circuit, which includes 
Virginia, West Virginia, North and South Carolina. 

THE U. S. CIRCUIT CO CJRT.—" The Circuit Court of the United States 
for the Fourth Circuit in and for Maryland District." Hon. Hugh L. Bond, 
Circuit Judge, and Hon. Wm. Fell Giles, District Judge. Clerk, Jas. W. Chew. 
U. S. District Attorney, Archibald Stirling, Jr., Esq. A. M. Rogers, Assistant. 
U. S. Marshal, Edward Y. Goldsborough. U. S. Commissioners, Isaac Brooks 
and R. Lyon Rogers, Esqs. 

Terms of Court are held on the first Monday of April and November. 

THE U. S. DISTRICT COURT.—" The District Court of the United 
States for Maryland District," Hon. Wm. Fell Giles, District Judge. 

[The officers of this Court are the same as the ofiicers of the Circuit Court.] 

Terms op Court are held on the first Tuesday in March, June, September 
and December. 



INDEX. 



PAGB 

Abbott, Horace 

490,661,718 

Abell, A.S 

76. 95. 96. 97, 98, 99, 703 

Abell, G. VV 99 

Abell, W. E 555 

Abrahams & Ashcroft 620 

Academy of Art 697,702 

Academy of ]Music 677 

Academy of Science... 395 

Acland, Major 275 

Acts of Assembly 

14, 18, 36, 51, 649, 664 

Port duties 11 

Seating lands in 

Baltimore Co.... 14 
Establishing Epis- 
copalC'hurch.&c 

15, 24, 27 
Prohibiting impor- 
tations from Pa. 15 
To compel the pub- 
lication of the 
rates of freight 15 
To mark the roud.s, 

&c 15 

Creating Wliet- 
Btonc I'oint a 

town 15 

To prevent the Im- 

])ortatiou of 

Irish Catholics. 10 

To convoy letters, 

&c., by tlio 

slierifTs 16 

Establishing four 

Courts '. 10 

Punislilng Habbath 
Ijrealiers.drunlv- 
ards, Ac 17 



PAGB 

Requiring persons 
to produce annu- 
ally squirrels' 
scalps, crows' 
heads, &c IS 

To create Balti- 
more Town 19. 20 

For building St. 
Paul's Church... 28 

For laying out 
Jonas Town. ...32, 38 

Incor It orating 
Jonas and Bal- 
timore towns 
luto one town... 34 

To prevent frauds, 
&c 36 

To keep ladder to 
extend to the 
roof, &c 37 

Duty on bachelors 51 

Establisliing cor- 
oners, <&c., fees.. 5-1 

Instructions to the 
delegates to 
Stamp Act of 
Congress 57 

Prescrihlug quar- 
antine 5S 

To erect an Alms- 
Ijoiisc 72 

To confiscate Brlt- 
isli property 188 

Declaring La Fay- 
ette, Ac., citi- 
zens of Mary- 
land- 2;i7 

Erection of lamps, 

Ac 2:« 

Inspection orsaltcd 
I)<)rU, Ac 213 



PACK 

Extinguisli fir es, 

Ac 246.203 

To fill up the Basin 2S0 
To increase Balti- 
more delega- 
tion 489 

To recognise the , 
Confederate 

States 620 

Relief of the Mass- 
achusetts' sold- 
iers 621 

Adair, R 40,59,63-70 

Adams 

409. 410, 420, 443, 526, 6S8 

Adams, A 510 

Adams E. Co 510 

Adams, Jos 31 

Adams, J. Ci 

90,417,421,429, 472 

Adams, Prest 291 

Adams, Rev. C. C 81 

Adams, Rev. O. F 513 

Adams, S 125 

Adams, W'ni 49, 479 

Additions to the Town 
11, 32,31,30.38. 49, 51.57. 58. 
72. 189, 201,202, 286. .S81 

Addresses 

199. 200, 203, 206. 207. 211, 
212. 237, 2V_'. 282, 291 , 516, 59U 

AdcK A All»frl 528 

Aged Women's Home 520 
Aged Women's Homo 
of the M. E.Chnnli 690 

Alsqulth, Kd •J.tO, .301,317 

Alsqultb, K. W C17 

Alsqulth, W 

56. 71, 130, IM, 160 

Allkoii. Dr. A 2«r7 

All)ani;h. J. W l-'2, 413 



724 



INDEX 



PAGE 

Albers, Dr 506 

Albert. A. J 598, 641, 678 

Albertiue, Miss 526 

Albert J. & Co 496 

Alcock, J 138 

Alexander 393 

Alexander, Dr 480 

Alexander, Jos 521 

Alexander, M 

51, 53, 54, 56, 130, 159, 1C9, 

182, 188, 189, 195 
Alexander, R 

58. 62, 65, 71, 126, 129, 130 

132, 133. 136, 147 
Alexander, William... 380 

Alexandria 

127, 131, 171, 193, 202 

Allan, Jno 530 

Allen 471 

Allen. Capt 533 

Allen, J. W 83, 271, 275 

Allen, M 64 

Allen, P 90, 94 

Allen, Rev. Ethan 31 

Allison, Rev. P 

43, 55, 153. 197, 237, 211, 243, 
277, 294 

Allen, Sol 196, 802 

Allen, Wra 506 

Allen, Z 210 

Allister, J 398 

Alnis Houses 75 

403, 460, 529, 696, hist, of, 72 

Alnutt, G. R. W 497 

Alricks, P. W 627 

Amelung, J. F 236 

Ames, John E 622 

Amey.Uol 347 

Amos 394 

Amphitheatre 514 

Anderson 115, 586 

Anderson, ¥• 419 

Anderson, Gen. J 594 

Anderson, James E 106 

Anderson, Miss A 440 

Anderson, Mrs. J. M... 665 

Andre, Lieut 351, 380 

Andre, Major J 241 

Andrea & Franzoni... 295 

Andrews, Bishop 690 

Andrews. Dr 210, .396 

Andrews, R. R...640, 641, 651 

Angell, J 81, 82, 83 

Annapolis 

19, 48, 49, 58,70. 80, 112, 126, 

127, 129, 131, 139, 140, 143, 

144, 153, 160, 180, 192, 193, 

202, 209, 213, 215. 279, 304, 
305, 463, 524, 607 



PAGE 

Anti-Masonic Conven- 
tion 458 

Appleby, John 528 

Appold, Leo 492 

Appropriation for de- 
fence 699, 607 

Arbuthnot, Admiral... 205 
Arcadian, French.55, 66, 67 

Armistead, Maj 

349, 375, 379, 381, 392, 393 

Armstrong, Gen 382 

Armstrong, J 380 

Armstrong, J. F , 

184, 267, 309 

Arnold, Gen 173,241 

Arnold, G.J 526 

Arnold, Mrs. E 530 

Arrests 103 

Arthur, C 704 

Asbury, F 

76, 77, 78, 79, 245 
Ascension Church. ..668, 693 

Ashburner, J 71 

Ashby, C 574 

Ashby, Gen 639 

Ashman, Geo 27 

Ashton, Rev 66 

Assassination 508 

Assaj'er of plate 343 

Assembly Room 

283, 480, 708 

Astor, J. J 221 

Athenjeum 

405, 408, 440, 458, 459, 465, 

473, 525 

Atherton 113 

Atkinson, Rev 515, 5.34 

Attley, Wm 380 

Auctions 430 

Audubon, J. J 489 

Aumoar, Chev 209 

Austin, Dall & Co 598 

Anter, John 37 

Avery 582 

Ax, C 676 

Aymeriche 670 

Babcock, John 28 

Bacon 28 

Bacon, A -... 189 

Backus, Rev. J. C 

55, 56, 524, 530, 558, 603, 621, 

666, 6Hl, 690 

Bailey 440 

Baileys, Capt.... 164, 169, 177 

Baird, Rev. W. S 105 

Bailey, Thos 294 

Baird, T. D 699 



PAGB 

Baird, W.S 106 

Bailey, Wm 536 

Baker, C.J 111,627,664 

Baker, Dr 506 

Baker, Dr. S 301 

Baker, Geo 516 

Baker, Mrs. C. J 665 

Baker, Rev. F. A 537, 541 

Baker, Wm 64 

Balch, Rev. Dr 31 

Ball, J. W 541 

Ball, Rob 10 

Ball, Wm 9 

Ballard, Jno 285 

Ballard, R 189, 209 

Balloon ascension,first 235 

Ballou, Rev. M 585 

Balls, &c 194, 230, 415, 417 

Baltzell, C 184 

Baltimore 

36, 47, 48, 59, 69, 141, 
153, 163, 185, 208. 209, 
419 
Farms embraced in 

its limits 11 

Improvement of, 
IS, 22,23, .33,38,711,712, 
713,714,715, 716 
Petition of the in- 
habitants to lay 

ofT the town 19 

Made a town, &c.... 20 
College named af- 
ter 21, 69, 294 

Original boundary, 

streets, «&c 

22. 32, 49, 54, 141 
Inhabited by In- 
dians 24 

Jonas town added.. 34 
Naval history of. 

In 1812 354 

Fence built around 

it 38 

Market-house and 

town-hall 47 

Want to be incor- 
porated 196,267 

Inliabitants 

202, 289, 292, 304, 419 
Reminiscences of ...231 
Government build- 
ings 260 

Poor Relief Asso- 
ciation 260 

Academy 279 

Incorporated- 280 

Description of in 
1799 288 



INDEX 



725 



PAOS 

Baltimore Assembly... 230 
Baltimore Athenscum, 525 

Baltimore County 

9. 14. 20, 34, 36, 38, 59,61, 62, 
72, 128, 129. 130, 132, 342, 
556, 691 
Balto. IndependentCo. 

139, 215 
Baltimore, Lord. .9, 275, 718 
Bailo. Life In.surance 

Company 423 

Baltimore and Ohio 

Railroad Co 

491, 507, 423, 425, 426, 433, 
441, 443, 444, 456, 457, 46-^, 
471, 472, 479, 525, 5.55, 557, 
568, 574, 593, 602, 603, 623, 
630, 667, 683, 687, 707, 709, 
714 
Balto. Orphan Asylum 64) 

Bankaril, Mrs. J. J 665 

Banking Houses 

425, 441, 468, 584 

Banks 

209, 375, 399, 568, 599, 710 

Marj'land 

260. 2S8, 467, 469, 474 

Baltimore 

260. 277, 288, 467 

United States 

260, 288, 304, 378, 380 

Mechanics 

74, 503, 446. 574, 667 

Union 295. 467, 568 

Commercial and 

Farmers' 304 

City 304 

Farmers and Mer- 
chants -.304, 443. 467 

Franklin 304,503 

Tliird National 689 

Marine 304 

Suspensions. 

rm, 380, 469, 473. 557, 

584, 346, 491, 500, 502, 

503 

Merchants 

481,379,474,574 

First National 6.'9 

Citizens 629 

IVople's 675 

Banks, Daniel B 2(J 

Banks, Nicholas 11 

Banks, Gen. N. P 

613, 614, 617, 018. 622. «51, 
6.V2, 058 

BanksoD, Col 

20«, 253, 255. 259 



PAOB 

Banneker 256 

Banning, H 187 

Baptist Cliurch 

202, 264, 288, 497,bistory 

of, 123 

Barbour, P. P 402, 439 

Barclay 267 

Barclay, Rev. J. H 46 

Bardstowu 69 

Barker <fe Fisher 687 

Barkley, H 2J5 

Barr, J. T 4.30 

Barrett 457 

Barrett, Captain 397 

Barren, T 155 

Barrol, James 377 

Barron, Capt. J 143 

K.arron, Com. J 229 

Barnes, R 187 

Barnes, S 89, 91 

Barnetz 45 

Barney, J 

137, 142, 164, 170, 204, 236, 

250, 253, 260, 272, 341, 349 

355. 357, .3.58, 393 

Barney, Lieut 428 

Barney, M 93, 434 

Barney, Wm. B 

309, 318, 332 

Barney, W. C 93, 170 

Barnitz, L. & D 37 

Barnum, David, 512, 420, 425 

Barnum, 4\T 442 

Barnum's City Hotel, 

33, &5. 512, 417, 420, 429, 459, 

465, 468, 586, 685 

Barroll, C 88 

Barron, D 706 

Barry. Lieut. S 248, 391 

Barry, MaJ 351, 409 

Barry, R 488 

Barry, R. C 670 

Bartholomew 113 

Ba.scomb, Rev 601 

Bateman 443 

Bates 115 

Bates, Jos WO 

Batten, Wm 32 

Battles 

8.5, 1.^S, 137, i:W, 142, 143, 161. 

10.1, KWI. 167. IfW, 109, IK6. 

199, '204, 215, 26!>. 277, 316. 

392. 42:{. 613. 6.3S, 6.19, 0;t7, 
610,611,615 
Rattle of LouK Island.. 210 
Batlle Mr>ninnent, 

2:t, iTJ, lO.i, 470, .'r79 
Battle North Point .'ilC. 



PAGE 

Bauer, F. E 686 

Baughman, S 880 

Baum, Clni.s 309 

Bausman, Rev 31 

Baxley, Dr 506 

Baxter, J i.s2 

Baxter, Wm..„ 61 

Bayard, Jas. A 557, 689 

Bay ley 47. 48 

Bayley, Bishop 690 

Bayly, D. T 549 

Bayly, W 188 

Beach, T. J 93, 99 

Beachara 420 

Beall, J 187 

Beall, U 315, 382 

Beau, Thoma.s 624 

Beanes, I)r .351 

Bear, Jno.... 543 

Beasley, Rev. Fred 30 

Beattie 303 

Beauregard, Gen 6.37 

Beaver, C 184 

Beck, A 697 

Beck, Capt. A 37 

Becker, Rev. C. L 44 

Bedford, Lieut.-Col 149 

Beeston, T. V 380 

Bell, C 380 

Bell, Jno 576, 602, 685 

Bell, Major 342 

Bell, William 270 

Bellonoy, Mrs 101 

Belt, J. S 183 

Belton, F 340 

Belton, Will iarn 284 

Bend, Rev. Jos. G. J.... 

30, 277, 287, 291, 292 

Bend, William B 313 

Benjamin, P 93 

Benner, Dcnnlson and 

Company 598 

Benner, Miss K 696 

Bonnet, P 60 

Bonnet, W 91 

lUMinott 621 ■ 

I{(!niieti, K 518 

Bennett, V. W 75 

Benson 411 

Ben.son, B. H 98 

Bentalou, ('apt. P. 
109, 209, 263. kOfi, 276, '.Sll, 
409,410,421 
Bontlpy. J. H....32fl, aXi, .^{4 

Bunion 471 

Bonlun, B 560, 5C«, 568 

Botiizlnger, Col 477, 685 



726 



INDEX 



PAGB 

Berbine 52 

Berg, Rev 512 

Berger, Rev 534 

Bernabeau, Jno. B 277 

Bernard, C. R 687 

Bernard, Gen 445 

Berry, Ben 309 

Berry, J. S 598, 630, 601 

Berry, R 286 

Best, H 697 

Bethel Meeting House. 45 

Betts, Sol 267, 286 

Beulcher, A 268 

Bevan, S. & Co 598 

Bezyt, P 506 

Biays, J as 309. 342, 347 

Biays, Jos 281, 282, 284 

Bible Society 342, 699 

Biddle, E 182 

Bier, Gen. G, H 677 

Bigelow, H 313, 333 

Biggart. D 479 

Bines, Win 706 

Binion, W 506 

Binney 467, 472 

Birney, Jas. G 258 

Birkhead, C 187 

Birckhead, H 386, 516 

Birkhead, Sol 167, 447 

Bishop, Anna 537 

Bishop 121 

Bixler, D 46 

Black, Wm 36 

Blackburn 37 

Blackford, Jno 419 

Black Hawk 465 

Blackwell, Lieut 652 

Bladen, Gov. Thos 29, 34 

Bladen, Thos ISO 

Blair, Jno „... 266 

Blanc 52 

Blanchard 599 

Blanchard, Wm 439 

Bland, Judge 398, 408 

Bland, Theo 296, 303, 309 

Blair 278 

Blair, F. P 706 

Blennerhasset 301 

Blind Asylum 675 

Blind Johnny 543 

Blisset 115 

Blomfield, John li 

Blumenthal &, Co 101 

Blumfield, F 83 

Blum hard t, C 697 

Blunt, Mrs. E. K 628 

Bly,P 653 



PAGB 

Boardman, Rev. H. C. 682 

Boardman 76 

Boarman, B 461 

Boehme, Rev. C 42 

Bogardus, J 97 

Boggs, Wm 705 

Bokkelen, Van 600 

Bohn, C 309 

Bollman, H 555 

Bolton, Rev 530, 541 

Bombardment of Fort 

McHenry 348, 349 

Bombaugh, Dr. C. C.106, 687 
Bombaugh & Ransom. 106 

Bonaparte, Jerome 

294, 488, 678 

Bonaparte, J. N 678 

Bonaparte Marriag ... 

294, 678 

Bonaparte, N 488, 678 

Bonaparte, S. M 653 

Bond, B 380 

Bond, Dr 440 

Bond, E 489 

Bond, T. E 475 

Bond, Dr. Thomas E... 301 

Bond, H. L 594, 595, 599 

Bond, J. 56 

Bond, Rev. T. E 105 

Boniface, C 443 

Boniface, G 122 

Bonsai. L 550 

Boon, J .* 506 

Booth, E. F 526 

Booth, G. W 649 

Booth, J. B..121, 123, 443, 541 

Booth, John W 526 

Booze, Thomas 664 

Bordly, J. B 51, 62 

Boring for Coal 380 

Boring, John 32 

Bose, William 86, 96,521 

Bosio 121 

Bosseiman, Kev. A 585 

Boston • 

62, 69, 70, 90, 125, 128, 129, 

130, 131, 133, lilO, 255, 268, 

275, 290, 510 

Boston, J 506 

Boston, L 506 

Botts, C 512 

Boucicault. 121 

Bourdillon, Reverend 

Benedict 29 

Bourke, Thomas 271 

Bourue, G 88 

Boweu, Capt. John 247 



PAGE 

Bowen,A. J 106 

Bowen,J 479 

Bowen, John 183 

Bowen, Rev 388 

Bowerman, Col 645, 647 

Bowers,Mrs. D. P 443 

Bowie, Capt 218 

Bowie, Oden 517, 699, 715 

Bowie, R. W 419 

Bowlj', D 

64, 159, 161, 169, 189, 202, 207 
238, 243, 262, 267 

Boyce, Jno 244 

Boyce. R 30 

Boyd, A 170 

Boyd, Rev. A. H 547 

Boyd, Bros. & Co 598 

Boyd, Capt 525 

Boyd, J 

63, 71, 126, 130, 134, 136, 138 
155, 255 

Boyer, M 184 

Boyer, P 181 

Boyle, Capt.362, 363, 372, 373 

Boyle, G 555 

Boyle, H 460 

Boyle, Lieut. E 520 

Boy ley, John 34 

Bozman 8-9 

Braddock's defeat 38, 51 

Brady 502, 473 

Brady, E. F 507 

Brady, S 516 

Bradenbaugh, C 553 

Bradford, A. W 

588, 626, 627, 6:10, 635,689 

Brainard, Rev. T. A 517 

Branden, Rev 542 

Brandt, J 664 

Branson, Jos 467 

Brantley, Rev. W. T.... 124 

Brantz 209 

Brashears 551 

Braun, Rev 533 

Brawnei', H 419 

Breckenridge, J. C 

582, 642, 643 
Breckenridge, R. J... 93, 469 
Bremen Steamships.... 609 

Breuan 506 

Brent, T. C 419 

Brereton, Thomas.... 33, 163 

Brevet, John 209 

Brewer, Judge 525 

BreAver, J. N 659 

Brewer, J. R 101 

Brewertdn, Col 615 



INDEX 



727 



PAGE 

Brewery 

V, 53, 53. 5(, 210. 291, 29^, 310 

Brice, Judge IJO 

Brice, N 277. 467, 514 

Bricks 50,285 

Brklijes 

36, 53, 50, 54, 73. 303, 305, 
343, 525, 670, 671, 676 

Bridges. J. C 541 

Briggs, O. F 531 

Briscoe, S S09 

Briltou, A 136, 169 

Broaddiis, Rev. W. F... 124 

Broadliiirst, Mrs 115 

Brock, John 621 

Brockenbrough, Capt. 

J. B 650 

Bremen, J 75 

Brook, Captain 342 

Brook, E 463 

Brooke, 64 

Brooks. C 553, 664 

Brooks, IS. C 460 

Brougham, J 442, 444 

Brow, Col. Wm 641, 650 

Brown 87, 192, 299, 356 

Brown, A 

42^447,449, '45 1,468 

Brown, A & Sons 

46S, 543, 574 

Brown, B. G 689 

Brown, Col.. 640, 641 

Brown, D 74, 25.5, 281 

Brown, E 419 

Brown, Dr. J. H 600 

Brown, George 

255, 277, 261, 301, 428, 446, 
451, 537, 553, 574 

Brown, G. J 300 

Brown, Geo. S_ 664 

Brown, Geo. VV 

510, 5.53, 5«7, 568, 583, 58.5, 

5&1, 598, 599, 602, 003, 609, 
on, 017 

Brown, II 64,05,196 

Brown, J 

W, 61. 187, 192, 210, 2ij5, 263 
281 

Brown, Jacob 64 

Brown. Jas 408,514 

Brown, J. & Co 189 

Brown, Juo. A 468 

Brown, M. Church. ..575, 681 

Brown, MaJ. R 649 

Brown, Mrs. Geo 617 

Brown, Mrs. I 682 

Brown, Mrs. J. H 166.5 



PAOB 

Brown, Kov 600,696 

Brown, 8teuart 207 

Brown. Wm. D..628,64l,650 

Brown, Wm. H 455 

Brown, Wm. H. & Bro. 682 
Browne, Dr. W. H...101, 102 

Brown in 'j;, W. .S 621 

Bruce, A 419 

Bruce, J. R 554 

Brnff, Jas 181 

Bruff, J. W, & Co 598 

Bruff, W 187 

Brun, T 555 

Brune 209 

Brune, F. W 510,577 

Brune, J. C 

594, 595, 599, 611, 617, 629 
652 

Brush, Capt 556 

Bryden 2.30 

Bryerly, Dr 500 

Buchanan, Alex 55 

Buchanan. Andrew 

39, 51, 56, 62, 65, 72, 126, 130 

136, 138, 163, 189, 209, 213, 
259, 282 
Buchanan, Archibald. 

39, 46, .56, 65, 87, 130, 287 

Buchanan, Com. F 259 

Buchanan, Dr. Geo 

•20,21,34,39,40,169 
Buchanan, George 

39, 189, 210, 255, 250, 258, 259 
281 
Buchanan, Jas 

209, 280, 217, 262, 281, 290, 

300, 303, 314 

Buchanan, J. A.309, .332, 340 

Buchanan, Jus A 

370, .377, 379, .380 

Buchanan, J. M 509 

Buchanan, T. A 296 

Buchanan, Lloyd..39, 47, 51 
Buchanan, MaJ. R. C ... 

518, 619 
Buchanan, McKean.... 269 

lUichanau, R 71, 132 

Buchanan, T 419 

Buchanan, Wm 

39, 5.', 120, 128, 1.30, 134. 136 

i;J8, 148, 103. 104, 168, 169, 
208,209.261,295,417 

Bnchores, D 184 

Buck, Jno 310 

Buckler, Dr.Thos 567 

Buckler 209 

Buckler, Dr .006 



l"AOK 

Buckley, Thos 555 

Buckner, Wm 20 

Bull, E 100, 102 

Bunzie 376, 379 

Buoys 393 

Burland, R 63 

Burlando, Rev 630 

Burbonnois 203 

Buren, Martin Van 

488, 501, .502 

Burg, Prof 6S5 

Burgess, E 188 

Burgess. H 63 

Burgess, J 183 

Burkheimer, W 697 

Burke, C 443 

Burke, D 309, 340 

Burnap, Rev. G. W 

388, 536, 5.53 

Burneston 78 

Burneston, J 380 

Burnett, Judge 2.'>8 

Burnet, MaJ 207 

Burns,F'.« 667 

Burns, J 506 

Burr, Aaron .301, 418. 472 

Burton 121, 209 

Busey, .lesse 210 

Butler, Gen. B. F 

101, 580, 611, 612. 615 

Butler, Gen. W. 527 

Butler, Lieut 218, 266 

Button, R 189 

Buzby, B 530 

Byard, P 380 

Byrd, J. C 380 

Byrne. Wm 588 

Cabe, Rev 568 

Caldwell, Capt 170 

Caldwell,.!. H 511 

Calwell, Jas. 8 108 

Calhoun 472 

Calhou n, Jas 

71. 130, 13^1, 136, 1.55, 168, 169 

17.8, 179, 189, 191, 207, 209. 

237, 262, 281, 282, 2W, 314, 

332, 377. 382, 414 

California gold fever... .5-32 

Calleniler 667 

Callow, Wm 75 

Calloway, Rev. C. M.... 6«S 

Calvert Hall 60 

Calvert St. spring. ..304, 493 
Canals 

208, 238, 49.5, 501. 40S. 420, 

429, 44.5, 471, .521 

Cameron, J. D 099 



728 



INDEX 



PAGE 

Cameron, Gen 653, 655 

Camp, Wm 309 

Campbell, A 209. 28S 

Campbell, B. W 534, 518 

Campbell, J. M 

553. 576, 652 

Campbell, T. W 705 

Camp meeting 79 

Caucici, H 433 

CanfleUl, W. B 511, 699 

Cannon, Mrs. L 665 

Canton 75, 238, 425, 455 

Cape Henry and 
Charles, named 

after 2 

Cappeau, J 507 

Carey, J. L 497 

Carey, R 138 

Carlisle 45, 52, 165, 497 

Carlile, Jno 262 

Carmelite Nuns 

445, 515, t;89, 692 

Carnes, P ....210.235 

Carwiu, C 49 

Carmichael, Lieut 614 

Carpenter ATliompsou 93 

Carpenter, Wm. H 

90, 108, 621 

Carr 434 

Carr, Gen. R. H 705 

Carr, Jas 593 

Carr, Mrs. R. H 665 

Carr, W. C.N 588 

Carrier pigeons 98 

Carrere 209, 267 

Carrington, Col 278 

Carroll, A 697 

Campbell, Capt 159,603 

Carroll, Charles 

14, 16, 18, 19, 21, 22, 36, 49, 

50, 51, 167, 169, 195, 206, 414 

463 

Carroll. O. of C 

187, 241, 374, 411, 418, 419, 

420, 427, 428, 429, 433, 444, 

447, 440, 459, 460, 463, 514, 

683 

Carroll, Daniel 

14, 19,21,71,155, 189,264 

Carroll, Kly 14 

Carroll, J. 423 

Carroll, Jas 

10, 210, 243, 261, 277, 281 

Carroll, Rev. J 

67, 68, 69, 243, 277, 291, 294, 

299, 374, 464, 678 

Carroll, S.J 664 



PAGE 

Carroll, Thos. H 419 

CarroUton Vladuct.433, 448 

Carroll, Peter 10 

Carraway, Capt 355 

Carruthers, J 230 

Carson, Thos. J 598 

Carson, R ...170, 200, 207, 414 

Carson, Wm. & Co 460 

Carter, E. F 105, 628 

Carter, H. H 699 

Carey, J 

209, 255, 260, 266, 281, 282. 
284, 814 

Cary, J 49 

Cass, Gen. L 527, 689 

Cassidy, P 248. 255 

Cassiu.G. N 419 

Caspear 547 

Caswell, R 132 

Cathcart, R 621 

Cathedral 

65, 69, 299, 399, 397, 203, 501, 

465, 626, 665, 675, 687, 690, 

702, 704 

Catholics 

136, 202, 235, 264, 288, 298, 
374, S86, 433, 465, 501, 529, 
539, 665, 675, 684, 719 
To prevent the im- 
portation and 

growth of. 16, 17 

To take the oath of 

abjuration, &c.. 17 
Endof their rule in 

Maryland 27 

None permitted ^to 

hold office...'. 27 

Double tax on 51 

Religion, history of 65 

Caton 

209, 241, 260, 277, 280, 392. 
447, 514 

Cattle market 267 

Cauly 514 

Causin, J 547 

Cazanave 266 

Celebrations 

50, 147, 170, 190, 197, 202, 

206, 249, 251, 254, 261, 426, 

633 

Celeste, Madam 121 

Centennial Aunlver- 

versary 431 

Chaille, P 188 

Chalmers 115 

Chalmers, Q 71 

Chamberlain, Rev. N. 
H 388 



PAGE 

Chance 298 

Chance, Bishop J. J.... 508 

Chandler, C. H 622 

Chandler, Gen 340 

Chandler, J. R 538 

Changeur, Leon 267 

Chamier. D 40,50, 147 

Chapman, Jno. L ...633, 660 
CharityOrphan School 40S 
Charles St. M. Church. 511 
Charleston 

62,76, 186,207,211,213,265, 
289, 578, 585 

Charlton, P 279 

Chase, A 467 

Chase, Geo 261 

Chase, R 39, 49 

Chase, Sect 629 

Chase, Thorn ....309, 314, 340 

Chase, Rev. Thos 

29. 39, 47, 49, 305 

Chase, J. T 

71. 130, 131, 136, 187 
Chase, Samuel 

29, 211, 246, 249, 255, 262, 

263, 267, 278, 294, 305, 374, 
400, 418, 421, 464 

Chasline, Jas 188 

Chastellux, B. Gen 192 

Chateaubriand 68 

Chatham, Lord 129 

Chauncey 472 

Cheatham, Jno 619 

Chesapeake Bay 

2, 3, 9, 137, 143, 171, 186, 189, 
199, 221 
Name taken from.. 4 
Lord Baltimore, 

tour of 9 

Chesapeake. Frigate... 

287, 300 
Chesapeake and Ohio 

Canal 429,495 

Chesebrough 628 

Chestnut, Wm 532,621 

Chester 123 

Chester, S. K 443 

Cheston, J 71 

Cheston, Jas 489 

Cheston, G 553,693,711 

Chew, B 241,424 

Chew, Dr £06 

Chew, M 241, 424 

Chew, R. B 641 

Chew, S 187 

Chicago relief 687 

Chicago Zouaves 575 



INDEX 



729 



PAQK 

Childs. G. W 98 

Chinwith, A 196 

Chipendale Hi 

Cholera 460,529 

Christiana excitement 535 

Christie, C 40 

Christie, D 299 

Cliristie, J... 134, 135, 136, 188 

Christie, Lt.-Col. Q 134 

Christie, R 

65, 126. 134, 135, 147, 1G3 

Christian. S 359 

Christ's Chnrch 

43, 44, 54, 287, 495, 503 

Cliristy's Minstrels 118 

Church dedications 

29,31,511,515,524,533. 541, 
548,585, 620,681,690 

Cigars first used 267 

Cigar Slilp 668 

Cincinnati Society. .279. 411 

City debt ,305. 375,341 

City Hall 515, 661,668, 672 

Civil War 585.586,587 

ClagKett, H 2S2 

Claggett, Lieut 350, 380 

Claggett, Bishop 30,381 

Claggett,Thos 659 

Clarey, G 506 

Clark, Capt, J. L 051 

Clark, Jas 549, 506 

Clark 612 

Clark, Jno 341 

Clark, J. Lyle & Co 549 

Clark, W. R 593 

Clark & Kellogg 481 

Clarke. Abraliam 9 

Claike, J 71, 245 

Clarke, Jno 599, (J07 

Clarke, .1. .S 121, 443, 526 

Clarke 117 

Clinnle, I» 419 

Claude, Jno 527 

Clav, H 

601, 611, 429, 459, 466, 472. 

6.39 

Clayland.Dobbin & Co. 88 

Claypoole, Capt.., 532 

Claxlon, Com. A 609,411 

Clearing Iiouho 568 

Cleinm. Sergl „ 350, 3S0 

Clemni, V 631 

Clemm, Wni 61,209, 2.'.3 

ClUr 510 

Cline, Geo 497 

Clifton 427 

Clinton, Gen. Jas 192 

47 



PACE 

Clinton, Sir H 170, 174 

Clopper, Capt 135 

Cloud, C. F 92, 94, 95, 101 

Cloud & Pouder 93 

Cloud, R. M 92,96 

Clymer, G 164 

Coal, R 123 

Coule, Dr. S 255 

Coale, E. J 47, 93, 94, 377 

Coale, Isaac & Uro 598 

Coale, J. R. & Bro 631 

Coale, Thos 288 

Coale, W. R 100,101 

Coates, Jno 271, 667 

Coates & Glenn 512 

Coberts, J 42 

Coburn, E 622 

Cochrane, Admiral 372 

Cockburn, Admiral 385 

Cocke, Dr. Ja.s 291, 301 

Cockey, John 32, 136, 155 

Cockey, Thomas 32 

Coffee, Capt 506 

Cohen, 1 677, 678 

Cohen, B. G 471, 480, 513 

Cohen, Dr 506 

Cohen, J. I..386, 420, 405, 516 

Colien, M. 1 121 

Coke, Rev. T 78, 79 

Colburn, Dr 31 

Cole, Thomas 11, 123, 210 

Cole, Dr. W. H 100 

Cole, W. H 503,705 

Cole, Thos 280 

Cole&Hewos 92 

Coleman, J 391 

Colgate, Thomas 38 

Colgate, .lolin 38 

Cole's Harbor 

15, 16, 18, 20, 32, 33, 38, 49, 
206 
Cole's Harbor, named 

after 11 

Colgate, Richard 32, 38 

Colletl, John 9, 11 

Collins, Dr. S 510,511 

Collins, Dr 5(Mi 

Collins, !• 500 

Collins, VVm. H.459,533,5H.5 

Colman, Uav 3S7 

('olonl/.allon Society... 3-S9 

(.'olured citizens 078, (Wl 

(;olored soldiers 003 

Colt, R. L 313 

Collon, Dr 613 

Colvin, I* 78 

Coniegys, Jno 29<!, 377 



PAOS 

Commerce 

14, 18, .33, 34, 80, 37,48,61, 

126, 137, 210, 238, 243, 202, 

277, 289, 298, 301, 407 

Companies 

208, 276, 295, 300, 303, 386, 

418, 433, 521, 525, 539, 608, 

583,629,661,068 

Coleman 508 

Compton, Wm 041 

Conaway, Robt 210 

Cone & Norvell 89, 90 

Conestoga Wagons 405 

Concordia Society 

031, 060, 009, 685 
Confiscated property... 

183, 189 
Congress Hall. ..141, 153, 231 

Congressional 

114, 127, 128, 130, 133, 136, 

138, 139, 141, 154, 166, 104, 

108, 191, 244 

Conn, D 309 

Conn, Dan'l 295 

Conn 707 

Connor, Tlios 512 

Conrad 62 

Constable, C 49 

Constellation, Frigate. 

283,287 

Constitution 245, 2»9 

Coutee, C. S 041, 650 

Contee 209 

Convents 

497, 499, 414, 515, 689, 092 

Conway, Capt 003 

Conway, Mrs. F. B 443 

Cook, Rev. I. P 537, 543 

Cook, I. & Co 88 

Cook, Jno 666 

Cook, Lieut 438 

('ook. Major 012,615 

Cooke 377, 490 

(Jooke, <i. F 121 

Cooke, Wm 

295, 290, 303, 314, 379 

Cook.sey, R. K 380 

(Jooney 693 

Owper, Gen. J 0.30 

Cooper, Mrs. E 529 

Cooper, P 

490, 460, 420, 463, 465 

Cooper, T. A 121, 122,527 

Coopman MO 

Copeland 060. ttW, 058, 050 

Copley, Gov 27 

Corbim, Nlclinlns '27 



730 



INDEI 



PAOK 

Cornwalljs, Lord 

149, 185, 213, 216, 217, 214, 
248, 253, 265, 511 
Corner Stone of 

Ciiurches 

465, 513, 531, 537, 542, 543, 

547, 575, 660, 668, 29, 31, 299, 

501, 502, 505, 508, 572. 675, 

678, 681 

Corrie, Jas 267, 286 

Corrie, P 567, 368 

Corse, Capt. J. De 248 

Corthwail, J 71, 192 

Corts, Lieut 218 

Coskery 505 

Cotton Factories 302, 327 

Coulson, Capt 247, 266 

Coulter, Capt. A 82, 472 

Coulter, Dr 71 

Councilmen, the first, 

281, 282 

Counties 337, 345, 419 

Harford 

9, 72, 78, 123, 135, 142, 
163, 239, 419, 526 

Carrol] 9 

Anne Aruudel 

9,20,47,65,238,263.305, 
419, 600 

Alleghany 419 

Howard 9, 263 

Charles 419, 401 

Frederick 

9, 263, 275, 282, 419 

Washington 282, 419 

Kent 50,-58,529 

Prince George's 419 

Cecil 53, 56, 57, 163 

St. Mary's 419 

Queen Anne 77 

Montgomery 315, 419 

Talbot 

Worcester 162 

Somerset 162,305,415 

Coursey, Lieut 218 

Court Housei 

9,23,31,55,50,74,82, 126, 130 

132, 136, 154, 232, 288, 296 

482, history of 59 

Courts 

285, 286, 294, 295, 296, 481 

Courts, U. S 260 

Courtenay, H 

65, 71, 180. 155, 202, 239, 263 
281, 282 

Cousy, J. B 68 

Cowell, J 473 



PAGE 

Cox, C C 661 

Cox, C 3S0 

Cox, James 

64, 123, 135, 148, 159, 163, 164 
166, 169, 260 

Cox, J. H 380 

Cox, Miss 230 

Cox, M. B 92 

Cox, Miss M 165 

Cox, Rev 31, 548 

Cox, W 706 

Crabb,.R. J....313, 315, 316, 339 

Craddock, J 136, 138 

Cradduck. Dr 71 

Craig, J 380, 506 

Craig 625 

Craig 99 

Cramplin, T 188 

Crane, Captain 642, 644 

Crane, Rev 31 

Crane, Wm. & Sons 549 

Crawford, D 187 

Crawford & Berry 546 

Crawford, .1 506 

Crawford, John L 680 

Crawford, Rev. John... 271 

Cravath, L 70 

Creamer, D 93 

Creamy, G 704 

Crenshaw, D. & J 587 

Cresap, Col. M 275 

Crichton..... 672 

Criminal Court.249, 272, 312 

Crise, John L 616 

Crittenden 512 

Ciittenden, J. J 576 

Cromwell, S 136 

Cromwell, T 177, 178, 183 

Crook, F. A 699 

Crook <& Duffs 516 

Crook, Walter, Jr 495 

Crookshanks, Chas 263 

Cropp.s, M 567, 568 

Crosby, J 49 

Crosby, Rev 675, 696 



Cross, A. B..., 
Cross, R. R.. 
Cross, Col. T.. 



93 

........ 705 

520 

Cross, E. J. D 705 

Cross, R 534 

Cross, Wm. S 705 

Crost, Lieut 166 

Crout 616 

Crow, J. T 99 

Cibxall, C 40, 49 

Cruse, P. H...92, 208, 236, 679 
Crusiu.s, P 42 



PA6X 

Crutchfleld <fe Haas 107 

Culley, W 506 

Cumberland 273, 304 

Cummins, Rev 583 

Cummings, Mrs 703 

Cummings, Rev 575 

Cunningham, Capt. J.. 300 

Curlett, Jno 678 

Curley 230 

Curtis, F 71 

Cushing, Caleb 

578, 579, 582, 689 

Cushing, J 585 

Cushing, Jno 548 

Cushings & Bailey 593 

Cushman, C 121, 443 

Custus, G. W. P 337, 411 

Cutler, Jno 270, 281 

Cytmire, C 39 

Dail 302 

Dailey, Massey & Mau- 

pin 548 

Daily 473 

Dall, Jas 397 

Dallas, Geo. M 512, 689 

Dalrymple, Dr 702 

Dauels, B. D 622, 685, 711 

Danglish, J 136 

Daniel, Judge 689 

Dargenberg, J 43 

Darley & Son 115 

Darne, Wm 419 

Dashield 52 

Dashiells, R. L 558 

Dauphin of France..l97, 200 

Davenport 121, 443 

Davenport, Miss 443 

Davey, A. W 286 

David 298 

Davidge, Dr. J. B....291, 301 

Davidge. F 90, 91, 499 

Davidge, F. H 469 

Davies, Mayor. 

516, 619, 523, 558 

Davis, D 380 

Davis, H. L 661 

Davis, H. W 574, 655, 661 

Davis, Jeff. 

588, 589, 637, 638 

Davis, Jno 303 

Davis, J. R 497 

Davis, Jno. W 

. 576, 603, 606, 614 

Davis, M 479 

Davis, Fhineas 452 

Davis, Rev. J 123 

Davis, R. W 593 



INDEX 



731 



PAOK 

Dawes. S 706 

Dawson, dipt 361 

Day, Avarila 33 

Day, G 708 

Deady, D 189 

Dean. E 443 

Dean, Miss J 443 

Dean, Wra 627 

Deaver, J 64, 65, 130 

De Butts, Dr. E 301 

Decatur, Com 382, 392 

Decatur, S 557 

Declaration of Incie- 

peucience by Md.... 141 

Decker, G 43 

Deems, Capt 456 

Deems, J 537 

Deering. John 11 

Deetzen, T 669 

Deford, B 585. 6S1 

Delaporte 2^9 

Dellvle, S 533 

Delmltt 33 

Deloiighery 502 

Deraeut.Capt.W. F.610,650 
Democratic C o n v e n- 

tlons 

488, 501. 512, 627, 539, 578, 

5S2, 689 

Demondidies, Master.. 27 

Denmead, A. & Bro 98 

Dennis, S.P 617 

Denison, Gen. A. VV.... 

635, 646. 617 

Dennisr.n, R. M 617 

Denny, J R98 

Denny. Jno 279 

Dent. Lieut 218 

Dent, w! 187 

DeSelden 443 

Deshon 340 

Desk. M 380 

Deverenx, Capt 210 

Devereux. Gen 126 

Devrles, HteplieusA 

Thomas 548, 598 

iJew. Jas. C 309 

Dewey, Rev. 889 

Deye, Capt. T. C 

62, 53. 59. 71, 126, 129, 130 
130. 195, 301 

Dick.T 51 

Dickenson, Col 409 

Dickinson I««, 303 

Dickinson, D. a 6S2 

Dickinson. M 446 

Dleklnson, Walter 9 



PAOB 

Dickson, liev 603. 621 

Dickson, T 

255, 274, 293, 294, 295, 296 

Dickson, Gen. Geo 256 

Didier. Henry 267. 432 

Dletch, L. C 

DifTeuderffer, 42, 43 

Diffeudertter, M 

42, 42, 44, 165, 170, 188, 254 

Diffenderffer. P 

42, 43, 44, 309 

Digges, J 187 

Dike, Capt 610, Oil, 622 

Dillehunt, Lieut 428 

Dillon, Count 203 

Dinners, public 

237, 346, 491, 375, 382, 392, 
415, 424, 508, 661 

Dinwiddle, Gov 112 

Dlnsmore, W. B 510 

Directory, the first 278 

Disney 504 

Dispensary 292, 386 

Divorce of J. Bona- 
parte, &c 310 

Dix, J. F 537 

Dix. MaJ.-Gen 

617, 618, 623. 624. 653, 656 
657, 659 

Dixon 529 

Dixon, Capt 347 

Doane, A. S 52.5 

Dobbin, G 85 

Dobbin, G. W 

4ft5, 694, 595. 693 

Dobbin, R. A 86, 86, 96 

Dobbin. T 88 

Dobson, H 184 

Dock and drawbridge.. 3J3 

Dodge, G. R 616, 615, 617 

Dogan, E 39 

Doggett, Rev. D. S. . . . 105 

Dolan, Rev. J 

531. 541, 665. 682 

Donaldson, A 139 

Donaldson, Alex 414 

Donaldson, Dr. VVm.... 301 

Donaldson, Jas 

2a3, 306, 309 

Donaldson, Jas. L 

351. 380 

Donaldson, J. J 610. 511 

Donaldson. Jos 189 

Donations -lOS 

Donavan, R 184 

Donavln, .s. K 95 

Doa&lson, A.J .550 



PAOB 

Donnell, Jno 

207, 296, 303 

Douuellan, F 155 

Donnells 5"25 

Donnelly 246, 495 

Donnelly, C 495 

Donovan, Dr 626 

Dorniu, Com 626 

Dorsey, Capt. J. H.. 

52, 53, 56, 188, 189 

Dorsey, Col 649, 650 

Dorsey, G 619 

Dorsey, Jno 191 

Dorsey, Mrs. A 665 

Dorsey. 8S1 

Dorsey, T. B 299, 301, 303 

Dorsey, Walter 286 

Dougherty 495 

Dougherty, C 302 

Dougherty, C. M 6a5 

Dougherty, D 302 

Dougherty, Rev J 630 

Douglas, A 106 

Douglas (& Hallam 112 

Douglas, S. A 581 

Douglas.s, Clias 268 

Douglass, F 661 

Douglass Institute 661 

Dow, R 146 

Downes. S. D 474 

Doyle 120 

Doyle, Jas 495 

Doyle, R 506 

Drakely. H 599 

Draper, Wm 70 

Drayton, Col 416 

Dress 225. 13, 233. 213 

Dresel, W 678 

Drew, Mrs. F 440 

Drexel & Co 98 

Dreyer, Rev. J. H 44 

Drill. J. M 667 

Drookenbrot. H 697 

Druid Hill Park 

578, 583, 615 

Drumniond 544 

Diuiiiiiinnd. W. C 122 

Drtiyer it Lewis 514 

Dry Tortugas 618 

DuHarry. J. N 699 

Duhourg 298 

.Duealol. Dr 395 

Dudley. Rev. T. U 678 

Duel 202 

Dugan. CuinM 

70. 267. 2S3. 2il4.(lS.'j, 688 
Dukohart. H. K 465 



732 



INDEX. 



PAGE 

Dukehait, T 341 

Daker, Otto 697 

Dnlaney, D 189,284,463 

Duneste 209 

Dunbar, Dr 

497,500, 506, 592 

Duncan, Jno 619 

Duncan, Rev. J. M 90 

Duncan, Rev 474 

Dunlap, Capt 49 

Dunlap, J 87 

Dunlap, S.G 701 

Dnnmore, Gov 66 

Dunn, J 380 

Dunnuigton, F 497 

Dunnlngton, W. A 497 

Duraud, R 122 

Durang, Chas 352 

Durant, C. J 659 

Dushane, Col 647 

Duvall 641 

Duval, G 142, 416, 419 

Duvall, Keigler & Boyd 598 

Duvall, M 596 

Dyer, B 183 

Eager, George 413 

Eager, Rutb 423 

Earle, R. T 187 

Early, Gen. J. A 

638, 641, 651 

Early,S. S 100 

Earthquake 465 

Easey, E 92 

Easter, H. & Co 598, 631 

Eastern Spring 495 

Eastou, J. B 526 

Eaton, Bros. & Co 598 

Eaton, C. M 526, 553 

Eaton, Jeremiah 24, 28 

Eberle, Mrs. H 440 

Eccleston 298 

Ecclestou, Archbishop 
502, 505, 508, 425, 514, 529, 
535 

Eccleston, Lt, Col 279 

Echols, Gen 643 

Eckes, H 697 

Eddis, Wm....59, 69, 140, 230 

Eddy, Rev 681, 690 

Edelmann, C 697 

Eden, Go v.. ..70, 143. 144, 221 

Edes, Capt. B 352, 409L 

Edgely, E 183, 184 

Education. ...14, 2)3, 277, 294 
Edwards, Jas....260, 281, 282 

Edwards, Maj 207 

Edwards, Moses 28 



PAGE 

Edwards, P 83, 84,256 

Edwards, Rev 548 

Edwards, Rev. J 389 

Edwards, Rev. J. E 105 

Edwards, R. & Co 554 

Effigies 301,537 

Egerton, Gen. ...556, 593, 624 

Egerton & Keys 624 

Egerton, Mrs. A. Du 

Bois 665 

Eichelberger, B 71, 130 

Biclielberger, J 255 

Eichelberger, M 209 

Eisenhart, Jno 565 

Elder, Mrs. F. W 665 

Elder, Rev. A. J 461 

Eldridge, G 506 

Elections 

136, 141, 206, 286, 528, 449, 

550, 558, 565, 570, 583, 611, 

668 

Elkins, Jno 6-59 

Ellender, G. W 705 

Ellery, Rev. W 387 

Ellicott, A.. ..53, 208, 243, 295 

EUicott, B 380 

Ellicott, Elias 255, 296 

Ellicott, Evan T 

289, 467, 477, 479, 664 

Ellicott, J 

53. 208, 262, 296, 303, 380 

Ellicott, Jos 53 

Ellicott, Thos....419, 469, 475 

Elliott, J. D 346 

Elliott, Lieut 543 

Elliott, Thos 

202, 207, 209, 245, 280, 441, 
447 

Ellis, Rev. J 696 

EUraaker, Amos 459 

Elssler. F 121, 502 

Elzey, Col. A 637, 638 

Emack, Capt 650 

Emack, C. S 699 

Embargo 272, 301 

Emery, C. J 670 

Emery, W. H 519 

Endley, G 506 

England, J 39 

English, Jno 670 

Ensor, J., jr 39 

Episcopal Church 

15, 43, 63, 112, 202, 288, 302 

History of 24 

First Minister i n 

Baltimore 26 

Convention 686 



PAGK 

Erben, H 705 

Ericsson, Capt 490 

Erie, sloop of war 346 

Erskine 304 

Escapes 

399, 481, 502, 501, 505, 541 

Escavaille, J. B 660 

Esclibach, Jno. E 685 

Etting, Lieut. R 248, 276 

Etting, Sol 

262,267, 296, 303, .381, 489 

420, 422, 428, 447, 525 

Euleston, Thos 187 

Eutaw House 

491, 496, 513, 538, 547, 5.52 
633, 685 

Evans, Geo 209 

Evans, H. D 95, 196 

Evans, H. W 430 

Evans, J 380 

Evans, O 246 

Evans, Wm 279 

Everett 472, 576 

Everhardt, Sergt 411 

Eversfleld, Jno 189 

Ewell, Gen 638,640, 641 

Ewing, J 183 

Ewing, T 64,65, 138 

Ewlng, Thos 512 

Ewing, W. P 652 

Exchange Buildings.... 

103, 267, 397, 445, 481, 468, 
475, 508, 517, 537, 550 
Exciting times 

38, 585, 594, 59.5, 601, 613. 614, 

622, 625, 627, 630, 632, 634 
Executions.. 

210, 246, 248, 302, 393, 467, 

479, 510, 520, 542, 508, 621 
629, 630, 699, 700 

Exhibitions 71, 420 

Faber, Rev. J. C....40, 41, 42 

Facius 697 

Factories 260, 302 

Fairs 423, 525, 664, 133 

676 

Fallier, G 380 

Falling Stars 466 

Famen, G 443 

Pamen, Mrs 443 

Fand, J 90 

Fanger, F 669 

Farr, S 479 

Farragut, Admiral. .86, 633 

Favorite Drinks, &c 13 

Fawcett, G.D 108 

Federal Hill, 

250, 412, 587, 612, 615 



INDEX 



733 



PACK 

Federal Soldiers 

588,612, CM, 615 

Fein, G 527 

Fell, Edward 

18, 28, 32, &3, 3-1, 52, 53, 54, 
56, 58, 203, 243 

Fell, \Vm 

10, 2.?, 31, 36, 58, 72, 203, 20ii, 
210, 213 

Fell's Point 

10, 57, 69, 76. 80, &j, HI, 162, 
190, 192, 250, 288, 3;«, 500 

Felton,S. M 651 

Fennel 115 

Feuton, Col 416 

Ferguson, D 500 

Fergnson, J. F 398 

Ferguson, Wra 39, 49 

Ferg!Usson, Jno 419 

Fernandis, Lieut 218 

Ferrandini, Capt 569 

Fessenden, Lieut 428 

Fickey, F 666 

Fickey. F. & Sons 59S 

Field, Geo. W 277 

Field, J. K 440 

Fifth Reg't 691 

Filling up the basin... 567 

Fillmore, .M 450, 062. 680 

Finances, &c 

12, 189, 191, 192, 196,201,262, 
295, 30!, 346, 491 

Findley, Hugh 376 

Finlay, Rev. J 124 

Finhiy, T 432 

Finley. E. L.409, 480, 425, 463 

Flnley, Jno 379 

Finley, Johnson & Co.. 95 

FIniiegan, Gen 644 

Fires* 

31, W, 78, S3, 171. 210, 246, 
279, 280, 310. 496, £02, 512. 
387, 73, 393, 397, 403, 422, 
410. 4(jO, 407, 473, 474, 527, 
5:i3, r>l6, .SI7. 551, (i7(l, 6S2, 
093, 097, 700, 708 
Fire Alarm Telegraph 

563,568 

Fire Companies 

55, 50. m, 210. 505. 523. .')2S. 
518. .SV), Ga3,56.>, 677, 706 

Flenimlui;. John 

20,31,315.431 

Fletcher, Capt. P 28<J 

FloodH, 

43, .50, 214, 251, 492, 506, 389, 
510. 563, 576, 669 



PAGK 

Florence 121 

Flour 189, 196, 246, 277 

Flouruoy , ,580 

Floyd 459 

Flnmford,T 47 

Flultlng, T 669 

Foard, Jos. R 419 

Forrester, Wra 271 

Fog 294 

Fogg, A 53 

Folansbee, L. T 706 

Foley. D. J 685 

Foley, Rev. J 660 

Foley, Rev. T 512, 665 

Folger, Capt. F 168 

Fonerden, A 

63, 255, 259, 262, 266, 281, 
282, 283, 314 

Ford l!?3, 184,707 

Ford, C. E 122 

Ford, H 183,167,184 

Ford, Lieut. Col 276 

Ford, J. T 9\ 122, 123 

Ford's Opera PIouso 389 

P'ord's Grand Opera 

House 687, 6S9 

Foreigners, arrival of ...460 

Foreman, Dr. E 500 

Foreman 166 

Forrest, E 121, 123 

ForSyth, 498, 6.S9 

B'ort Covington 349 

Fort McHenry 

9, 103, 105, 138, 142, 272, 288, 
341, .343, .3-18, .3.53, 373, 3S2, 
404, 410, 40.5, 479, 000, 601, 
6(i8, 013, 614. 617, 618, 620, 
621, 625, 620, 605, 718 

Fortifications 615 

Forward, J 419 

Foster, Bishop.. 690 

Foster, Rev. P. .S 690 

Fottrcll. Edward 

33. 52, 65, 06, 188 

Fountains 303 

Fountain Inn 

1X9, 206, 230, 248, 261, 279, 
Pm, .308, 316, 875, 415, 430 

Forward, Jonaih.in .3-1 

Fowler, Col 347 

Fowler, Roht. 6«4 

Fowler, R 711 

Fox, H. H 491 

Fo.x, Jno 507 

Fov 644 

Fralley 85 

Frame buildings 302 



PAGK 

Francis, Mr 115, 117, 119 

Francis, Mrs 115 

Franclscus, Geo 2.54 

Frank, S. & Co 631 

Franklin, H 

131, 132, 142, 270, 487, 374, 

464,688 

Franklin, J 51 

Franklin, T 40 

Franklin .Square 5H 

Frasher, J 39 

Frasler, J 652 

Frayer, F 641 

Frazer, Capt. D 34 

Frazer.J 49 

Frazier, Capt. J 516 

Frazier, D 506 

Frazier, J 706 

Fr.azier, Lieut 353 

Frederick ; 

41, 89, 170, 209, 248. 596, 056 

Fredet 298 

Freebairn, F 83, 84 

Freeland, F ]87 

Freeman, Rev 387 

Freeman, W. H 459 

BVee Schools 

387, 397, 408, 422 

Frei, F 669 

Freidewrich, A. & L 631 

Frellnghuysen, T 511 

French, R. B 525 

French, B 506 

French, E 90 

French, James 189 

French fleet 189 

F'reuch refugees 266 

French troops 

192, 2( 2, 203, 204, 2i>6 

Frey 700, 71 5 

Frick 624 

Frick, Dr 395 

Frlck, George P 688 

Frick, John 377, 395 

Frick, Miss 660 

Frlck, P 170, 281, 282 

Frlck, \Vm 47.3, 5J9 

Frlck, Wm. F 678,681 

Fridge, A 31.3, 447 

Frlsby, I{ 370 

Front. St. Theatre 

496, 4:19, 4.59, 5.34, .578, 
582, a30, 6«7 

Frost, Wm 189 

Fuller, Rev. R 

124, .521, .52!), 5.36, 537, 541, 
.543, 517, .5^18, 681 



734 



INDEX 



PAGE 

Fulton, A. K 86 

Fulton, C. C 86, 624, 625 

Fulton, D 309 

Funeral expenses 52 

Funeral obsequies 

489, 503, 469, 513, 520, 525, 

529, 533, 539, 553 

Funk, H 573 

Furlong, Rev. H 690 

Furniture, kind of. 12 

Gabby, Wm 419 

Galther, Capt. G. R 600 

Gaither, E...313, 315, 316, 318 

Gaither, H. C 315, 316 

Gaither, Wra 

313, 316, 327, 330 
Galbraith, Oapt.. 66, 67, 160 

Galbaud, Gen 266 

Gale, Geo 260 

Gale, Dr 313,318 

Gallagher. ..515, 412, 122, 535 

Gallatin 141 

Galloway, B 163 

Galloway, M 163 

Gait 336 

Garabis, Admiral 266 

Gamble, Lieut 353 

Gambrill, H 566,568 

Qamen 442 

Gannon 442 

Gardiner, C. T 662 

Gardiner, W. C 662 

Gardner 539 

Gardner, Capt 410 

Gardner, Chas 271 

Gardner, J 48 

Gardner, J. C 5U9 

Gardner, Tim 309 

Garey, Jas. S 682 

Garland, H.M 91 

Garmendia 664 

Gamier 298 

Gamier, Rev 69 

Garratson, C 160 

Garratson, J 160 

Garrett, Jno. W 

449, 602, 661, 686, 693, 715 

Garrett, Robert, Jr 692 

Garrett, Robert <& Sons 

513, 533, 552 

Garrett, T 380 

Garrison, Wm. L 258 

Garts, C 71,261 

Garts & Leypold 236 

Gas 293, ;i86, 681 

Gash, H 52 

Gassaway, J 183, 184 



PAGE 

Qatchell, W. H..576, 603, 614 

Gatchel), Y. L 651 

Gates, Gen 

173, 186, 214, 219, 261, 265, 275 

Gates, Mrs. Gen 138 

Gathro 52 

Gaulden 579 

Gay, John '27 

Gay, M. R 46, 47, 49, 51, 56 

Gebhard, C. K. J 507 

Geddes 285, 506 

Geib, J. & Son 44 

Gelston, H 699 

Gen. Wayne Inn 500, 628 

GerardiB, Dr. L. H 395 

George 549 

Georgetown, D. C 

88, 99, 171, 316, 337, 544 

Germain, Lord Geo 143 

German, E 122 

Ger. Orphan Asylum... 697 
Ger. Reformed Church. 
40, 45, 136, 202, 214, 264, 2S8, 
343, 512 

Germans 

37, 45, 49, 103, 104, 106 

Gerock, Rev 45 

Getz, C. S 442, 687 

Ghequiere ! 209,261 

Gibbord, M. F 101 

Gibson, A 700 

Gibson, Jas 187 

Gibson <fe Co 533, 534 

Gibson, W 

163, 209, 249, 281, 283, 381 

Gifford 528, 578, 707 

Gilder, Dr 210 

Gildersleeve, Prof. 101 

Gildert, J 71 

Giles, E 210 

Giles, Jacob 239 

Giles, Jno 239 

Giles, Wm. F....533, 542, 678 

Gill, C. L 622 

Gill, Geo. M 

419, 568, 596, 605, 612 

Gill, R. W 417, 469, 475 

Gill, S 593 

Gilmor, Col. H 650 

Gilmor, Robert 

44, 62, 115, 170, 201, 260, 261, 

266, 277, 281, 282, 288, i;97, 

300, 314, 340, 491, 503, 377, 

381, 395, 418, 528 

Gilpin, Bailey & Canby 554 

Giu, burned 302 

Gingrass, V 622 



PASS 

Gist, C 283 

Gist, Christopher 20, 22 

Gist, C. H 304 

Gist, Gen. M 

64, 130, 136, 138, 139, 152, 

162, 167, 172, 188, 212, 214, 

215, 216, 219, 221, 241, 264, 

279 

Gist, J 189 

Gist, Richard 

18, 20, 21, 28, 33 

Gist, T 136, 138 

Gittlngs, Jas 

126, 136, 196, 432 

Gittlngs, Mrs. J. S 665 

Gittings, Thos 210 

Glascock, Jno 641 

Glass, Capt 501 

Glass Manufactory 236 

Glenn, Elias 

261,299,489,514 

Glenn, Judge J 

481, 489, 431, 442, 476, 477, 
479, 516, 537, 542, 708 

Glenn, S 506, 440 

Glenn, W. W 

103, 443, 616, 675, 708, 110, 
111 

Glover, Capt 300 

Gobright, J. C 95 

Gobright, W. H 95, 101 

Goddard, M. K.80, 81, 83, 160 

Goddard, W 

79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 131, 132, 157, 

158, 159, 161, 168, 172, 175, 

176, 177, 180, 182 

Godfrey, J. Max 

354, 379, 380, 387 

Goey, W. D 621 

Goldsborough, Maj. W. 

W 640, 641 

Goldsmith 49, 546 

Goldsmith, Maj. Sam'l 11 

Goldsmith, Wm 296 

Goodman, J. S 440 

Goodwin, L 249, 255, 279 

Goodwin, W 134,210,282 

Gordon, J 159 

Gordon, J. H 659 

Gordon, Jno. M 553 

Gordon, Lieut. J. C.373, 383 

Gorman 471 

Gorman, T. W 623 

Gorman, W. H 641' 

Qorsuch, Charles.. ..9, 10, 18 

Gorsuch, D 536 

Gorsuch, E 535, 536 



INDEX 



735 



PA6K 

Gorsuch, J 536 

QorsuPh, John 18. 22 

Gorsucli, RobPit 9,262 

Gorsnch, Richard 9 

Gorsuch, W. Q 550 

Gosnell, Cnpt 5;« 

Qough •196 

Gonsh, H. D..65, 72, 243, 267 

Gough, P 419 

Gould 52 

Govane, W 51, 52 

Go- ett, Wm 155 

Grafflin * Hardester... 690 

Graham, Col 647 

Graham, D 87 

Graham, G 382 

Graham, H 482 

Graham, Lieut 520 

Graham, Miss M. A 443 

Graham, Wm. A 539 

Graham, W. H 553 

Grain Elevator 687 

Grammer, Rev. J. E.... 

668, 675 

Gi'andchut 52 

Granget, A 42 

Grant 356 

Grant, A 244 

Grant, D..78. 206,211, 261, 2&1 

Grant, Gen 149, 216 

Grant, Gen. U. S 

632, 643, 646 

Grasse, Count de 189 

Grason, Gov 498 

Qrasrauck 45 

Graver, J. A 440 

Gray 705,707 

Gray, Dr 71 

Gray bell, Capt. P. ...2:}9, 284 

Graybell, Jacob 276 

Grayson, J 122 

Great ?:astern, Stmr 575 

Greeley, H 689 

Green XH5, 302 

Greenfield 707 

Green A Co 510 

Green, Gen. D 91 

Green, J 79 

Green, M 622 

Green, N 614 

Greene, Gen 

106, 167, 1H6, 195, 197, 207, 
210, 211, 212. 214, 219, 220. 
265, 275, 33« 
Greenmount Cemetery 

i'M), v,2n, i'M, cm 
Grcenway. E. »M ^M 



PAOK 

Gregg. J 380 

Grenier, Col 426 

Grlesf. Isaac 

57, 125, 130, 131, 136, ViH, 169 
253.255 

Griffin. Gen. C 646 

Griffith. B 

54, 56. 58, 63, 123, 125, 130, 
136, 13S, 160, 169, 188, 196 

Griffith A- Cate 546 

Griffith, G. S 52S 

Griffith, J 155 

Griffith, Jno. J 533 

Griffith, P 593 

Griffith, S 346 

Griffith, T. W 496 

Grisi 121 

Groor, Mrs. E 34 

Grounds for State 

House 201 

Grove, C. S 621 

Grundy 209 

Grundy, Felix 498 

Guard, Rev.T 690 

Guenther, J 697 

Guest, Christopher 20 

Guild, Rev. E. C 389 

Guion 428 

Gunboat 620,626 

Gupon, Jacob 36 

Gutelius, Rev. S 512 

Gwinn 49 

Gwinn, Charles 341 

Gwlnn, E ,.•■■ 313 

Gwynn, C. J. M 693. 711 

Gwynn's Falls 18 

Gwynn. Lieut 428 

Gwynn. Wm 

87. 88. 96. 120. 292, 314, 377, 
386, 425 

Habeas Corpus 612 

Hack, A 46 

Hackett 121,209 

Hackney, O. W 506 

Hadneld, D 262 

Ilasar 488 

lldgerty, J 79 

Hall Storms 430,06^1 

Halo, B 187 

Hale, P. M 516 

Hall 201, 402 

Hall, A 40,63,71,210 

Hall, C <« 

Hall, Capt 629 

Hall, Capt. J m 

Hall. (;ol :<!, 272 

Hall, Col. J. C...18.!. 219. 42{ 



fAOK 

Hall, Dr 329 

Hall, Kdward 33 

Hall, John 23, 127, 305 

Hall, Jno. E 313, 328, 329 

Hall, Prof .30 

Hall, Rev 534 

Hall, T. W 

104,.ia5, 108, 593, 617 

Hall Wash 377 

Hall, Wm. C 279 

Hallani, L 111,114 

Halland, P 188 

Halleck, Gen 640 

Hallock, Capt .-. 159 

Halstead 459 

Hambleton Bros. & Co. 598 

Hamilton, Alex 274,688 

Hamilton, J 183, 184 

Hamilton, Miss H 687 

Hamilton, Rev. W 558 

Hamilton, Wm 20,21,33 

Hammond, Gen 659 

Hammond, James 624 

Hammond, Jno. 20, 254, 305 

Hammond, B 187 

Hammond, Rev 499 

Hammond, Wm 

20. 22, 28. 34. 38, 39. 47. 51, 
65 

Hamnor, J. G 537 

Hancock, General. ..M3, 661 

Hancock, J 15.5, 138, 463 

Hand, Adjt. -General... 189 

Handy & Bansemer .554 

Hann, A. N 442 

Hansheweg 64 

Hanson 287, 491,457 

Hanson, A. C 

312, 313, 315, 316, 317, 318, 

319, 320, 321, 322, 326, 327, 

328, 3.12, a35, aiO 

Hanson, John 88 

Hanson, Jonathan 

16, 33, 70 

HarSlnai Vereln 6.33 

Harbnugh, I^ 62, 81, 2V| 

Harden, Kev. Wm 690 

Hardin, J 610 

Hare, Col 612 

Hare 393 

Harford Run 10, e^l 

Hargrove 323 

Hargrove, Jolin 286 

Hargrove, Rov. T 877 

Harkcr 06 

Harker, J 68-1 

Harman, P 470 



736 



INDEX 



PAGE 

Harman, Wm 675 

Harper, C. C 468 

Harper, J 506 

Harper, Miss 665 

Harper, R. G 

241, 295, 306, 351, 375, 378, 

380, 409, 418, 421, 431, 445, 
515 

Harra, Rev 630 

Harris 22 

Harris, D 260, 277, 344 

Harris, G 419 

Harris, John 641 

Harris, J. M 497, 599 

Harris, S & Son 584 

Harris, Rev. E. N 125 

Harris, Wm 469 

Harrison 428 

Harrison, B 132 

Harrison, F 602 

Harrison, Gen 

491, 502, 50'i, 6S3 

Harrison, L. & Co 554 

Harrison, Mrs. P 665 

Harrison, Rev 31 

Harrison, Thos 

34, 36, 39, 46, 47, 49, 51, 52. 

54, 56, 58, 126, 130, 134, 136, 
206, 235, 238 

Harrison, Wm 479 

Harrison, Wm. G ...611, 617 

Harryman, G 419 

Hart, J 414 

Hart, Jacob 262 

Hart, L 305 

Hartley, J 77 

Hartshorn, Jno 183, 184 

Hartway, N .39 

Hartwell, Thomas 82 

Hartwig 45 

Hartz, J 56 

Harvey, Admiral 386 

Harvey, Capt 356 

Harwood 115 

Harwood, Jas 459 

Haslet, Col 149 

Hasson, J 555 

Hatfield 97 

Haubert, J 380 

Hawkins 279 

Hawkins, W 18,255 

Hawkins, J. L 432, 447 

Hawkin.s, Thomas 21 

Haxall 209 

Hays, J 87 

Hay ward. Col. W. H.... 

550, 583, 600 



PAGE 

Hazlehurst, H. R 664 

Hazlewood, Com 164 

Hazzard, Jno 428 

Healey, Rev. J 125 

Health Officers 267, 274 

Heaps, Jno 398 

Heath, Col. U. S 473 

Heath, J 56 

Heath, R, H 

323, 325, 351, 391, 409, 426, 
469 

Heath, W. S 541 

Heathwat 33 

Hebrew Orphan Asy- 
lum 696 

Helffenstein, R. A 45 

Hefferman, J 1.36 

Heide, G 170 

Heine, A 685 

Heiner, Rev. E...45, 512, 530 

Heisher.P 43 

Heister, Gewde 218 

Hendel, Rev 43 

Henderson, A. F 506 

Henderson, Jno 506 

Henderson, Robt. ...207, 245 

Henfrey, B 293 

Hennick, J. M 705 

Henry 442 

Henry, J 114 

Henry, Jno 416 

Henshaw, Rev 469 

Herbert 112 

Herbert, Jas. R 640, 641 

Hermange, E. V 101 

Heron, M 121 

Herr, P 43 

Herring 551 

Herring, H 534 

Herring, L 44 

Hessington 283 

Heuisler, J. S 685 

Heuisler, Wm. J 507 

Hewe.s, J 132 

Hewitt 22 

Hewitt, C 79, 82 

Hewitt, J. H. & Co 100 

Hibernian Society..408, 422 

Hickey, Rev 542 

Hickley, M 506 

Hickman, Capt 456 

Hickman, G. H 94 

Hickman, W. H 517 

Hicks 599 

Hicks, T.H 

576, 584, 589, 594, 596, 610, 
635, 689 



PAGE 

Hl?glnbotham, R 295 

Higginbotham, Thos... 300 

Higgins 566 

Higgins, Asa 599, 627 

Hi)dt, Kev. G 690 

Hill, Gen. D. H 102 

Hill, J 49 

Hill, Mrs 439 

Hill, Rev. S. P 124, 529 

Hill, Wm 641 

Hill, Wm. B 667 

Hill, W. S 102 

Hillegas, S 155 

Hillen.Col.S 

503, 506, 516, 697 

Hillen, Jno 381 

Hinks, C. D 

568, 571, 576, 607, 614 

Hindes 583 

Hindes&'Wood 622 

Hind man, Jacob 340, 346 

Hindman, Wm 187 

Hinkle, E.J 600 

Hlntze, Dr 477, 506 

Hitchcock, F 440 

Hitchcock, J 91 

Hitchcock, J. S 465 

Hobbs, Thos 264 

Hobby, W 123 

Hodge, Rev 548 

Hodges 30 

Hodges Bros 598 

Hodges, Jas 568 

Hodges, Mrs. Jas 665 

Hoiiges & Emack 554 

Hodgson 209 

Hoecke 45 

Hoey, Mrs. Jno 442, 443 

Hoff. 557 

Hoffman, S. 653 

Hoffman 

328, 392, 419, 428, 655 

Hoffman, D 313, 381, 409 

Hoffman, G 377, 447 

Hoffman & Co 95 

Hoflman, J 43, 44 

Hoffman, Miss D 665 

Hoffman, Miss I. 665 

Hotrman, Mrs. S 665 

Hoffman, P 

63, 74, 139, 202, 282, 303 

Hoffman, Rev. A 696 

Hogan, John 652 

Hoge 581 

Hoge, Dr 102 

Hogg, John 8 688, 705 

Hogg, J. W 75 



INDEX 



737 



p&eK 

Holland 121 

HoUiday, J. R 40 

HoUiday St. Theatre... 

3S2, 50J, 415, 413, 623, 708, 
hLstory Of 115 

Hollins, Capt 61.'? 

HolUus, Mayor .513, 615. 677 

Holliu.s& McBlair 3J2 

Hollingsworth, Jesse... 

57, 70, 125, 2i'2, 238, 243, 259, 
274, 281, 284, 303 
Hollingsworth, Levi... 

295, 305, 309, 377, 380, 489 
HoUing.sworth, S 

63, 74, 238, 266, 271, 379, 414, 
444 
nollingsworth, T. E.... 

6;i, 200, 281, 282 
Hollingsworth, Z 

210. 243, 2Ui, 2i.i, 204, 206, 
281, 282, 290 

Hollins, J 

209, 2C0, 303, 3' 19, 471, 541 

Hollohan, T. R 699 

Holloway, C. T 707 

Holmes, J 261, 263, 267 

Holnie.<s, R 419 

Honiaiuls, J. S 94 

Home of the Friend less .585 

Hoofnagle, G 500 

Hook, Col 411 

Hooper, Capt 533 

Hooper. M 664 

Hooper, Rev. Joseph... 29 

Hooper, W, E 578. 5S.T 

Hoops, A 18.3, 18J 

Hopkins, Com 1.37, 1.38 

Hopkins, EUzHheth 11 

Hopkins, G 

61, 130. 192, 855, 259 

Hopftin.s, O. T 088 

Hopkins, Janney 709 

Hopkins Hospital, Ac. 093 

Hopkins, Johns 

5!W», 007, 093, 096, 703, 709 

Hopkins, Mrs 5.10 

Hf.pklns, I,. N 09.3,711 

Hopkins, (J. T 5.>3, 7«l 

Hopkin>>, H 709 

Hopkins, Wm «1>3 

Hopklnson, K...nO<'i, 118, 121 

Hoppe, .1 4.12 

Hoppin 97 

Horo, E 3S0 

Horn, A rm 

Horn, M BOl) 

Horner, .lolm 014 

48 



PAOX 

Horse disease 690 

Horticultural Society.. 

465,538 
Hospital. .99, 275, 302, 382, 711 

Hot weather 009 

Houck, A 139 

llouek, D 565 

House of Refuge 536, 620 

Houses erected 538 

Houston, Gen. S 516 

Houston, Jas 259, 299 

Howard, Cornelius 

57, 108, 423 

Howard, B 05 

Howard, B.C 

242, 500, 391, 409, 446, 447, 
473, 513, 017, 688 

Howard, Chas., 

576, 60.3, 604, 014, 677, 688 

Howard, D 380 

Howard, Dr. W 088 

Howard, Jas 419 

Howard, J. E 

6.3, 30, 108, 183, 184, 201, 2*i9, 
214, 219, 221, 238, 240, 241, 
24.3, 245, 240, 249, 202, 
201, 20;'), 207, 272, 275, 278, 
2.S0, 2S3, 2.S4, 295, 290, 301), 
305, 340, 370, 377, .381, 387, 
411, 419, 420. 423, 515, .537, 
628,077 

Howard's Park 

108, 262, 190, 375. 421, 440, 
47S 

History of 239 

Howard, Capt 347 

Howard, F. R ...617, 028, 101) 

Howard, G 419 

Howard, Gov. G 688 

Howard, J 432, 42.3 

Howard, John .12, 130 

Howard, J. IJ„ 19.5, 203 

Howard, J. E.. Jr 010 

Howard, Mrlleiiry 0.311 

Howard, Mis. B. C 005 

Howard, .Mrs. Chas..')20, WZ) 

Howard, H. «' 51.') 

Howard, Wm. Key .520 

Howard, W.G 510 

Howard, \V I2S 

Howard Jk Hewitt .52(i 

Howard Alhi;na'uni.... 52)i 

Howard, Gon 

1.57, ia«. 105, I«f7, 173, 174, 
215 

Howe 70S 

Howell, ("apt. ThoH 0(» 



PAOB 

Howell, D. C 688 

Howland, D 280, 393 

Howlaud & Woden 467 

Howser, K 659 

Howser, H 556 

Hoye, Juo 419 

Hubley, B 184 

Hubley, C 184 

Hud,son, J 64, ft5, 71, 196 

Hughes, Bishop 608,639 

Hughes, B 56 

Hughes, C 

71, 81, 287, 309, 312, 394 

Hughes, G. W 535 

Hughes, J 89 

Hughes, Hannah 39, 49 

Hughes, J _ 419 

Hughes, P 632 

Hughes, S 414 

Hull, J 43 

Hull, N. B 398 

Hulty, Dr 71 

Humane Association... 294 

Humphreys, Thos 9 

Humphries, Col 2.51 

Hunt, Jesse 

463, 471. 475, 477, 478, 479, 
524, 592 

Hunt, W 676 

Hunt, Wm 706 

Hunter, Jnc 299 

Hunter, Jno. F 685 

Hunter, Mrs. J F 605 

lluulor, R. M. T 530 

Hurdle, C 706 

Hurst "... ;« 

Hurst & Co 598 

Hu.ssy, J 5-55 

Hutfhins, Dr. W 5:J6 

Hutchinson, C^apt. W.. 612 

Hulson, R 616 

Hutlon, Jas 309 

llutlon. Perry ,398 

Hyani, G 006 

Hyain .5.31 

Hyde 189 

Hyde, G .MXi 

Hyde. H. 493 

Hyd«f&Hon 41)3 

Hyer, r .528 

Hynos, A IH^i 

Hynson, J. R 570 

Hyrne, Major 211 

Ice 42U 

Illnmlnaltons 

.37:), 521, 0:1.3,415,081 
Indi-ninlly HanuigeM... 489 



738 



INDEX 



PAGE 

Indians 

24, 51, 76, 130, 261, 4G5 
Monacans, Powha- 
tan, Warrasko- 
yac, Werowan- 
ces, Kecough- 
tans. Paspahe- 
ghes, Chickaha- 
mania, W e a- 
uocks, Arrow- 
l)atocks, Appa- 
raatucks. Qui- 
yougcohanocks, 
Nandsamunds, 

Chesapeacks 4 

Youghtanund, Cat- 
tatawomen, 
Miittapam ent, 
Moraugtacunds, 
Pamavnkee, 
Rapah a n o c k , 
Werawoconioco, 
Nantaug h ta- 
cund,Chiskiack, 
Wighcocomoco, 
Appamatuck, 
fSekacawone, Ir- 
rohatock.Onaw- 
manient, Pata- 
womekes, Pay- 
ankatanke, 
Tauxenent, 
Mannahoack s, 
Secowocomoco , 
Potapaco, Pa- 
niacaeack, Moy- 
owan ce, No- 
cotchtauke 

Acquintanacksuak, 
Pawtuxunt, 
Mattapanien t , 
S a 8 q u e s a li a- 
nocks, M asso- 
woniekes, Tock- 
whoghes, Ozin- 
ies, Kuscarawa- 
ock,TautsWigh- 
coconiico, Aco- 
hauock, Acco- 
mack, Chawo- 
nockes, Mango- 
ags, Kuscarawa- 
okes 

depretlations of. ...24, 51 

manners and cu.s- 
toms of 

2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 24, 25, 26 



PAQK 

Indian Queen Tavern. 

206, 279 

Ing, J. H 624 

Imlay, R 453 

Ingli.s, Rev. J 

55, 294, 343, 380, 397 

Innoculation 292 

Inns 

49, 52, 48, 53, 71, !32, 170, 
189, 206, 211, 264. 406 

InsolventCoram'rs 381 

Insurance 

238, 26.S, 276, 277, 301, 481, 
360, 393 

Ireland, E 267 

Ireland, Rev, John.. ..30, 52 

Irvine, B 89 

Islands 2 

Jackson 22 

Jackson, A. J. W 456 

Jackson, Edward 11 

Jackson, F. J 304 

Jackson, Gen. Andrew 
90. 396, 417,4.32,433,459, 465, 
468, 472, 513, 557, 575, 632, 
689 
Jackson, Gen. T. J..0,38, 639 
Jackson, Gen. Conven- 
tion 460,473 

Jackson, J 37, 398 

Jackson, S 482 

Jackson Square 513 

Jacobs, G 184 

Jail 

153, 284, 2S8, 302, 339, 481, 
502,504,50.5,478,541,575 

James, Rev. F 678 

Jamestown 4 

Jamison 566 

.lamison, Jas 309, 342 

Jamison, Joseph 379 

Jamison, S 526 

Janes, Bishop 681 

Janney, R. M 693 

Jansson.T 37 

Japanese Ambassa- 
dors 577 

Jarrett, H. C 442, 443 

Java frigate 346 

Jefferson 119, 120, 121 

Jefrerson, C 440 

JefTerson, Joseph 

121, 123, 443, 526 

Jefferson, Thomas 

258, 292. 498, 420. 557, 688 

Jenifer, Col 179 

Jenifer, Dan of St. T.... 187 



PAOB 

Jenifer, Daniel 419 

Jenkins, A 664 

Jenkins, O. T 107 

Jenkins, Col. J. S 691 

Jenkins, E. & Sons 495 

Jenkins, G 380 

Jenkins, Hugh 629 

Jenkins, T. C 664, 685 

Jenkins, Wm 510, 432 

Jenner, Dr 292 

Jennings, Dr. S. K r. 500 

Jennings, T 163 

Jerome, J. H. T 

535, 537, 538, 539 

Jervis Hospital 616 

Jephson,J 380 

Jessup 544 

Jessnp, Captain 247 

Jessnp, Wm. & Chas.... 

262, 286, 296 

Jews 420,533 

Joachimsen 5.33 

Johannes 550 

Johns, Bishop 686 

Johns^, Capt. A 188 

Johns, Rev 

500, 504, 529, 537, 548, 575 

Johns, Rev. Dr 31 

Johnson, A 630,666 

Johnson, B. T 

600, 637, 639, 643, 644 

Johnson, Col. R. M 488 

Johnson, Dr. E 255, 261 

Johnson, E 

282, 295, 303, 305, 306, 308, 

309, 312, 319, 322, 323, 332, 

344, 346, 375, 376, 377, 403, 

440 

Johnson, Gen. J. E..637, 649 

Johnson, H 39 

Johnson, Heni"y 209 

Johnson, H. E 618 

Johnson, H. V 581 

Johnson, J 136, 262 

Johnson, Lieut. E 641 

Johnson, Mrs. J 52 

Johnson, T...i 

133, 161, 166, 177, 245, 274, 
276, 305 

Johnson, Rev. J. R 585 

Johnson, Reverdy 

33, 65, 188. 489, 512, 431, 475. 

476, 477, 479, 516, 527, 576, 

585, 676, 681 

Johnson, S 210 

Johnson, W. H 706 

Johnson & Co 340 



INDEX 



739 



J'AOE 

Johnston -142 

.Johnston, C. 139, 210, 281 

Jolinstuu, Capt. J 61, (55 

Johunnot 209, 2.59, 287 

Joico, S. J 628 

.loiiiis Town, Jones's 

Town 32, 34, .36 

Jones, Capt U2, 16S 

Jones, Col. ..-Ill, 588, 610, 612 

Jones, David 10 

Jones, E. L 705 

Jones Falls 

14, 18, 22, 28, 33, .37, 38. -13, 

50, 53, 51,62, 77, Ul, ISS, 2;52. 

244, 25.5, 277, 287, 303, 491, 
.506, 389, 570, 669. 676 

Named after, 10 

Jone.«!, Gov S39 

Jones, Gen. \V 476 

Jones, J 4G8 

Jone-s J. C 479 

Jones, J. n 699 

Jones, J. M 497 

Jones, John 9 

Jones, N .5i', 277 

Jones, Philip 21, 22 

Jones, R. P .527 

Jones, Rev. J. S 682 

Jone.s, S. H 187 

Jonei^, T 

71, 134, 163, 169, 296, 428, 446, 
447 

Jones, T. L 6.59 

.Tones, Wm .344 

Jones, Win. F 467 

Jones, W. G 87, 88. 481 

Joppa 2-1, 31, 60, 61, 62, 1-53 

Joriian, G. C 413 

Jordan, H. C 440 

Jordan. .S .5.58 

Jordan & Rose (Hil 

Joy, A 622 

Jnce, Mi«8 F. & E 142 

Judge .302 

Juenger & Mueller 107 

Jnsllces.., 

23, 33, 34, 40, .5!^, 219, 276, 

■.m, 209 

Justices of tlu) Peace... 417 

Kahl, 1). F 697 

Kahler & Hinlth .5-17 

Kail), l>o 219, 103 

Kane, F,. K 553 

Kane, George P 

109, 517, .52.5, .526, .578, .587. .592. 

6!)3, 603, 605, 606, 610, 612, 
61.3. 6.51 



PAGE 

Kane. Lt.-Col 6.39 

Kane, M 706 

Kauinian, C 706 

Kaylor, J 506 

Kcan, V 121, 12;3 

Kean, E 121 

Keating, H 3.34 

Keating. Geo 2.S3 

Kearney. Gen. Ja.s. W.. 519 

Keeuan, Jas 667 

Keene, L 121, ,526 

Keene, W 188 

Keenan, J 622 

Keener, M... 43, 44, 53, 56, .57 
Keeports, G. P...196,289,246 
Keeports, J....49, 51, 186, 262 

Kell, Thos 314, 381 

Kell<jt, Capt 501 

Kelso, Jas 155 

Kelso. Jno 309. .340, 432 

Kelly, E 64 

Kelly, Jas 495 

Kelly, M 516 

Kelly, M. J 507, 62S, 685 

Kelly, Piet & Co 101, 628 

Kerable, 123 

Kenible, F 121 

Kenible, Gov 689 

Keinble, Roger 115 

Kemp, J .506 

Kemp, Rev. Dr. .James 
30, 31, 241, 376, 379. 381, 422 

Keiily, Juo. R 

517. 518. 519. .523, 52.5. 613, 

614. 615, 622, 627, 6;{.5. ft36, 

frlO, 644, 617, 649. 6-54. 6-55 

Kennard, S 394 

Kennedy, A .574, 599 

ICennedy, Capt. W 

685, 697, 699 

Kennedy, Hen 313 

Kennedy, J 305 

Kennedy, J. P 

92, 117,2.31,491,499, 100, 419, 

46.5, 468. 516. .530. 5:0. .5.53, 

679 

Kenii«-<1\, .\I..(il, (t.5, 160. 161 

Kennedy. P 148. 189 

Kennedy. H 88 

Kennelly, Thos 268 

Kenney. F !... 707 

Kenny. S.P 92 

Kenrlck. Hishop 

.508. 161. .541.. 543. 626 

Kensell & W'heelor &I9 

Keusey. Hu(;li 9 

Kent 400 



PAGE 

Kent, E 281, 292 

Kent, Ja« 271 

Kepler, A 6.59 

Keiby, Jas 691 

Kerby & Ready 691 

Kerr 695 

Kerr, C.J 108 

Kester, Jno 641 

Key. F. S 93. 121. .3.51. 404 

Key. H. G. .« 419 

Key. P 187.306 

Keyser, C. M 516 

Keyser. Geo 346 

Kiirome, Com 299 

Kidd. M 659 

ICiel, A 697 

Kilgore. N 659 

Kilgour 113. 585 

Kilgour. C. J 

313. 315. 316, 327, 328, 330, 
333 

Kili-our, Robert 315 

Killen, Rev 534, 541 

Kimberly, C. W 95 

Kimm*el 209 

King, F. T 693,699,711 

King, Jno 516 

King, S ~. 549 

King, Wm 568 

King, W 688 

King, W. R .5;» 

King William 27 

King & Sutton 534 

Kingsbury, Jas 192 

Kinnemon, Dr 506 

Kinsey, Margaret 10 

Kirk, T 187 

Kirkland, A 692 

Kirivlaud, CMiase & Co.. 697 

Kirkley, J. W &18 

Kirwin, ('apt 613 

Knabe 4* Gaehlc .549 

Knabe, Wm 627 

Knapp, Rev. J 124 

Knapp, K. C 44.3 

Knoll 557 

KnIghtH of Pythias 668 

Knlghla Templar 685 

Knip, F 422 

Kno-ir, C 697 

Knollon, Co! 152 

K now- Noth Inns 

643, 650, 6.58, .56.5, .570, .570, 
.5h;{, 0«I2 

Knox 627 

Knox, Jaa 623 

Kouecko !*0 



740 



INDEX. 



FAGK 

Koontz, Col 706 

Kossuth, L 538 

Krebs, G. W 516 

Krebs, Rev 653 

Krebs, Wra 475 

Krenzer Bros 107 

Kriira 581 

Kiighbord, J 40 

Kugler, Dr. B 386 

Kuhn, Lieut 353 

Kuhns, J. H 621 

Kurtz, Rev 

43, 44, 46, 343, 542 

Kustar, F 669 

Kyle, A. B 570 

Kyle, Geo. H 570 

Labes 209 

Lacbey, Rev 40 

Ladd, Jno 622 

Ladd, L. C 594, 622 

La Fayette, Geu 

168, 169, 185, 186, 193, 194, 

195, 236, 409, 410, 469, 521, 

538, 688 

Lafayette Sqnare...j557, 616 

Laffiiii, Miss M 101 

Laffiui, W. M 100 

Larapley, J 699 

Lancaster 

41, 43, 44, 52, 53, 56, 507, 535, 

Lance, R 49 

Lander 283 

Landstreet, W 107 

Lane, Jos 5S2 

Langworthy, E..81, 243, 294 

Lanier, Bros. & Co 598 

Lanne, M. A 189 

Lansdale, G. 517 

Lansdale, T 183 

Lanzun, Duke 203 

Lapourelle&Maughlin 546 

Larew, M 286 

Larrabee 519 

Latil 209 

Latimer, W. M 497 

Latrobe, B. H.,Sr 378 

Latrobe, B. H 454 

Latrobe, Jno. H. B 

499, 510, 423, 453, 454, 459, 

524, 530, 578, 583, 660, 667, 

668, 681, 685, 697 

Latrobe, Mrs. J. H. B... 669» 

Laughing Gas 513 

Laurenson, P 463 

Lavalette, Gen 203 

Layers, J. W 506 

Law, Jas. 524 



PAGE 

Lawrence, D 159 

Lawrence, L 261 

Lawsoii, A 

36, 38, 47, 49, 55, 58, 62, 65, 
163, 285 

Lawson, Mrs 286 

Lawson, R 282 

Lawson, W. H 622 

Lawyers 431, 71, 210, 688 

Ijayhole 629 

Laypoll, J 82 

Lazaretto 292, 348 

Leadbetter,Jno 380 

Leakin, Rev 31,534 

Leakin,S. C 

91, 34(!, 501, 502, 409, 432, 475 

I.ear, Maj. Wra 520 

Leases 242 

Leavy, B 155 

Lecompte, Jos 506 

Lee, A 419 

Lee, Capt 112 

Lee, G 425 

Lee, Gen. C 

53, 143, 144, 173, 174, 175, 176, 
177, 180, 181 
Lee, Gov. T. S 

185, 186, 193, 196, 197, 202, 
273, 274 

Lee, Jno 419,210 

Lee, Josias 142, 584 

Lee, P. H 183 

Lee, R. E 

338, 027, 642, 643, 646, 649 
Lee, R. H 

132, 273, 312, 316, 318, 320, 

321, 327, 328, 332, 333, 336, 

338 

Lee, Z. Collins ..530, 535, 575 

Ledwitz, Lieut. Col 149 

Lefevre, J. A 621 

Leggett, Geo 262 

Legrand, J. C 

529, 538, 564, 584, 620 

L'Eole, frigate 298 

Lehr, H 697 

Lehr, R 664 

Leloup, C. E 527 

Lemarde, Jean 392 

Lemmon, Jacob 196 

Lemmon, K.123, 165, 188, 210 

Lemmon, L 63, 71, 123 

Lemmon, R 488, 521 

Lemmon, W 316 

Lennox, W. T 519 

Lenschow, C 676 

Lequerra, Rev 630 



PAGE 

Leslie, Robt 510, 578 

Lester 303, 352, 460 

Letherbury, P 187 

Letters, communica- 
tions 

126, 128, 129, 131, 134, 142, 
143, 184, 190, 194, 199, 312, 
55-', 602, 609, 610, 611, 617, 
625, 642, 643,644, 651,695, 707 

Letters, Gen. Gist 139 

Jas. Nicliolson. 143 

Wm. Buchanan. 118, 163 

Gen. Greene 210 

Gen. Wm. ymall- 

wood 149, 166 

Mrs. Mary Cox 164 

Capt. James Cox.... 165 

George Welsh 165 

Howard, Charles.... 604 
Col. John H. Stone. 166 

A. Hamilton 274 

Geo. Washington... 

250, 170, 191 
T. H. Hicks..584, 594, 595 

W. Goddard 175,176 

Gen. C. Lee 175,176 

Johns Hopkins 693 

Col. E. Oswald... 180, 182 
George W. Brown ... 

594, 595, 599 

Col. S. Smith 182,382 

Major-General R . 

H. Lee 273 

Capt. E. Norwood... 183 
Otho H. Williams.. 

197, 274 

Maj. David Poe 186 

Gen. Lafayette 

193, 194, 195 

Charles Howard 604 

Col. E. F. Jones 610 

John H. Dike 611 

Edward G. Parker. 611 
Gen. John A. Dix... 

617, 618 
C. C. Fulton. ......624, 625 

E. S. Hanford. 625 

Gen. Jos. E.Johnson 637 
G. T. Beauregard.... 638 

Jefterson Davis 638 

Gen. John C. Breck- 

enridge 642 

Gen. U. S. Grant.... 646 
Gen. G. K Warren. 648 
General Thomas T. 

Munford 650 

S. M. Felton 651 



INDEX 



741 



PAGK 

Y. I,. Giitchell 6.V2 

S. M. Bonaparte ()iV2 

Jdlm K. MeJilton... (iXi 

J. Bly : 654 

G. t". Morgan 654 

Win. II. Seward 65^1 

Gen. Jno. R. Kenly. 655 
Milton Wliilney.... (Vto 

Simon Cameron 655 

General George B. 

McClellan 656 

R. M. Copeland 

656, 657, 658, 659 

J.G.Swift 3J3 

Leneht, J 107 

Levely 45, 52, 64, 285 

T.everinji, A 63 

Leverintr, A. R 309 

Levering, Capt 347, 379 

Levering, G. W 622 

Levering 170,392 

Levering, N 309 

Levy, E 567, 573 

Levy, N.. 114,469 

Lewis, K 706 

Lewis, \Vm 506 

Leyti, E. K 104 

Leypol(I,J 170 

Libraries 23.5, 403, 405 

Library Co..277, 278, 281, 526 

Liggatt, S 209 

Llght-ljoii.ses., 393 

Lightning... .59, 249. 293, 417 

Like, Wni 10 

Lunns Lot 57 

Lincoln, A 

526, 584, 585, 589, 595, 598, 

609, 62.J, 630, 634, 636, 661, 

662, 110 

Lincoln, Gen 174, 186 

Lind, E. G 607 

Llnd,.renny 534 

Linden & .Moore 91 

Llndent)ergpr, G 

45, 64, 71, IW, ia5, 169, 178 
202,209 

Lindsay 113 

Linehan. H 495 

Lindsay, (J. W 550 

Lindsey'sColfee House 190 

Lineweaver, Capt 566 

Lingan, Gen. Jas. M. .. 

313, 316, 327, 329. 331. :W7 

LIgon, Gov 555. 6.58 

Linthloum, R 5(W 

LIpp, F. K. vt Co 95 

Llpp, K 607 



PAGB 

Ltttig, P 49 

Little, P 304,314,346 

Littl.'jolin, Dr 210, 2ii2 

Litzinger, Jos 555 

Liverpool S. S. Line.... 661 
Livitigston, Capt. D.... SO 

Lloyd. R 57 

Loekwood, R. M 541 

Loersli, V 40,49 

Logan, James 705 

Loney, Capt 603 

Loney, B. S. & W. A.... 5o4 

Loney, F. B. & Co 598 

Long, Col 347, 428 

Long, Jas 163 

Long, R 56,202 

Long. R. C 

31, 120, 283, 295, 301, 386, 514 
Loiigacre, Rev. A. ...666, 690 

Longeope, H 70 > 

Lonufellow 51, 169 

Loral), Jno 189 

Loring, Admiral 284 

Loring, <;. P 582 

Lorman, .\ 687 

Loriuan, \Vm 

267, 381, 386, 419, 428, 447, 
467, 469 

Lossing 8 

Lotteries 

49, 56, 202, 254. 400, 433 

Lotz 697 

Love, Martin & Co 549 

Low, L 706 

Low, N > 49 

Lowe, Gov 

5m, 537, 585, 602 

Lowe, Jas 706 

Lowman, Jj 53.3 

Lowndes 241 

Lowry, Capt 2-17 

Loudt-nslager 1.38 

LondonParkCenaetery 543 

Loui.H XVI 206 

Loyola College 510 

Loyalists 147, 162 

Lucas, C. Z 509 

Lucas, Capt 49 

Luoa.-, E 467 

Lucas. Fielding. 510, 877.881 

Lurnmn, Mrs 665 

Lnllieran ("buroh 

40, 43, 4.'i, 46, 202, 2M, 2K8 
.5(13, 702 

history of 45 

Lux, Capt. Darby 

31, ;i.5, 30, ;!7, .38, 39, 48 



PAOk. 

Lux, Darby 

.39, 136, 1.38, 155 

Lux. G 131, 1.37, 147. 238 

Lux, William 

35, 47. 49, .56, 65. 72. 7.3, 125. 
12ii, 129, 130, 136. 146 

Lux.Wm.ofE.R i<o 

Lyford, W. G 102 

Lynch 477, 479 

Lynch, A. A 617 

Lynch. C 189 

Lynch, Jno 209 

Lynch, Rev 061 

Lynde, Jno 189 

Lynn, Adam 29 

Lynn, Col 331 

Lyon, Dr 71, 196 

Lyon, W 39, 46, 47, 49, 56 

Lyons 621 

Lytic .53. 64 

Macauley, Dr....491, 39.5,428 

Maccauley, P 90 

Maccreery, Wm.292, 294, .305 

Maccubbin, N 187 

Maccubbin, R. C 6.59 

Mace, A 664 

Machin 442 

MacUall, J 187 

M: .kail, R 309 

M < kenheiiner,Col.ai7, 264 
M rkenzie. Dr.. 15.5, 275, 302 

Mackie, E .57, 65,260 

Mackie, Spiers & Co.... 189 

Mackintosh, Jus 251 

Macklin, W 474 

Macnabb, J 65,66 

Macomb, Gen 411.472 

Madison, .lames 

H8. 90, 310, 489, 379, 401, 4.58 

Maglll, Dr. C 054,655 

Magoffln, J 71 

Magi-aw & Koons t>24 

Mogruder, Judge 

510. 512, 463 

Mngruder, J. K 419 

Magruder, Taylor and 

Koberl.-; 598 

Mall robUrics..593. 398, 390 

Maloney, F 598 

Manly 676 

Manners and Customs. 

12, l.S, 37, .59. 201.222.2:13. 
2!»7, 406 

Manning A Hope 4(10 

Manning. K.J 270 

Mansell 230 

Manual Labor ychool.. 497 



742 



INDEX 



PAGB 

Manufactories 109, 402 

Marden, Jesse 027 

Harden, J. P 052 

Mareclirtl 298, 389, 399, -429 

Market Houses 

40, 50, 79, 235, 236, 263, 207, 
289, 524 

Marine C. Society 279 

Mario 121 

Marshal], Chief Justice 

301, 400, 472, 480 

Marriott, J. H 380 

Marshall, Chas 590 

Marshall, Mr 115 

Marshall, Mrs 115 

Marshall,'!' 480 

Marshek, J 555 

Martin, DuBoi.«„ 409, 410 

Martin, D 432 

Martin, Jas 304, 309 

Martin, J. E 106 

Martin, Judge 570 

Martin, Rev 653 

Marine Hospital 207,520 

Markley, A. W 621 

Markoe, P' 107 

Marriott, E 380 

Martin, A 84, 85 

Martin & Co 91 

Martin, L 

103, 188, 245, 255, 286, 299, 

301, 306, 341, 401, 402, 418, 
421, 431, 688 

Maryland 9 

Mary^land Institute 

236, 420, 536, 538. 539, 550, 

552, 553, 564, 577, 582, 603, 
664, 671, 674, 685 
Maryland Line 

169, 171, 186, 197, 210, 212, 
213, 337, history of 213 
Maryland, Sloop of- 

war 287 

Masey, J 286 

Masinlieinier, Jno 189 

Maslin, Jas 259 

Mason, Capt. W 510 

Mason, Jno 537 

Mason, J. T 685 

Mason 059 

Masonic Hall 

354, 000, 085, 086 
Masonic Order 

284, 354, 427, 431, 458, 060, 

685 

Lodges, history of.. 268 

Massey 652 



PAGE 

Massey, Jesse 479 

Matchett, R. J 94 

Matthew, Rev. T 531 

Mathews, Roger 23 

Mathias, Col. T. J 685 

Matthews, A 445 

Matthews, B 445 

Matthews, C 122 

Matthews, E 445 

Matthews, Dr 330 

Matthews, Geo..l70, 192, 255 

Matthews, R. S 550 

Matthews, Rev 692 

Matthews, Thos 196 

Maughlin, W. W 75 

Mauldin, Capt. B. F 515 

Maulsby, J. D 419 

Maund, T 91 

Maxey, Lieut 355 

Maxwell 333,334 

Maxwell, Col. J.. 61 

Maxwell, Gen 166 

Maxwell, Jno. & Co 575 

May, B 64, 139 

May, H 617, 665 

Mayer, Brantz 

460,510,511,525,667,718 

Mayer 209 

Mayer, C. F 

509, 431, 459, 471, 527, 537, 
543, 629 

Mayer & Bro 548 

Mayer, Rev. L 44 

Mayhew, Win. E 553 

Mayo, Dr 652 

Mayors 282, 415, 421 

Mayor, Ac, qnalifica,- 

tions 291,303 

McAllister, Capt 524 

McBride, H 188 

McCabe 509 

McCabe, Jno 160, 169 

McCain, Rev 547 

McCiiir, Rev. A 343 

McCandless. G 64 

McCann, Jno 593 

McCannon 

74, 78, 255, 281, 282 

McCalraont, J 183 

McCary, H 514 

McCarthy, D 359 

McCausland 209 

McCausland, M 291 

McClellan, Gen 621, 656 

McClellau, J 82, 169, 189 

McClellan, Win. W 526 

McClenuahan 651 



PAOR 

McColgau, Rev. E...507, 660 

McComas 586, 606 

McCoraa.s, H. G 380 

McComas, Jas 188 

McConkey & Parr 652 

McCounell, Jno. C 636 

McCoy, C 705 

McCrea, S 88 

McCready 121, IJS 

McCubbin, Z 136,264 

McCuUoch, J. W.309, 380, 382 
McCulloch, J. H 

206, 267, 292, 293, 299. 309 
489, 469 

McCron, Rev. J 

46, 504, 579, 634, 667 

McDonald, A 267, 447 

McDonald, Geo 630 

McDonald. M 516 

McDonald, Wra 

309, 314, 340, 347, 500, 468, 
469, 513 

McDougall, Jas 75 

McDowell, Capt 520 

McDowell, Robinson 

&Co 598 

McDuffle 467 

McElderry, H 516 

McElderry. Hugh. ..477, 479 
McElderry, Thos 

266, 267, 283, 295, 296, 299, 
304 

McElmole, A 705 

MoFaden, J 139, 169, 286 

McFarland. Rev 31,537 

McGee, Jos. H. «fc Bro... 620 

McGonuigan 571 

McGowan, J £47 

McGreevy, J. A 507 

McGuire, Dr 506 

McHenry, James 

71, 191, 1P5, 209, 210, 243. 

245, 249, 253, 2.54, 262, 260, 

272,277,280,342,381,414 

McHenry, John. .63, 134. 419 

Mclntire, Dr. Jas 705 

McJiltou, J. F 653 

McJiltou, J. N 90, 93, 513 

McKaig, R. J 6.S8 

McKaig, T. J 705 

McKean 267 

McKean, Thos 244, 259 

McKewin, Jno 479 

McKim 556 

McKim, A 

74, 123, 258, 260, 262, 274, 

276, 277, 281, 295, 296, 299, 
302, 303, 414 



INDEX. 



743 



PAGE 

McKlm, .1 

71, 203, 242, 263, 206, 30?, 
387,447 

McKIm, Isnac 

496, .S77. 378, 381, 392. 419, 
428, 477, 403 

McKlrn Free School 387 

McKim, John S 525 

MoKim. R 302, 346 

McKiin, R. H 641 

McKim, Will 5.53,585 

McKnow, W 649 

McLane, Allan 557 

McLane, Capt. A 192 

Mcl.ane, Loui.s..409, 45:3, 557 

McLane, R. M 

516. 585, 596, 6()2 

McLaughlin, W 

74, 196, 203, 264 

McliUre, J 

63, 159, 188, 238, 414 

McMahon, A 64, 65 

McMahon, .Tno 593 

McMahon, John V. L... 

511, 419. 431,447,468, 68:3 

McManus, Rev. B. J 630 

McMechen, D 

71. 130, 161, 182. 188, 189. 192, 

2fH>, 261, 262, 277, 280, 282, 

283,304 

MoMechen. \V 381 

McNally.Capt 501 

McNally. Jno 704 

McNally. Wm 474 

McNeil, Col 650 

McNeil, W. G 428 

McPherson, J 419 

McPberson, MnJ 19:5, 194 

Maryland Agricultural 

Hociely 676 

MarylanilColonizalion 

Society 500 

Maryland Historical 

Society 

39, 46, 47, 169, 277. 281, 510, 
526. 5>2. WiS, 681) 

Md. JfK-key Club, 081 

Maryland National 

GnardM 668,076 

Maryland Soldiers In 

the Civil War 6:J5 

Meade, (ien 615 

Meers, T 44 

Mechanic Arts. ..524, 525, 53« 

Medical Society 

255, 291, 301 
Medtart.J 459 



PAflR 

Meek inc. S 650 

Meetings 

64, 125, 128. ia3, 189, 262, 277, 
30(i, 50.3, 375, 417, 419, 4:}0. 
446, 462, -168, 471, 473, 475. 
478, 515, 516, .521, 524, 527. 
533, 535, ,543, 567. .574, 584, 
585. 626, 6.«5 

Meixsell, H 550 

Menger, H 697 

Mercant.lle L. Ass'n 497 

Mercer. P. F 683 

Mercer, J 51 

Meredith, J 687, 693 

Meredith, Jno... 491, 381, 431 

Meredith, P 706 

Merrick, W. D 419 

Merriken, J 380 

Merrimac 490 

Messer, W 471 

Messonler 209 

Merrick, R. T 53S 

Merry man, J 

58, 64, 1;J0, 209, 282, 28-1, 304 
308 

Metcalf 512 

Metzgers, Capt 347 

Method ist."s 

78, 202, 230, 2-15. 255. 261, 

279,288 

Mexican War, 516, 517, 525 

Meyer, J. C. J 594 

Meyer, F 40, 42, 51, 697 

Mezick, Jash 425 

MIckle, Jno 263 

Micnainara 182 

MIddleton 211 

Middleton, R. H 5(tfl 

Middleton & Dorsey 519 

MitHin.Oen 151 

Milbourne 117 

Miles, J 184 

Miles, P. a 593 

Milhoiland, Jas 524 

Military 

1.36, l.'ff. 138, 140, 116, 148 
162. 16.3, Iftl, 167, 16X, 169^ 
18.5, 202, 217, 271, 272, 281^ 
:m, 311, 312. 3-17. !!»«. .5IMI 
.507, 412, lis. 42.3, 471, 179 
515. 517. .51'5. 5'.!it, .V(i. 569 
575. .587, .591, (iOO, Ullt, 635 
««!.S 

Celebrations 50, 132 

CorapanieH, history 
of „ 247 



PAUK 

Arrests 

60S, 012, 61.3, 614, 616. 617 

618, 620, 621, 621, 62><, ftU 

110, ill 

Orders 

616; 817, 026, 6:», 705 
Take possession of 

612. 615 

Millard, E.J 419 

Miller, Capt 356 

Miller, Cloud & Miller, .598 

Miller, Dr. J. H 499. .506 

Miller, D. M 599,627 

Miller, E 6.52 

Miller. (Jen 544 

.Miller, J 82 

Miller, P 42 

Miller, R ,377 

Miller, Rev 515 

Miller. Robt 267 

Miller, T. K 705 

Miller, Wm 494 

Mlllian, P 286 

Mlllikln 122 

Millikln, B. H 377 

Milllkiii, R. H 705 

Millinian. Geo.. 290, 302, 309 

Millington, Capt 5:?2 

Mllliugton, J. N 456 

Mills 

122, 196, 277, 311, 402, 262 
289, 376 

Mills, B 659 

Mills, Jno 527, 621 

Mills, J. M 105 

Mills, Mayhew&Co.... 598 

Mills* Murray 547 

Mills, Robt :]77, 378 

Mills, S. S 520, 621 

Mills. S. S. & Bro 10.5, 517 

Mills, Troxall&Co 95 

Milroy, GSu 6.38 

Miltenberger, Gen. .409, 478 

M luckier, W 107 

Miskelly, Joseph 704 

MitclH-ll. Col »75 

Mileliell, |)r 3.30 

Mitchell, Geo. E :U() 

Mitchell. J 606 

MItchi'il. Jas .5()« 

.Mitchell, Jno .506 

MIt.hell, M 121 

Moale, J. C 506 

Moale, .I<.lm,Sr..8,19. 28, 33 

Moale, John 

•M, 46, 17, 19. .W. 51. 52,56, 

TO, 02, 6.3, <J.5, 72. 12«1, I.'fO, 

136, 191, 202, 209, 219, 285 



744 



INDEX . 



PAGB 

Moale, Mrs. Ellen 419 

Moale's Point— owner 

of 8 

Moale, Richard 

33, 65, 76, 126,^130, 131. 2^3 

Moale, R. H .'. 2S3 

Moale, Win 506 

Mobs 

81, 88, 104, 155, 175, 2.58, 309, 

310, 312, 315, 339, 476, 515, 
589, 593, 605, 622 

History of 76 

Mobley, Maj. E. M 647 

Moffat, W 669 

Moffitt, Capt 514 

Monitor 490 

Monkur, Dr. C. S 

500, 506, 667 

Monroe 96, 401, 681, 688 

Monroe, J 90 

Montague, Lord 268 

Montague, W.L 624 

Montel & Bro 549 

Montgomery, Gen 214 

Montgomery, Jas 50C 

Montgomery, Jno 

308, 309, 314, 320, 324, 332, 
317, 399, 415 

Montgomery, Maj 556 

Monuments 

391, 531, 564, 634, 660, 375, 
379, 500 

Moon, Capt. R 364 

Mooney 246 

Moore, B. P 709 

Moore, Col. S. H. P 

339, 340, 342, 409 

Moore, Col. N. R 29), 382 

Moore, Col. S 503 

Moore, Capt 

109, 190, 247, 249, 259, 271, 
272 

Moore, Ely 425 

Moore, J 49 

Moore, Maj 351 

Moore, F 422 

Moore, Rev 531 

Moore, T 71 

Moore, Thos 641, 659 

Mof)re, Wra. H.64, 70, 76, 5> 

Mooj'er, H 697 

Moran, M 474 

Moranville, Rev. J. F... 374 

Moreliead Col 614 

Moreton..* 115 

Mortitt, H. M 611, 617 

Morfltt, T. C 617 



PAGR 

Morgan 458 

Morgan, J. A 641 

Morgan, J. E 624 

Morgan, Gen 220 

Morgan. G. E 654 

Morgan, Jas 565 

Morgan, Lieut. T 160 

Morris, Gen 103 

Morris, Gen 633 

Morris, Jno. B 

482, 489, 409, 410, 427, 428, 

447, 459, 469, 475, 477, 479, 

515, 553, 662 

Morris, Mr. and Mrs.... 115 

Morris, Mrs. R 4-39 

Morris, Nancy 662 

Morris, R 154,244 

Morris, Rev. J. G 46, 603 

Morris, Tliomas H 62S 

Morris, Wm 302 

Morrison, J 394 

Morrow, R 623 

Morse 98, .514, 525 

Mosby, Col 650 

Moses 521 

Mosses Small .586 

Mosher, Capt 533 

Mosher, Col 

120, 295, 296, 301, 302, 303, 
340, 403, 414 

Mosher, Jas 381, 386 

Moss, John H 699 

Moubos 209 

Moulton, W 528 

Mount Clare 50, 162, 206 

Mountenay's Neck 

10, 38, 54 

Mowett, R. & Bro 598 

Mud House 504 

Mud machines 208 

Mudd, A 693 

Muling, Capt 533 

Mumma 324, 327, 333, 3.34 

Munford, Gen 650 

Muntross, Thos 9 

Murder 392, 565, f 66, 693 

Murderer's Ordeal 398 

Murdock 121 

Murdock, H. S... 687 

Murdock, J. E 443 

Murdock, Mrs. T 665 

Murdock, Wm. 57 

Murdock, Wm. F 553 

Murdy, Rev. R. W 666 

Murphy 86, 85, 96, 456 

Murphy, Capt. John.... 

360, 363, 364 



PASK 

Murphy, M 593 

Murphy, J. & Co 92,685 

Murphy, P 496 

Murphy, T. L 92 

Murphy, Wm 23.5, 398 

Murray, Capt 603 

Murray, Capt. A 284 

Murray, D 

313, 327, 329, 330, 334, 419 

Murray, H. M 417 

Murray, J 419 

Murray (feWiegand 632 

Musgrave, Maj ..31 6, .327,^30 
Museum, history of 

95, 169, 343, 496, 386, 441, 708 

Myers, C 144 

Myers, H 706 

Myers, J 42,52, 593 

Myers, G.N 49, 57 

Myers, P 51 

Nadal, Rev 529 

Nagle, J. E 122 

Nagot 298 

Nagot, Rev 68 

National Commercial 

Convention 686 

National Republican 

Convention 459 

Naval Vessels 

86, 87, 141, 142, 137, 168, 170, 

171, 186, 189, 193, 199, 204, 
272, 283, 284, 341, 354, 509 

Neale, J 499 

Neale, Jas. F 507 

Neale, J. G 380 

Neale, R 380 

Neale, Rev. L 69, 389. 445 

Needham, S. H 594, 621 

Negro insurrection 569 

Neil, Capt 356 

Neill, Wm 63, 71, 414 

Neilson 209 

Neilson, Wm 346 

Neilson, W. H...105,628, 629 

Nelson, Dr. N 536 

Nelson, Hen 

313, 315, 327, 329 

Nelson, Jno 

419, 473, 575, 683 

Nelson, Robt 574 

Neninger 379 

Neuhahn, S 697 

Neuhaus, Rev 542 

New Assembly Rooms 

537. 603, 661, 685 
Newell, Rev 94 

ew Castle 54 



INDEX 



745 



PAOK 

Newsboys' Home 667 

Newcomb, Lieut 353,381 

New Jerusalem 

Church 263,286 

Newshara & Co 547 

New Orleans 62 

Newspapers 

586, 609, 634, 632, 631, 

629, 643, 645, 108, 530, 

79,628 

History of 79 

Maryland Gazette.. 
48, 49, 56, 114, 116, 161, 
183, 244, 112 
Maryland Journal, 

&c 

79, 115, 125,157,172,175, 

182, 196, 277 

Balto. American.... 

84, 89, 120, .352, 456, 596, 

597, 618, 623, 624, 633, 

625, 670 

The Sun 95,624,634 

Balto. Bulletin 100 

Evening News 101 

Sunday Telegram.. 101 
Southern Magazine 102 
German ( "orrespon- 

dent...l03, 505, 624, 634 
Baltimore Weaker. 

104, 601, 634 
Episcopal Metho- 

i\M 105, 106 

Saturday Night 106 

Federal Kepubl ican 

••509, 310, 312, 314, .339 
Baltimore Gazette. 
108, 616, 617, 623, 621, 
02S, 634 

Baltiinorean 107 

Enquirer 107 

Newspapers sup- 
pressed 

616, 617, 621. 628, 629, 631, 
6;^2 

New York 

4-J, .57, (!2, 09, 76, 80, 90, 92, 

95,97,99, lo:t, HI, 12.3, 119, 

150, 192, 215, 221, 277. 2!H). 

483,510, lOVt, 091 

Nevins, Kev. Wm.....'')5, .397 

Nlccoll.--, Kev. S. J «9rt 

Nicholas rm 

Nicholas, Dr. J. .S...4ni, 15:1 

Nicholas, R. C .340 

Nlcholls, Col. R. Y Mi 

Nlcholls, II 2S2 

4!J 



PAOK 

Nlcholls, Wm 1!'2 

Nichols, J 230 

Nichols, Jno. F 107 

Nichols, Z 506 

Nicholson 

209,285,296,340,411 

Nichol.son, B 

71, 126, 130, 136, 158, 159, 
172,243,261,340 
Nicholson, Capt. John. 

141, 142,285 
Nicholson, Capt. S..141,3">(i 

Nicliolson, Col 62S 

Nicholson, J 6t)9 

Nicholson. Com. Ja.s.... 
141, 158, l.J9, 160. 170, 171. 295 

Nicholson, Jno 632 

Nicholson, Jos. If 

306. 308, 309 

Nicholson, Judge .362 

Niles,H 

8S, 89, 309. 456, 459, 480 

Nlles, 8. A ^9 

Niles, Win.0 89.91 

Nixon, Rev. Wm 30 

Non-importation agree- 
ments 6), 125, 127, 129 

Noel, S 215 

Norfolk 127,238, 251,. 339 

Norris 653 

Norris,A 419 

Norri.s, B. B 188 

Norris, Caldwell & Co... 518 

Norris, C. S .585 

Norris, G. W 497 

Norris, J 181 

Norris, ,T. C 95 101 

Norris. J. Saurin .553 

Norris, Mrs. It 665 

Norris, Wm. H 

475, 576, 5K4, .585, 430, 602 

Norris & Bro .551 

Norton, Capt .501 

North, Capt. Robert 

22, 32, 31, 39 

North Carolina 6(i 

Northern Centnil Uall- 

ronil Company 

Mi, 42.5. 429. 431. 157. I.".S. 

r,|.-,, ,5,S7, .591, .590, 6(13,601, 

007,707,711 

North Polul 

11,18,32, 143, 200, 342, 311, 
316 
North Point M on u- 

mont 500, 391 

Norw(KMl. Cap! IH.'!. Isl 



PAOK 

Noss, H 697 

Nowland, D 316 

Oakley, Jacob „.. 495 

Oates, J. A 123 

O'Brlan, T '398 

O'Brien, 507 

O'Connor, A.J 706 

Odd Fellows-,^ 

490, 508, 457, 575, 618, 660, 
665 

O'Donnell, C. 688 

O'Doniiell, Gen. C 

503, 425, 475, 578, 599, 607, 
685, 696 

O'Donnell, Jno 

338, 261, 262, 2ftl, 266, 267, 
294 

Ogle, Gov. Samuel 32, 36 

Ogleby, J 255 

01colt,Col 630 

Oldlield, Mi.ss 115 

Oldham, E 183, 2.39 

Old Town 10, SS 

Oldmixou, Mrs 115 

Oliver, Jno 378, 408, 422 

Oliver, Robt 

209, 288, 310, 428, 444, 447, 
463, 469, 472 

Oliver Viaduct 444 

Omnibuses 512 

Ontario frigate ^16 

Ord, Gen 630 

Oreni 583 

Orem, Cnpt 533 

Orem, Hopkins & Co... 598 

Orendorf & Beam 598 

Orndortt 688 

(Isborne, Rev. J 12'1 

Osgood, R. II 425 

Osier, E. I* 547 

Oswald, Col. K 

81, 176, 178, 180, 182, 277 

Oils 241 

Otlerblne, Rev. V. W... 

41,41, i:S6, .313 

Olto, P 05)7 

Owi-n, A. F &37 

Owen, Capt. B. F 515 

()w*-n, l>r ;12U 

Owens, B. W (Ml 

Owens, Dr. S 62,79 

Owens, J. K 

121, 12.3,442, 11.3. 526, «»7 

Owens, Itcv. G 558, 028 

Owens, .S 196 

OwlnKH,S....2«7, 281, 282, 284 
Owing)-. Wm 261, 272 



746 



INDEX 



PAGE 

Paea, J 51, 53 

Paca, William 

166, 261, 265, 279, 286 

Packet Lines 

238, 481, 420, 533 

Page 491 

Pagels, Q.H 699 

Paine 49 

Paintings 381 

Palmer, Dr. .T. W 

101, 106, 488, 521 

Palmer, Thos. <fe Co 495 

Palmer, A 39 

Park Commissioners... 578 

Parker, Capt 533 

Parker, E. G 612 

Parker, E. L. & Co 554 

Parker, Robert 11 

Parker, T 343 

Parks, J 63 

Parr, D. P 106 

Purr, Mrs. D. P 665 

Parrington, Cap! 532 

Parrish, E.. 51 

Parron, T 184 

Parti-jilge, Jas 377 

Pascault 209, 286 

Passano 623 

Passenger Railway 

Companies 

^568, 569, 582, 621, 668, 670 
678, 681, 688 

Patapsco river 

8, 9, 14, 18, 19, 20, 24, 32, 34, 
87, 53, 137, 208, 297, named 

after 8 

Patch, Wm 591 

Patterson, A. B 76 

Patterson, E.. 295 

Patterson, G 155 

Patterson, Jno 408 

Patterson, Jos. W 446 

Patterson, Miss E 

488,489, 678 

Patterson, William 

170, 1!^5, 200, 207, 260, 281, 
288, 295, 340, 378, 381, 3.94, 
409, 410, 414, 422, 425, 428, 
433, 444, 446, 447, 449, 403, 
467, 469, 482 
Patterson & Woolford.. 594 

Pattei'son's Park 

342, 422, 616 

Patti 121 

Patton, G 57 

Patton, M 64 

Patton, W 87 



PAOB 

Paul, Capt 533 

Payne, Jas 555 

Payne, J. H 121 

Payne, Jno. C 315 

Payne, Jno. H 316 

Payne's Tavern 48 

Paynter, Davis & Co.... 

593, 598 
Payson, H 

170, 296,314,340, 378, 379,387 

Peabody, Geo 

491, 552, 666, 676 
Peabody Institute 

46, 552, 56S, 6fc'6, 677, 680, 697 

Peace declared..... 206 

Peake, Walker & Co 91 

Peale 441 

Peale, E 169 

Peale, R 173 

Peale, Rem. 379, 386, ?99, 343 

Pearce, Dr 536 

Pease, C. C 641 

Pearre, J. A 585 

Pearson, G. W 520 

Pechin, W 85, 91, 305, 309 

Pechin & Wilmer 88, 278 

Peck, Rev. J. E 704 

Pemberton, Maj 588 

Penderson, Capt 361 

Pendleton, E 132 

Pendleton, R 184 

Penitentiary 

73, 295, 305, 339, 387, 399, 425 

Pennington, Capt 603 

Penniinan, Q. C 525 

Pennington, Josia.s 

92, 295, 396, 553, 679 

Penrose, S 659 

Pentz, S. J 664 

Perkins, Capt 131 

Ferine, D. M 479, 553 

Perry, Com S46 

Perry, Jno 683 

Perry, Roger..; 683 

Perry, Wra 271 

Peterken, Wm 285 

Peterkin, Wm 521 

Peters, G. A 467 

Peters, Col. C 705 

Peters*. Johnson 294 

Peters, Thos 210 

Peters, W. C. tfe Co 94 

Peterson, Capt 532 

Petherbridge, E 654 

Petit, Isaac 550 

Pholiin, Rev 67 

Phelps 369 l 



PASB 

Phelps, Col. O. E 647 

Phenix, T 419 

Philadelphia 

54, 61, 62, 69, 76, 77, 79, 96, 
98,102,114,115,125, 126,127, 
128, 130, 132, 137, 148, 153, 
155, 16.5, 166, 172, 175, 195, 
197, 199, 202, 203, 207, 211, 
221, 245, 258, 259, 261, 264, 
265, 340, 483, 510, 423, 581, 
593, 691, 706 
Philadelphia, W. & B. 

Railroad 

495, 588, 596, 603, 604, 607, 
707, 714 

Philip.«, Isaac 284 

Philips, J 420 

Philips, Wendell 258 

Philippe, Louis 678, 688 

Philips 544 

Philpot, B 

40, 49, 54, 56, 58, 71, 72 
Philpot, B. Jr..39, 48, 49, 138 

Phllpott & Co 37 

Phoenix Shot Tower.... 425 
Physicians ...71, 138, 210, 255 

Piccolo mini 121 

Pickerall, Thos 11 

Pickering, Gen 185 

Picket, J 82 

Pierce, Gen. P 539 

Piers, F 210 

Piet, J. B 628 

Pillmore 76 

Pilots established 245 

Piggot, Rev 31, 534 

Piggot, Thos. S 621 

Pike, Gen 340 

Pinckney, E. C 90, 93 

Pindell, R 183 

Pinckney, F 697 

Pinckney, Gen 241, 278 

Pinckney, J 400 

Pinckney, William 

90, 241, 299, 305, 400, 431, 
547, 688, 697 

Piper, James 286 

Pirates 300 

Pitcher, Rev. Wm. H... 690 

Pitts, C.H 611,617 

Pittsburg 143 

Pius IX 684 

Place, Thomas 65, 71 

Placide, P 109 

Plater, J. R 419 

Pleasants, J. B 267 

Pleasants, J. H 678 



IN DEX 



747 



PAGE 

Plowman, J 

51, .>;. 54, 56, 58, Go, 72, 126 

Pluimuer, Kev 524 

Plunketl, I> 

71, 138, 150, 249, 266, 271 

Poe, Diivkl 

159, 186, 1^8, 194, 415, 530 

Poe, E. A 530 

Poe, Nelson 91, 96 

Poiust'tf, J. R 41IS, 680 

Poisal, Kev. J.. .105, 1U6, 541 

Pole 555 

Police Coininis-^iontrs. 

676, 603, 604, 605, 606, 607, 
tm, 614, 622 

Police Suspended 613 

Political Clubs 

549, 550, 571, 108 

Political Coops 

5i>7, 571. 573 

Politics of the day 4.34 

Pollard, Kev. J 124 

Pohnyer, F 106 

Pollc.Jas. K 

512, 516, 5'-9, 557 

Polk, Win 416 

Pomp, Rev. N 42, 43 

Ponl.s, Deu.x 203 

Pope's Jubilee 6'i4 

Porter, I) 280, -283, 300 

Porter, D. Jr 285 

Porter. Geo. U. Jr...l03, 107 

Porter, J 82 

Porter, Lawrence 10 

Portens, Kishop 399 

Portlieus, R 64 

Portsmoutli 127, 193 

Post-Offlce 

13, 16,131,481, 537 

Potomac Railroad 75 

Potomac R. R. tunnel. 698 

PottJ<. R 419 

Potter, Dr. N .301 

Potter's Kicld 238 

Poulson, A. W 75 

r.iullney, E 425, 4;«), 475 

I'DuUncy, Tboinas 277 

Powder Magazines 

51, 62, 291 
Powdermill explosions 

261, 392, 309, 100, 528 

Powell, Howell 9 

Powell, II. K 107 

Powell, TlioiuiiS 9, 22 

PowhaUu 3, 4,5, 7 

Potts, W 209.264, 424 

Pratt, Col 615 



PAOK 

Pratt, E 5.53 

Pratt, Gov .628, 677 

Pratt, J 4.32 

Prentiss & Cole 89 

Presbury, Geo. G....276, 286 
Presljyterian Church... 
43, 46. (;5, 93, 202, 2.38, 248, 
204, 281, 288, 292, 294, 3.54, 

696, 701, history of 54 

Presbyterian Cnurch 

Assembly 096 

Presentations- 392, 649 

Presstman, B. (' 602 

I'resstman, F 123 

Presstman, G 

63, 71, 74, 123 255, 266 

Presstman, S .340 

Preston 467, .539 

Preston, M. J 101 

Preston, W. C 501 

Preston, yViu. P 

515, .516, 527, 538. 515, 596, 
685 

Prevost, Brig. Gen 3iil 

Prey, A 697 

Price 22 

Price, li 18.3, 184 

Price, Francis 425 

Price, H '268 

Price, Hez 309 

Price, MaJ 1.52, 183 

Price, Wni 419 

Priestly, Jas 201, 291 

Principio Co 189 

Pringle, M....71, 200, 230, 288 

Prlngle, M. U 313 

Pritchard, M 123 

Privateers 284, 340, 3.t4 

Prize fluht 528 

Pro('esslons 

287, .501, 5i)0, 498, .50.5, .508, 
511, 377, 379, 412, 42i), 424, 
426, 431, 456, 4.59, 469. 513, 
5.37, .538, 561, 58.S, 660. 06«. 
669, 684, 685 
Proclamation by the 

Governor 161 

Prosser, U 880 

Property sold 

441, 456, 480, 613, 520, 5.TI, 

545, 028 

Protoslnnt Revolution 20 

Proud, Jan. G 475 

Pryor 021 

Pue, Dr 71 

Pulaski, Count 

168, 169, 20U. 348 



PAUK 

Pulaski banner 169 

Pulaski !et:ion..l68,209, '247 

Pulu.sky, Mad 538 

Purnell 656,661 

Purviauce, Jas 294 

Purviance, Judge Jno.. 647 
Pnrviance, K 

51, 57, 1.58. 186, 276, 2S1, 299, 
414, 432 
Pnrviance, Rev. G. D... 613 
Purviance, .S 

54, 57, 72, 126, 12.S, 129. 130, 

13(i, 13S;, 14,3, 144, 185, 191. 

200, 207, 28, 211, 212. 221. 
237,238,213.414 

Purvis, Mrs. J. F 666 

Putnam, Gen 1.51. 214 

Put/el, Miss J <J96 

Puzenent, A 507 

Q,n;ikers 

192, 202, 275, 288, history 
of 2.39 

Quann, Jno 268 

Quantrils, (Japt 347 

Queen Anne 60 

Queen Mary , 27 

Queries, political and 

mllltJiry 172 

Qulncy 241 

Qulnlan, L. D 017 

Qnynn, .\ 188 

R.iborg, C 170 

Raborg, C. H 51)7 

Races 71, 287 

Railroad accidents 

5119. 456, 472. 5-16 

Railroads 

408, 445, 456, 458, 692 

Ralne. F 103, 107 

Raine, S 262 

Ralne, Wm 106 

Rjilph, Kev .30 

Kani,say, A 506 

Ramsay. J»u* 425, 661 

Ramsey, Col 

142. 1.57. 158. 159. 169, 2' D. 
27ti, 279, 392 

Ramsdell, Capt 272 

Randall, A..-, 380,391 

Randall, Heale 409 

Rmih1:i1I. ,!<>«. K 526 

Randall. W 1.S6 

Ranilolpli Bros 676 

Randolph, E 245 

Randolph. Jno 

30<i. 402,421,40.^,473 
Randolph. J. W 621, 664 



748 



INDEX 



PAGE 

Randolpli, P 132 

Randolph, Rev 675, 078 

Rankard, J 422 

Rankin, Rev 31 

Rapid sailing 473 

Rapp 104, 676, 107 

Rathel.J 72 

Ratieu 209 

Rattoone, Rev. Elijah 30 

Rauth.G 697 

Ravvlings, Capt 5")6 

Raymond, D 430 

Raynor, W. S 

75, 533, 664, 6C6 

Read, J 183, 515 

Read, Wm. G 

241,431,473, 515 

Reading 42 

Ready Asylum 690 

Ready, S 090 

Record office 62, 489 

Recruiting for the ar- 
my 340 

Red Men 467,521,550 

Reed, Rev. A. A 513 

Redemptioners 49, 210 

Reed... 411 

Reed, Wm 593 

Reeder, Chas 472, 516 

Reeder, J 506 

Reese, A 537 

Reese, G. H 553 

Reese, J 46 

Reese, John 247, 409 

Reese, Rev. A. A 507 

Reforin party 

567,575,583,109, 110 
Register and Comptrol- 
ler 283 

Reid, G 622 

Reid, Juo. O 661 

Reigau, L 506 

Reiley, W 184 

Relnagle 115, 116 

Reinecker, Geo 170, 281 

Reiman, H. & Son 598 

Reip 652 

Reip, A 704 

Relp, E. H 550 

Reis, Rev. K. J 123, 124 

Relay House 451, 636 

Rendell, J 47 

Renshaw, T. W 617 

Rents, mode of paying. U 

Reuwick, R 618 

Reuling, Dr. G v 101 

Reynolds 512 



PAGE 

Reynolds, B 381) 

Reynolds, G 506 

Reynolds, H. R. & J.98, 514 

Reynolds, Isaac 496 

Reynolds, Rev 432 

Reynolds, Wm 705 

Revolutionary War 125 

Rice 557 

Rice, Chase <& Co 598 

Rice, T. D 442 

Rich, Rev 31 

Richard 298 

Richards 707 

Richards, G 313 

Richards & Bro 94 

Richards, Rev. L 123, 124 

Richardson, B. H 94 

Richardson 59, 189, 628 

Richardson, J 380 

Richardson, Jndge..529, 537 

Riche, Dr 506 

Richings, P 123 

Richmond 114, 123, 5S7 

Richmond, C 152 

Ricks, S 706 

Ricketts, Capt 652 

Riddle 109, 209 

Riddle, J 71 

Rldgely, Abraham 259 

Ridgely 22, 201, 279 

Ridgely, C 

58, 71, 72, 126, 129, 130, 136, 

195, 196, 202, 230, 243, 261, 

267, 272, 280, 285, 440, 447 

Ridgely, Capt. C 600 

Ridgely, Capt. C. S 346 

Ridgely, Capt. R 520 

Ridgely, Charles 

2S, 36, 39, 54, 56 
Ridgely, Col. Nicholas 33 

Ridgely, Dr. F 188 

Ridgely, H 305 

Ridgely, Jas 506 

Ridgely, John 

34, 49, E6, 59, 70 

Ridgely, J. Jr 62 

Ridgely, J. L 457, 60'J 

Ridgely, N. G 377 

Ridgely & Pringle 414 

Ridgely, R 

189, 202, 207, 210, 23S, 243 

Ridgely, Wm 138 

Ridley, M 71, 184, 185, 188 

Rieman, Jos. H. Jr 107 

Rigdon, Alex 292 

Rigdon, R. M....565, 566, 568 
Riley 659 



PAGE 

Riley, Dr 506 

Riley, Dr. W 553 

Riley, H.J 123 

Riley, L 359 

Riley, Wm 183 

Ringgold, J 188,230 

Ringgold, Maj. S 

516, 517, 520 

Ringgold, Thos 57 

Riots 

499. 441, 457, 46S, 471, 523, 
521, 528, 548, 5J9, 550, 555, 
558, 565, 570, 5S6, 58S, 600, 627 

Ripley, Gen 544 

Risteau, G 70, 126, 129, 136 

Risteau, T 37 

Ristori 121 

Ritchie, Capt. T 342 

Ritzus, J. J 571 

Rivers 3 

Apamatuck, Q, u i - 
yough cohan- 
ocke, Mandsa- 
mund, Chisa- 
peack, Chicka- 
h a m a n i a , 
James Towne, 

Kecougluou 4 

Pamavnkee, Povs^- 
hatan, Payan- 
katanke, Top- 
pahanock, Pat- 
awomeke, Qui- 
yough, Tauxe- 
nent, Pawtux- 

ent 5 

Bolus 6, 8 

Sasquesahanocks... 6 
Tockwhogh, Hapa- 
lianock, Kusca- 
rawaock, Tants 
Wighcocomico, 
Acohan ock, 

Accomack 7 

Patapsco 8 

Roach, M 519 

Roads 

125, 245, 262, 203, 2S0, 282, 
284, 304, 615 

Robach, G 44 

Robb, Capt. Wm 247, 281 

Robb, Charles G 343 

Robb, Jos 627 

Robbius, Andrew... 592, 622 

Robberies 

87, 240, 481, 501, 465, 667, 
675, 681, 689 



INDEX 



749 



FAOK 

Roberts, Dr 506, S'O 

ItoberU, K. P 90, 91 

RoberUs W 5<i6 

RoberUol), Miss A H."? 

Robiuson 3i)'? 

Robinson, Alex 64, 209 

Robinsou, Aniirew..6l, 2(!7 
Robinson, Archibald... 255 

Robin.sou, Capt 1-12 

Robinson, Capt 601 

Robin.son, D. A. C.rA'), 596 

Robiuson, E 281, 282 

Robinson, G 76 

Robinson,Gen. J. C. 614,647 

Robinson, Geo 697 

Robinson, J 95 

Robinson, Jonas 2^ 

Robinsou, Jos 495 

Hobiuson, J. S ooP. 

Robiuson, L. H 697 

Robinsou, Rev. S 704 

Robinsou, Wra 302 

Rocbambeau, Couut.... 

67, 192, 189, 20?, 203, 204 

Roche 493 

Rock 45 

Rock.Jas. P 704 

Rodgers, A. M 400 

Rodgers.Corn. J 

346. 349, 392, 400 

Rodman 353 

Rodney, C. A..... 657 

Rogers 514 

Rogers, B...56,64,C5, 190, 202 

Rogers, C 05 

Rogers, Capt 205 

Rogers, M. J 497 

Rogers, H. 525 

Rogers, Jno 

2S5, 287, 353, 3X1 

Rogers, Jno. H COS 

Rogers, [,. N 578 

Rf>gers, Nich 

3D, 49,70, 2V, 24:^ 219, 2.53 

262, 2*1, 2«, 2fc3, 2m. 403, 

414 

Rogers, P 

77, 79, 130, 255, 2u6, 281 i 

Rogers, Rev OiJO ' 

Rogers, Win .30, 47, 48, 40 ; 

Rogers A <iwen8 2^0 ' 

Roinage 3)3 ■ 

Roouter 3.'i8 

Roiiensteel, O. N 507 

Rosewald, J. H 0b7, CM 

Rosewald. Mrs. J. H.... 097 , 
Ross, Dr. Jno 1.07 ! 



PAOK 

Ross, Gen 340, 350, C(W 

Ross, J. W 661 

Ross, John 19 

Ross, J. F 75 

Ross. A 143,210 

Roth rock & Peacock... 547 

RollLSchilds 240 

Rouch, De la 353 

Roundtree, Capt 4C6 

Rou.\, P 514 

Rnger, Lieut.-Co! 

657, 059, 660 

Rumsey, B 206 

Ramsey, Jas 230 

Rnshworth, R ;... 619 

Rusk, D 158, ICO 

Rus.sell 442 

Russell, T 71, 73, i07, 209 

Russell, Thos 414 

Russell, Wm 

43, 71, 209, 249, 261, 262, 272 

Roerback, G 46 

Russell & Gil man 414 

Russell* Hughes 414 

Rulledg.- 241 

Rutter, Capt. S 300, 341 

Rutter, Lieut .^.53, 354 

Rutter, T 699 

Rutter, Thos 

249, 276, ■2^^, 296 

Ryan, E 244 

Ryan, W. H 584 

Ryland, VVm 2S6 

Sadler, Sam'l 209 

Saengerbuud 675 

Salntonge 203 

Salmon, B. S 659 

Salmon, G 

63, 189, 249, 200. 261, 274 

Salmon, J •.;00 

Salter 353 

Sampson, Richard i.7 

Saucho, J ^. 256 

Sands, Lent <& Co 614 

Santis, s 

00,91,92,91,95, .352.4.56 

Sanderw»n, K 71, 1.30 

Sauford, E. S 510, 015 

Saugstou, a. K Oia 

SangHlon, Q. 611,017 

Hardo, N 93, 94 

Sargeaiit, J 501, 159. 472 

Sailer, C b07 

Savage, Jas .313 

Huvannah 76, 160, 209 

HavlngH Bank 393, 513 

Sawyer, Jos. .\ 607 



PAOK 

.Siixton, D 507 

SehaenVr, K 282 

Schaell'er, F. H 517 

Hchaeffer, II 71, 109 

Scharf, T. G 75, 6-8, C29 

Scharz, Jno 697 

Scheb, Rev. H 564 

Schenck, MaJ. Gen 

626, 627, 628 

Schenck, Rev ,575, 003 

Schley, J 313 

Schmidt, Jno 107 

Scliunuffor, C H 101 

Schools , 

243, 294, .374, 422, 430, 440 

Scott, Col. T. A 699 

Scott, E 259, 294 

SCOtt, Geo... 628 

Scott, Gus 274 

Scolt, J 230, 286, 203 

Scott, Judge Jno 

303, 304, a32, 341 

Scott, Maj. Gen 

375, 416, 472, 539, 599, 602, 
612 

.Scott, Judge Jno 402 

Scotl, J. R 443 

Bcoti, Mr."-. T. P 605 

Scott, Rev. H. R 107 

Scott, T. P 

516, 587, 611, 617, 6S5, 70S 

Scott, W 515 

Scliroeder 209 

Schroeder, Kev 31 

Schroeder, Wm 313 

Schuebert, Thos 609 

Sehuchardt, H G97 

Schuetzen Ass'n, W. B. 6K5 

f-'cliniuaeber, A 678, 08.5 

.Screw Dock 425 

i^cliwarzhaupt, C (i97 

.Schwartz, Rev 543 

S<diwear, F 097 

Schwerder, G 697 

Sr'abrouk, T 099 

Sears, Geo 288 

Secession meeting 587 

Secession movement... 

.5ftl, .5K7, .'i99, 001 
Secret Correspondence O-')! 

SeeUamp 209 

Seflon 412 

Selm 707 

Solpp, C 607 

Seizure of arms, &r 

.".94, ni2 
Segler, F 46 



750 



INDEX. 



Semmes, G 410 

Sergeant, Hev 

529,543,603,628,501 

Seuey, J 261, 272, 279, 285 

Seward, Gov 654, 656 

Sewell, Chas 235 

Sewell, C. S 419 

Sewell, Rev. C 67 

Shaeffer, B,. 170, 282 

Shaffer, F. L 661 

Shanks, D 639 

Sharpe, Gov. H 50 

Shaw, Dr. John 291, 301 

Shaw, Mrs 338 

Shaw, W.G 553 

Sheekie, Roger 11 

Sheib, Kev. H... 46 

Shephard, J 39, 49 

Sheppard, W 521 

Sheppard Asylum 553 

Sheppard, P 209 

Sheppard, Thos 309, 409 

Shepperd, M o94, 553 

Sheredine, W 187 

Sheredine, Thomas 

23, 28, 32, 34, 38, 47, 51 

Sheriffs 

2!?, 33, 34, 40, 53, 16, 69, 147, 
239, 249, 262, 276, 292, 304 

Shermandine, S 177, 183 

Shibey 209,260 

Shields, D 64, 123 

Shields, J 123 

Shinplasters 491, 495 

Shipley, W 420 

Ships 

210, 246, 218, 262, 420, 473, 

532, 587, 37, 112 

Parad and Gaily.... 33 

Swan 34 

Elizabeth 34 

Tliree Friends 36 

Frederick 36 

Baltimore 37, 48 

Francis and Kliza- 

betli 37 

Philip and Charles 48 
Lord Camden. ...'... 64, 65 

Fowey 141 

Duke of Leinster... 210 

Pallas 238 

Goliath 216 

Loudon Packet 300 

William Biugham. 300 

Othello 300 

City of Kingston.... 495 

John Gilpin 473 

C. H.Rogers 520 



PAGK 

Shoemaker, S. M....510, 661 

Shot Towers 405, 514, 537 

Shrira, Jno 247 

Shriver, Gen.. .,656, 658, 659 

Swriver, M 188 

Shughart, M 184 

Shule, J 51 

Shultze, J 170 

Shutt, Col. ..529, 556, 565, 566 

Siebert, E 697 

Siep, Rev 542 

Sigel,Gen.F 104 

Signal House 283 

Sim, Jos 187 

Simkins, E 377 

Simmous, A. H 95. 98 

Simmons, Capt 199 

Simpson, Rev 543 

Simpson, W 74 

Sinclair, J 706 

Sinclair, Mrs 443 

Sinn 659 

Sintorn 272 

Sisters-of Charity....461, 462 
Sisters of Providence... 441 

Sitler, A 170 

Skerrelt, C 209 

Skillman, Clias 467 

Skinner, J. S 

91, 92, 94, 351, 419, 456 

Slatter, Rev 41 

Slavery 77,255, 440 

Slavery, Anti-Society.. 255 

Slaymaker, Capl. J 158 

Sleigh, T 38,47 

Slemmer, Capt 533 

Slemmer, Capt L 652 

Slicer, Rev. H...534, 628, 690 
Slingluff, C. D.&Hou... f98 

Sly, J 51,53,64 

Small, E. C 705 

Smallwood, Gen 

138, 144, 162, 164, 166, 168, 

183. 184, 193, 214, 215,241, 

265, 279, 497 

Small, Gen. Jno , 5S8 

Small, J..354, 378, 421, 422, 432 

Small, W. F 42,9, 432 

Smith 303,580 

Smith, A. H 187 

Smith, A. L 483 

Smith, A. P 693 

Smith, C 40, 43, 49, 51, 82 

Smith, Capt. John...8, 9, 718 
Explores C li e sa- 
peake Bay 1, 24 



PAGK 

Describes Virginia 
temperature; 
boundary extra- 
ordiu a ry; first 

settled by 2 

First white man 
near Baltimore... 8 

Smith, Capt 532 

Smith, D 266 

Smith, D. A 74, 378 

Smith, Dr 329, 506 

Smith, F. H 440 

Smith, G. B 92, 94, 465 

Smith, Gen. Sam 

32, 138, 144, 160, 164, 172, 
179, 180, 181, 182, 183, 2J0, 
204, 207, 212, 214, 221, 241, 
248, 260, 261, 202, 264, 272, 
273, 281, 284, 292, 294, 295, 
304, 341, 343, 344, 489, 497, 
376, 379, 381, 382, 409, 410, 
420, 456, 469, 478, 479, 665 

Smith, Jas 183 

Smith, J .52, 706 

Smith, J. A 65, 158 

Smith, Job 

249, 282, 286, 3L3, 341 

Smith, Jno 

56, 58, 64, 65, 79, 126, 130, 
136, 138, 195, 237, 414 

Smith, Jno. S 

305,511,419,516 

Smith, Jos 309 

Smith, Jacob 461 

Smith, Mrs. s. W 665 

Smith, Mrs. W. P 665 

Smith, N 

63, 138, 158, 160,414 

Smith, N. R 422, 703 

Smith, R 

71, 82, 182, 210, 253, 260, 262, 

266, 280, 292, 296, 298, 305, 

343. 608, 378, 469 

Smith, Rev 696, 704 

Smith, Rev. J. S.529, 547, 621 

Smith, S. W 553 

Smith, T 506 

Smitli, Thorowgood 

115, 204, 253, 260, 304 

Smith, T. M 693 

Smith, T. N 493 

Smith, T. W 107 

Smith, Wm 

41 , 51, 53, 54, 55, 57, 58, 62, 
63, 65, 71, 72, 12 i, 180, 133, 
136, 168, 189, 191, 202, 204, 
208, 211, 212, 250, 260, 264, 
267, 281, 414 



INDEX 



761 



PASH 

Smith, Wni. P 55S 

Smith, W. P 678, 689 

Smith Campbell 261 

Smith & Curlett 672 

Smoot, Jno 188 

Smyth. Pr 275,292,302 

Smyth, W.C 83 

Suethen, Rev 4;51 

Snowden, DeW 610 

Snowiien, R. H 7a5 

Snowden, Samuel 631 

Snowden, Thos 419 

Snodgrass, Sherwood 

A Co 94 

Snyder, H 50b 

Snyder, Jno 188, 510 

Societies 

182. 213, 255, 279. 291, 292, 
303.374,382,386,397,418 

Society, State of. 12 

Soissonnois 203 

Soller, John 40 

SoUers, T... .126, 136, 184, 210 

Solomon, Isaac 209 

Solomon, S. V 482 

Somervel. J 71, MS 

Sommerlook 707 

Sommervillp, H. V 459 

Sons of Liberty, organ- 
ised 58 

Sons and Daughters of 

America 682 

Sontag 121 

Soule, Bishop 511 

Soup Houses .563 

Southard 472 

Southern Relief Kair.. 6frl 

Sower ife Hewes 299 

Spalding, Rev. M. J .... 
92, (>\0, titiO, 6<>5, 675, 68-5, 637 

Hpangler, Capt 317 

Sparks, Rev. Jared.:i87, 388 

Sparrow 80 

Spavin, A 506 

Spaulding, R 6S7 

Spear, Wm 

&1, 06, 5.S, 126, 130. 131, 178, 
202, 208, 212 

Speck, H (« 

8pe<ldy, J 50«) 

Speed, Capt 53.3 

Speed, J. J 419 

Bpence, Capl. U. T. 

316, ^54, 410, 421 

Spencf, 5."jfl 

Spenc<T, K Kll 

Spencer, Jas 479 



PAOK 

Spencer, M 598 

Sperry, Wm 526 

Sperry, Gallup & Rog- 
ers 94 

SpUcker, C. W 495 

Spllman, H 7a5, 706 

SpUlman, H. S 537 

Spoon. Rev 310 

Sprigg, Gov 419 

Sprigg, Jo.s 188 

Sprigg, Jos 6S3 

Sprigg, Otho 313, 316 

Sprigg, S 419 

Spurrier, E ia3 

Spurrier, G. D 517, ti02 

Squires, Capt 142 

Stack, Jno 704 

Stafford, Capt. W. S.362, 363 

Stage Coaclies 71, 202 

Stamp Act Nullifica- 
tion .59 

Stanbury, J. J 372 

Stansbury, Chas 346 

Stansbury, Gen. Tobias 
E..27, 28, 272, 299, 419, .531 

Stansbury, J. B 432 

Stansbury, Jno E 

516, 531, 533 

Stanton, Col 647 

Stanton, E. M 629 

Starck 209 

Stark, Gen 173 

Star Spangled Banner. 
86, 90, 93. 121, 137, 236, 352, 
404 
suite Loans 181. 185, 187, 491 
.Steaniljoat I'^xplosions 

417, 50.5, 514 

Steamboats 

2:30,340,500,410,429, 614 
Steam Fire Engines.... 

548, 56.3, 682, 706 

Steamships 

4(jO, 495, 664, 669, 716 

Steel, Jno 202 

Steele, L Nevltt 

509.681 

Stelger, Andfew 

40, 4.3, 41, 50. 5,3. .')8. 72, 161 

Sl^liicr's Meadow 62 

Steiiibacli, (J. V 076 

Stellmunn, tlinrk-hs & 

Co 682 

Stenhouse, Ur 71 

Htenson, W 170 

Stonson, Wm m 

Stephens, Juo 295, 568 



PAOK 

Sterling, Jas 139 

Stern.s, J. 625 

sterrett, .\ 285 

Sterrett, Capt 

164, 169, 202, 300 
Sterrett, Col. Joseph.... 

323, 325, 347, 375 

Sterrett, D 262 

Sterret, ,J 

53. 54, .56, 64, 168, 171, 202, 
207, 210, 211, 230, 246 

Sterrett, L 340 

Sterrett, Samuel 

199, 210, 218, 24.3, 2.>l, 2.")S, 

269, 261, 262. 266. 300, 314, 

323 

Stetson, Capt .5,32 

Steuben, Baron 186, 564 

Steuart, Col. G. H 

6.37, 6:58, 640, 041 

Steuart, Gen. O. H 

:39l, 409, 411, 418, 457, 463 
500, 516, 569, 616, 668, 683 

Steuart, R 71 

Stevens 546 

Stevens, D 506 

Stevens, I). C 622 

Stevens, Gov 411 

Stevenson, H 

.50, 54, 148, 163, 182, 189, 239, 
276 

Stevenson, J 

49, 50, 51. 70, 71, 136 

Stevenson, Saler 377 

Stevenson, Wm 187 

Stewart 

302, 304, .3-16, 354, 376, 377, 
432, 147, 556 

Stewart, A 209 

Stewart, David 

71, l,5.S, 159, 2S1,1.'88, 516 

Stewart. Dr. Jus 'J92 

Stewart, Jas 

51.5. 517, 518, 523 

Sfpwart,J. D 701 

Stewart, R 

71, S2, 170, 292, 296, 299 

Stewart, Rev 5,34 

SIcwnrl.H 109, 414 

Stewart, Thos 185 

StfWiirt. Wm 

29.5, 2!M1, .314. '.tin, 418. 428 

Stewart A Salmon 411 

Sllchcr, H 42 

Stiles, O aw, .381, 897, 409 

Stlnson. r. B 022 

StlrlhiK, A 685 



752 



INDEX 



PAGB 

Stirling, Lord 

149, 166, 167, 215, 216, 217, 
218 

Stockett, Henry 9 

Stockett, Thos 9 

Stockton & Stokes 492 

Stodder, W. D 

189, 246, 262, 264, 271, 272 
283 

Stodder, Jas 281 

Stokes, Humphrey W. 33 

Stolte. B 697 

Stone, Capt.W 137 

Stone, Col. J. H 

152, 166, 168, 266, 272. 279 

Stone, J 419 

Stone, Thos 187 

Stonebraker, Q 46 

Stonestreet, N 419 

Story 400, 472 

Stouffer 209 

Stranwitch, H 49 

Strassbnrger, L 697 

Strawbridge, R 76 

Strebeck, G 49 

Streeter, S. P 510, 511 

Streeter & Skinner 96 

Streets 

201,208, 263, 285, 2S6, 2S8, 
292,297,381,397 

Strieker, Gen 

163, 209, 247. 248, 262, 272, 
281, 286, 317, 318, 319, 320, 
321, 322, 323, 824, 325, 326, 
332, 344, 347, 375, 379, 381, 
411, 418 

Stringfellow, Rev 31 

Stripple 506 

Strohmeyer, G 697 

Stryker, Rev. A. P 668 

Stuffed Paddy 397 

Stull, Jno 188 

Stump, Jno 262 

Stump, Judge 576 

Saint Alphonsus R. C. 

Church 505 

St. Clair, Gen 174, 261 

St. Clair, L 442 

St, John's Church 69 

St. Mary's Industrial 

School 665 

St. Mary's Seminary... 

68, 69, 298, 677 
Steamer St. Nicholas 

captured 613 

St. Patrick's Church.... 

65,69,531,682 



PAGK 

St. Patrick's B. Society 374 
St. Paul's P. E. Church 
24, 34, 41, 43, 48, 53, 231, 305, 
488 
St. Peter's P. E. Church 

29, 50, 55, 66, 67, 69, 294 
St. Peter's R. C. Church 

507, 508 

St. Thomas' Parish 34 

St. Vincent's R. Catho- 
lic Church 502 

Subscription to build a 
fence round the 

town 39 

To build a raai'ltet 

40,56 
To build a Court- 

House 62 

To put an arch 
under the Court- 

House 63 

For the relief of 

Boston 131 

For public defence 

140, 146 
For the relief of the 

army.. 185, 187 

For the relief of the 

French refugees.. 266 
For aid of the poor.. 285 
To finish Fort Mc- 

Henry 287 

Sugar Refineries 236, 440 

Suicide 392- 

Sullivan, Gen 

166, 167, 174, 214 

Sullivan, P. J 83 

Sullivan, Y... 528 

Sumner, J. S 497 

Sumwalt, J. B 621 

Sunday-schools.. 55, 245, 386 

Sunderland, Rev. B 517 

Sunderlin, Rev. G. W.. 125 

Sutton, Capt 506 

Swain, M 82 

Swain, W. M 95, 98, 525 

Swan, Jno 

188, 209, 218, 253, 272, 281, 
400 

Swan, R 419 

Swann.Thos 

453, 527, 549, .553, 564, 565, 
566, 575, 576, 578, 583 

Sweeny, J 698 

Sweet, J. F 622 

Swift, Gen 429 

Swift, J. G 343, 384 



PAGB 

Swindell, Wm 627 

Swope, Rev 31, 41, 548 

Szold, Rev C96 

Tagarf, S. H 535 

Tage, H, 669 

Tagert, Wm 516 

Talleyrand 688 

Tammany Club 302 

Taney, R. B 

331, 489, 431, 471, 472, 536, 

547, 211, 401, 612, 631, 688, 

689 

Taneyhill, Lieut 525 

Tappan, Lewis 758 

Tar and Feathering 

272, 302,335 

Tarleton, Col 220 

Tarr, E. S 123, 503 

Tasker & Carroll's Fur- 
nace 18 

Taylor 528 

Taylor, A 442 

Taylor, C. A 594 

Taylor, Capt 355 

Taylor, F. S. T> 433 

Taylor, Gen. 515, 518, 533, 575 

Taylor, Dr. W 50 

Taylor, John 9, 188 

Taylor, Jos 236 

Taylor, Jos. & Son 495 

Taylor, Lem 

309. 314, 332, 336, 377 

Taylor, W 92, 93 

Taylor, W. W 447 

Taylor, Wm 645 

Ta.ylor, Wm. and Jno.. 

Tayleure, C. W 

95, 123,443,574 

Tayman 551 

Taxes , 

285, 297, 302, 304, 345, 375, 
53, 51, 16, 15, 18, 72 

Teaclvle, St. Geo 530 

Teeth transplanted 224 

Telegraph 99, 512, 525, 528 

Telegraph dispalch.514, 618 
Temperance society.... 440 

Tenipleman, Jno 419 

Tenant, Thos 

267, 378. 381, 147, 513 

Tennej% A. G 92 

Ten-.v, John 27 

Tessier 298 

Tessier, Rev. J 69 

Thanksgiving days 195 

Thayre, Maj 181 

Theatres 112, 514 



INDEX 



753 



PAQK 

Reminiscences of 117 

Theobold, Dr 506 

Thomas, Capl 150 

Thomas, Col. Z 613 

Thomas, Col 466 

Thomas, Dr. A 330 

Thomas, D. L 440 

Thomas. Evan 446. 452 

Thomas, E 123,238 

Thomas, G 640 

Thomas, Gov. P. F. 534, W9 

Thomas, H. S 520 

Thomas, Juo 419 

Thomas, J. H 

331, 475, 611. 617, 077, 678 

Thomas, Maj. John 27 

Thomas, Mrs. J. H 665 

Thomas, P. E 

428, 430, 444, 446, 447, 449 
451,620 

Thomas, Thomas 32 

Thomas <fe Son 70o 

Thomsen, L 497 

Thomson, C 2.51 

Thompson 404, 621 

Thompson, Capt. H.217, 267 

Thompson, G. F 705 

Thompson, H...378, 381,469 

Thompson, II 65 

Thompson, Jno.313, 327, 331 

Thompson, J. E 699 

Thompson, Lieut 428 

Thompson, Sec 245 

Thompson, S.T 503 

Thompson & Walker... 278 

Thornburgh, Jos ' 

259, 267, 284 

Thornton, E £67 

Tibbert, Jos 189 

Tlbbs, Rev. \Vm 27,29 

Tide- Water Canal 501 

Tiernaii, Luke 

267, :8;.', 309, 310. 389, 425, 
447, 459 

Tiffany, G. P .553 

Tiffany, U.& Co 698 

Tiffany, 106 

Tiffany. O. C 526 

TUden, Capt 479 

Tllghman, Jas 16.3, 209 

Tllghinan, Col 19 

Tllghman, E 67, 209 

Tllghman, M 

139, 15-'. 187, 209, 423 

Tllghman, Tench 

!i09, 2.^7, 244,279 
Tlllotson, Rev. B. M... 585 
50 



PAGE 

TiUzard 113 

Timber Neck, 12 

Tinas 480 

Tinges, J 165 

Tobacco 13 

Tobacco Houses 

38, 54, 294, 393, 394 

Tobin, T. W 103 

Todd, D 580 

Todd, James 11 

Todd's Range 11, 18 

Todd, Thomas 32 

Toepkin, J 2S6 

Tolley, Thomas 20 

Tolley, WaltQr 

51,71, 126,129, 130, 136, 206 
Toll-gates established.. 245 

Tolpehocken 41 

Toole, Jno. E 507 

Tors, John 158 

Torrence, C 170 

Torsch, J. W... 95, 649 

Toward, J 37 

Towns, &c., names pre- 
served 10 

Town Commissioner... 

20, 32, 34, 36, 40, 4t, 49, 56, 
202 

Town Expenses 254 

Townsend, J 

49, '255, 258, 259, 260, 294 

Townsend, Jos 381 

Townsend, R. H 553 

Towson, E 

123, 1S6, 301, 230, 391 

Towson, Nathan 

340, 346. 375, 543 

Towson, T 376, 377 

Trapnall, liev 529 

Travelling, mode of.... 13 

Tiavers, W. H 568, 621 

Travers, Wra. R 526 

Treadway, Jno 262 

Trea.son law 621 

Tree, E 121 

Trials 62, 'M, 339, 481, 509 

Trimble, J. R....52.5, 602, 004 

Trimble, Llout 428 

Trimble, Wm...25.5, 281, 282 

Trlppe 681 

Trlppe, Capt. A. C 401 

Troldenler, Rev 43,41 

Troop, Dr 210 

Trotlen 22 

Truxton, Capt. Thos.... 

283, 286 
Tscliudy, N 12,43,44 



PAOK 

Tschudy, W 42 

Tuck, Capt. Jos 34 

Tucker, J. R 646 

Tumbleson, Wm .506 

Turubull Bros 102 

Turnbull, G 157, 159 

Turnbull, Jno 598 

Tuiubull & Murdoch... 102 
Turnbull, Slade & Co... 598 

Turner, H. F 516 

Turner Hall 60O 

Tuttle 100,102 

Tuttle, Rev 31 

Tyler, D. B 622 

Tyler, Gen 628 

Tyler, G. H 664 

Tyler, Jno 512 

Tyler, Nat 107 

Tyler, Nat. Convention 512 

Tyler, Wm 419 

Type Foundry 299 

Tyson 556 

Tyson, Elisha 

209, 255, 262, 292, 415 

Tyson, H 621 

Tyson, H. G 705 

Tyson, J. W 638 

Tyson, Jesse 2.59, 664 

Tyson, N 667 

Tyson, P. T 390 

Tyson, Thos 715 

Twiggs, Gen 518 

Twining, N 18.3, 202 

Twinnal & Geroack 64 

Uhler, E 64 

Uhler, P 46 

Uhlhorn, Rev. J 46 

Umbrellas first used.... 71 
Union Convention .570 

Union meetings 

533,684 

Union National Con- 
vention 030 

Union Protestant In- 
firmary 548, 558 

Union R. R. tunnel 

687, 700 

Union Square 526 

Unitarian Church, his- 
tory of 3S7 

Upjohn 31 

Ui>lon, Fred 624 

Usher, TlioH 71 

Valette, Oon 204, 206 

Vallan<UKliam,C. L 683 

Valley Railroad 092 

Vanblbber, A 

178, I71», 212, 300 



754 



INDEX 



PAGE 

Vanbibber, J 

57, 126, 131, 134, 209, 245 

Van Buren, M 

460, 472, 549, 689 

Vandenhoff. 121 

Vanderhorst, J 697 

Vandeventer, Maj 411 

Vanhorne, Q. P 202 

Vausant, J 

516, 524, 533, 536, 564, 
585,660,691,707 

Vansant, Mrs, J 665 

Vanstaphorst & Co 262 

Van Nostrand 623 

Varle, Chas 283 

Vasseur, La 410 

Veasy, Capt 218,266 

Vessels launched ...283, 287 

Vickers, Capt. J 506 

Victory, Jos .507 

Vinkle, C 467 

Vintner, C 529 

Viomenil, Baron 203 

Virginia described 2 

Von Kapff. 209, 677 

Von Kapff and Ans- 

pach 286 

Voeckler, Capt 669 

Voucher 266 

Wadsworth, Col 

341, 344, 382 

Wagner, A 312, 315, 316 

"Wagner, G 394 

Wagner, J 506 

Wagner, Jacob 88 

Wagner, J. V 121 

Wagner, L 506, 621 

Wagon train 620 

Walcot 442 

Wales, Wm 100 

Walker, Dr. Geo 

20, 21, 22, 28, 32, 3-3, 35 

Walker, James 20 

Walker, J. E 441 

Walker, J. W 621 

Walker, N 711 

Walker, Noah 586 

Walker, S 230 

Wall, Miss 113 

Wall, Mr 113 

Wall, Mrs 113 

Wallace, Gen.L.629,631, 632 

Wallack, H 121, 123 

Wallack, J. W...443, 380, 681 

Wallsner, Rev. G 42 

Wallis, S. T 

101, 536, 571, 576, 585, 596, 
611, 617, 678, 104 



PAGE 

Wallis, U 467 

Wall-paper, first used.. 261 

Wal msley , Rev. C 68 

Walsh 28, 704 

Walsh, J 71 

Walsh, R 66,71 

Walsh, Robt 254 

Walsh, T. Y 457, 512, 516 

Waltemj'er, Capt 655 

Waltenberg, Col 612 

Walter, R. & Co 598 

Walters, E 653 

Walters, Jos 479 

Walters, Wm. T 678 

Walters, Wm. T. & Co. 653 

Walton, G...! 154 

Wambersie, E. C 664 

War-meeting 516 

War of 1812....306, 309, 354, 382 

Ward, Col 19, 150 

Ward, J 554 

Ward, F.X.. 592, 593, 637, 685 

Warden, Jas 705 

Wards, division of. 280 

Ware, Lieut. Col 

149, 152 

Ware, Rev. J. F. W 389 

Warfleld, Chas. A 264 

Warfleld, Dr. C. A 33C 

Warfleld, H. M 611, 617 

Warfleld, P 

313, 315, 316, 327, 328, 
330, 339 

Warner, Capt 556 

Warfleld, R. E 107 

Warner, Geo 

139, 309, 340, 381, 430, 447 

Warner, Thos 343 

Warrell, Mr 115 

Warrell, Mrs 115 

Warren, Admiral 

340, 358, 372 

Warren, Dr. E 101 

Warren, Gen. G. K 

644, 646, 648 

Warren, Jos 2G9 

Warren, Wm.... 120, 121, 527 

Warren, W. H 378 

Warrington, T.J 623 

Washington City 

8, 89, 631, 706 

Washington, G.C 419 

Washington, Gen. 

made dictator ...138, 156 
Washington's mon u- 

ment 296,375,433, 667 



PAGK 

Washington, G 

132, 133, 149, 150, 151, 162, 
165, 166, 167, 168, 169, 170, 
172, 173, 175, 177, 179, 182, 
185, 189, 190, 191, 192, 19.5, 
200, 210, 211, 214, 215, 218, 
219, 221), 244, 248, 250, 251, 
254, 255, 261, 262, 264, 266, 
273, 278, 282, 283, 284, 287. 
306, 483, 496, 392, 459, 667, 
687 

Watchman, Jno 505 

Waters, C. E. & Co 631 

Waters, H 139 

Water supply 

245, 263, 292, 295, 303 

Walkings, Francis 27 

Watkins, Gen 525 

Watkins, W. W 664 

Watson, Jno 471 

Watson, Wm. H 

516, 517, 518, 520 

Watts 442 

Watts, Capt 532 

Waugh, Bishop 511 

Wayman, Bishop 661 

Wayne, Gen 

164,165,168,214,262 

Wayne, Judge 689 

Ways, W 380 

Weatherburn, J 139, 189 

VVeaver, Bishop 690 

Weaver, C 398 

Weaver, Jno. H 623, 682 

Webb 76,77,422 

Webb, C 443 

Webb, Ellen 514 

Webb, G. W .507, 685 

Webb, Jno 248 

Webb, Jos • 269 

Webster 620 

Webster, Daniel 

501, 508, 512, 467, 472 

Webster, E. H 584, 661 

Webster, Lieut 353, 381 

Weems, Capt. M. L 614 

Wehr, H 697 

Weishampel, J. F 93 

Welch, Jno 618 

Weld, Rev. C. R 389 

Weld, Thos 68 

Wells 57,76,168,169 

Wells, Capt. C 168 

Wells, Charles 28, 189 

Wells, D 380 

Wells and McComas 
Monument 564 



INDEX 



755 



PAOB 

Welsh, G 15.5, 159, 166 

Welsh, Baker and Car- 
penter Ill 

Welsh, R 160 

Welsh, Taylor A Car- 
penter Ill 

Weltner, L 184 

Weutz, S. H 667 

Wershler. g; 

Wesley, J 75 

West, Jas 700 

West, J. T 698 

West, Rev. Wm 

29, 30, 43, 243 

West, Wra 209 

Western 442 

Westminster, Marquis 

of 240 

Weston, Jno 262 

Weston, J. A 556 

Wethered, Chas 602 

Weihered, Jno 590 

Weyl. Rev. C 542 

Whalley, Capt 199 

Wharves 

38, 52. 53, 56, 57, 62, 201, 208, 
238, 267 

Whatcoat, R 79 

Wheal, E 628 

Wheatley 527 

Wheatley, Phlllis 256 

Wheelbarrow law 295 

Wheeler 298 

Whetstone Point 

9, 10, 15, 188, 287, 288 

Whig Conventions 

5C0, 511, 539, 5.50 

Whig Club 155 

Whig Society 468 

Whisky Insurrection.. 

247, 273, 456 

Whitcroft 169 

Whitlock, Mr 115 

White .'. 316. 505, 707 

White, Capt. J 338 

White, F 693 

White, J. C 340, 492 

White, John C 314 

White, Rev. C.J 92, 104 

White, Rev. W. W 163 

White, Thos 189 

Whitfcfleld, G 76 

Whitehead, Rev. Jas... 30 

Whitehurst. J. U 53.5 

Whiteley, Stone & Co.. 598 
Whiles, Buck & Hed- 
rlck 460 



PAGE 

Whitfield, Bishop Jas. 

461, 465, 472 

Whiting, J 6.52 

Whitlock, Mrs 115 

Whitney, A. 594,022 

Whitney, M 055 

Whitridge, Dr 506 

Whitridge, H. L 711 

Whitson.D. E 621 

Whittingham, Bishop. 

31, 513, 515, 537, 548 

Whittington J 2.30 

Whyte, Gov.W. P...691, 697 

Wiekliffe, C. A 508 

Wiegand, D 664 

Wiegel, Capt 631 

Wiesenfeld & Co 

598, 624, 631 

Wiesenthal, Dr. A 

255, 279 
Wiesenthal, Dr. C. P... 

45, 71, 138, 210, 254 

Wiest, C 495 

Wiest, Jno 493 

Wight, Geo. L 497 

Wight, O. B 497 

Wight, Wra. J 516 

Wigman, H 94 

Wignell 11.5, 116 

Wildey Monument.e34, 660 
Wildey, Thos.. ..618, 619, 620 

Wilkinson 359,442 

Wilkinson, Jos 259 

Wilkinson & Smith 279 

Wilkinson, W 136 

WiUaurney, Admiral.. 299 

Willey, Capt 477 

Willey, Jos 400 

Willlams.76,278, 120,526, 5-39 

Williams. B 442, 41.3, 678 

Williams, Ben 286 

Williams, C 170 

Williams, Capt. L.. 18.3, 184 

Williams, G 394 

Williams, G. M 612 

Williams, Jas .309, 377 

Williams. Jos 170,706 

Williams, Ml.ss S. M.... 678 

Williams, Mrs. S 66 

Williams. N 

.'{O.'), 309, :m, 482, .387, 459, 516 

Williams, N.F 877 

Williams, O. H 

183, 184, 107, 209, 210, 211, 

214, 215. 220, 221, 241, 249, 

260, 2«1, 276, 270 

WllliamM, Rev 432 



PAGX 

Williams, Rev. J. W. 

M 124,543,547,548 

Williams ARothlltt.... 36 

Williams, Wm 279 

Williamson, C 187 

Williamson, D 71 

Williamson, D. and G. 395 

Willis, H 78 

Wills, J 90, 106, 440 

Wilson, Capt. Michael. .33 

Wilmer, J. L 187 

Wilmer, Rev 263 

Wilmington 64. 89 

Wilson 323 

Wilson, Capt. 396,520 

Wilson, Col 645, 647 

Wilson, D. S 553 

Wilson, H 

64, 188, 192, 195, 203, 209, 266 
Wilson, Jas — 

292, 309, 447, 508, 537 

Wilson, Jno 136 

Wilson, John W 627 

Wilson R 482 

Wilson, Rev 653, 664 

Wilson, Rev. F 

125,511,518,603 
Wilson S 

209, 245, 261, 263. 200 

Wilson, T 88, 89 

Wilson. Thos 521 

Wilson, Wm 

64,71.255, 2S1,2S5, 309, 314 

Wilson, Wm. A Son 537 

Wlnans, Ross 

428. 449, 4.53, 611, 612, 617 
Wlnans, Mrs. Thos.. .563,585 

Wlnans, T 480, .508. 617 

Winchester, D 298, 377 

Winchester, Geo 

313, 327, 881, 408, 429, 432, 
445 

Winchester, J 

82, 270, 280, 286. 299 

Winchester, Wm 

261, 280, 295 

WInckler 106 

Winder 2J1,376,307, 6fl7 

Winder, Gon. C 639 

Winder, Gen. W. H 

340, 340, 348, 377, 381, 402, 
416^ 431 

Winder, Jno 187 

Wind Storms ,-. 

0), 2.51. 405, 500, 417, 429, 480, 

549,632 

Winston 497 



756 



INDEX 



PAOK 

Winter, C. F 697 

Winter, J. B 662 

Winters 184, 235. 691 

Winters, B 64 

Winthrop 241, 689 

Wirt, Wm 

241, 400, 403, 430, 456, 458, 
472, 547, 680, 688 

Wise, C.B 644 

Wise, H. A 501, 668 

Wolf, J 3S0. 405 

Wolf, M 516 

Wood, Bishop 630 

Wood, J 49 

Wood, J. H 106 

Wood, Wm 120 

Woodbury, L 448, 472 

Wooden, Wm 641 

Woods, Wm 286 

Woodside, J. D 433 

Woodville, Capt 603 

Woodward, J 76 

Woodward, Wm 568 

Woodyear, E.G. .309, 409, 410 
Wool, Gen. .621, 624, 627, 610 

Wooley, A. K 509 

Woolford 176 

Woolley, Col 631 

Woolsey, G 71,130 

Worrell 322 

Worth. Gen 544 



PAGE 

Worthington,B. B 187 

Worthiugton, Jessop & 

Cheston 341 

Worthington. Dr. Jno. 267 

Worthington, N 187 

Worthington, N. B 91 

Worthington, S. 130, 195, 203 

Worthington, Thos 264 

Worthington, W. G. D. 304 

Wright, B 184 

Wright, M. S 610 

Wright, R 76 

Wright, R. C 549 

Wright, Silas 512 

Wright, W. D. H. C 553 

Wunderman & Co 107 

Wyatt, Rev. Wm 

30, 31, 499, 387, 426, 513, 703 
Wyatt, Rev. Thos. J.... 31 

Wyck, Van 209, 230 

Wyer, Rev. H. 124 

Wyman, Byrd & Co 598 

Wynell 112 

Wythe, G 420 

Yancey, Wm. L 516, 582 

Yandf, Z 87 

Yates, George 11 

Yates, Jno 641 

Yates, Thos 201, 267 

Yeager, Jno 506 

Yeakle, M. M 541 



PACK 

Yeisser, E 

63, 71, 202, 209, 255, 260, 2S1 

Yellott, Coleman 

515, 535, 584, 617 
Yellott, J 

168, 245, 260, 266, 272, 281, 
28S 

Yellow Fever 

267, 274, 285, 394, 397 

Yeo, John 20 

Yeo, Rev. Jno 26 

Yerger, Col. E. M....100, 539 
York 

41, 43, 165, 265, 330, 347, 509, 

525 

Yorktown...l92, 2C0, 203, 338 

Young Catholic F. S.... 507 

Young, H 

139, 158, 159, 171, 414 

Young, J 94, 103, 169 

Young, Jno 506 

Young Men's Conven- 
tion 460 

Young, Wm.40, 139, 155, 209 

Young, Wm. H 575 

Y. M.C. A 541, 6S2 

Zacharie 209 

Zeigler, Geo 442 

Zollickoffer 209 

Zorah,H 42 



H 9^ 89 



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